Returning to Work After a Workplace Injury

A workplace injury can require you to be out of work for a considerable amount of time as you heal. Unfortunately, employers might attempt to get you to return to work after an injury sooner than you should to avoid exposure to the full amount of Workers’ Compensation benefits you would otherwise be entitled. If you were hurt on the job, you may be wondering when you are expected to return to your employment — and what happens to your benefits when you do.

Performing Light Duty Work After a Workplace Injury

If medical restrictions prevent you from performing your job-related tasks, it might be possible to return to work after an injury in a light duty capacity. However, light duty work does not need to be directly related to your job functions at the time the injury was sustained. Your employer may offer you part time work and gradually increase you to full time once you have recovered.

Specifically, light duty work can include the following accommodations:

• Working shorter hours
• Performing some of your original job duties on a part time basis
• Performing different job duties with fewer physical demands
• Providing certain tools, equipment, or appliances to assist you
• Adjusting your worksite to meet your physical limitations

Light duty work can vary widely based on the industry and type of employment. For example, if a worker was previously on their feet in their previous position and cannot stand for long hours due to their injury, the employer might offer a sedentary job. If the job function involved heavy lifting, an employer may offer light duty work consisting of taking inventory or conducting safety audits.

How Does Returning to Work After an Injury Affect Workers’ Comp Benefits?

If you return to work after an injury, you may have questions regarding how your Workers’ Compensation benefits would be impacted. In the event you go back to work on light duty, your employer might only be able to provide you with a lower rate of pay. In such cases, you may be entitled to apply for Loss of Earning Power benefits.

Loss of Earning Power benefits are meant to supplement your income if you are performing light duty work — and your salary has decreased by more than 5% as a result. This can occur if you return to work after an injury at your regular wage, but have reduced hours. You may also qualify for these benefits if you are performing different duties for less pay upon returning to work. Loss of Earning Power benefits end when your Workers’ Compensation claim closes or you have returned to your full earning capacity.

Loss of Earning Power benefits should not be confused with time loss compensation, which is a form of wage-replacement benefits. These benefits cover a portion of your regular wages and are provided to workers who cannot continue working due to their workplace injury.

Contact an Experienced Washington Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you have concerns about whether you should return to work after an injury, it is essential to have a skillful Workers’ Compensation attorney by your side who can advise you regarding your rights — and help you navigate the legal process. The Bellingham Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide reliable representation to injured workers throughout Washington State and work relentlessly to secure the best possible outcome in each case. We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 800.640.5616 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.