What Happens If The Doctor Puts Me Back To Work On A Light Duty Basis?

The workers’ compensation carrier may encourage the physician to release you back to work, at least on a light-duty basis. While you are still receiving medical treatment, you should provide the doctor with a copy of your job description. You should explain exactly what job duties you feel that you cannot perform due to your injury. If the doctor releases you to return to work on a light-duty basis, ask him to write down your limitations with as much specificity as possible, such as no bending, no overhead work, no use of machinery, no lifting over a certain weight, or mandatory breaks every 30 minutes.

If you are placed on light duty, then you should bring a copy of the “return to work” note with restrictions to your supervisor or human resources department. If your employer does not offer light duty work, ask your supervisor to provide you with a written note to that effect. If no light duty work is available, then your temporary disability benefits should continue until you are released to return to work full duty or you have been discharged from medical treatment.