If you’ve been injured at work, certain medical restrictions may prevent you from returning to your regular job, regular duties, and regular hours. Don’t lose hope for a return to work! You may be eligible to return to work in a light duty capacity while still receiving medical benefits.
Research shows the sooner you return to work, the more likely you’ll preserve future income and health. That is why the attorneys with Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP focus on your needs and work with your employer, treating physician, and the Department of Labor and Industries to determine the best return to work strategy for you.
Light duty is work your employer may offer within your medical restrictions for you to perform while you recover. Light duty doesn’t have to be directly related to the work you were performing at the time of injury.
Light-duty jobs
Light duty or transitional work could be:
- Working shorter hours.
- Doing some of your original duties part time and gradually increase to full-time work.
- Performing different duties with lighter physical demands and grow into your original duties.
- Adjusting your job or worksite to meet your physical limitations by providing tools, equipment, or appliances.
A light-duty job offer must be made in writing and outline the job duties that must be within your treating providers APF. Your provider must sign-off on the light duty job offer. Having an experienced injury attorney coordinate this process is recommended.
Creating a new job with your employer within your restrictions while you recover may or may not be the best option for your condition. Your employer may be eligible for reimbursements for some of your base wages and expenses such as training and tools related to the light-duty work.
Returning to work may or may not have an impact on your claim. That is why it is important to meet with your Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP attorneys in Centralia or Olympia to discuss your particular situation. For more information and to schedule a FREE consultation, call Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP in Centralia or Olympia at (360) 736-1301.
Time Loss / Wage Replacement
If you are unable to return to work, even light-duty, you are eligible for time loss. Time-loss compensation payments will not be as much as your regular paycheck. The benefit amount is 60 to 75% of the wage you were earning, depending on how many dependents you have. The minimum and maximum L&I can pay is set by the state legislature.
It is important to discuss this amount with your Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP attorney to ensure it is being calculated correctly. For more information or a FREE consultation, call (360) 736-1301.
Loss of earning power
Occasionally an employer wants to bring someone back to light duty, and can only afford to bring their employee back to work part-time or at a lower rate of pay. If this happens and your claim is still open, Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP can help you apply for Loss of Earning Power (LEP) benefits.
You are not required to accept any job exceeding the restrictions given by your attending provider. However, if your employer offers you light duty or transitional work, approved by your attending provider, and you choose to decline it is unlikely you will be eligible to receive further time-loss or LEP benefits.
Free Consultation with Althauser Rayan Abbarno in Centralia or Olympia offices
For more than 75 years, Althauser Rayan Abbarno, LLP has been representing individuals in our community and fighting for their rights and benefits. For a FREE injury consultation, call (360) 736-1301.
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