The Concept Of "Light Or Modified" Duty In Workers' Compensation

After a work-related injury, a doctor determines if an employee may resume working with or without certain limitations. Usually, they are placed on light or reduced duty until they fully recover from their condition. 

If it is decided that a person can safely do the modified task, they are expected to continue working while receiving workers' compensation benefits. In the field of workers' compensation, there is a concept known as "Light or Modified Duty”.

About Light or Modified Duty
When employees are placed on modified or light duty, they continue to work for the same company but do fewer or different tasks due to medical restrictions. They could leave out activities like carrying, lifting, and pushing. 

Workers who have sustained injuries are offered a less physically demanding position that does not expose them to the same risk factors. The employee's condition and the doctor's limits on the employee's return to work will determine the nature of the job and the extent of the accommodations provided.

Benefits of Modified Work or Light Duty
Worker's compensation payments may be affected by your light-duty employment. Many factors will determine how much of an advantage you will obtain.

In addition, if you change to lighter duty:

• You can return to work and earn the same or more than you did before your accident. However, you will no longer be eligible to receive lost salary compensation.
• May qualify if you suffer an injury that causes you to earn less money than you did before the accident.

Therefore, if you were doing physical labor before getting hurt, collecting workers' compensation, and then switching to a desk job where you made more money, the lost wage benefits would stop. Payments for missed wages could remain as partial disability payments even if you switched to a desk job with a lower salary.

Conclusion
Injured employees should take advantage of the opportunity for light or modified duty as soon as it is made available. Generally, injured workers must cope with issues related to their capacity to work while healing.

Learn the entire procedure, which may ensure that the injured worker receives the most compensation possible and that they are not asked to do duties beyond their capabilities.

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