Light Duty Assignments Gone Wrong: Your Rights If Modified Work Still Hurts You

Recovering and returning to work is often the goal of workers’ compensation. Sometimes that means starting with a light duty or modified work assignment, a position tailored to your doctor’s restrictions while you heal. But what happens when that modified work still causes pain, aggravates your injury, or leads to new problems altogether?

Unfortunately, this situation is more common than many realize. A well-intentioned return-to-work plan can backfire if your employer ignores medical restrictions or pressures you into tasks your body isn’t ready for. If your light duty assignment causes new or worsening injuries, talk to a Baltimore personal injury lawyer about your rights. You don’t have to push through the pain in silence. 

Understanding Light Duty Work

After an injury, your treating physician may clear you for restricted duty, meaning you can work, but only within certain physical limits. Your employer may then offer a light duty job that fits those restrictions. This might involve shorter shifts, less lifting, or alternate tasks.

However, sometimes the reality of the assignment doesn’t match what’s on paper. You might be told to perform tasks that strain your healing muscles or joints. Or perhaps the job aggravates your existing injury. In some cases, workers are reassigned to a completely new role that is inappropriate or even unsafe.

If modified work leads to additional pain or a new injury, you should stop and report it right away. Continuing to work through discomfort can make your recovery longer and it could impact your workers’ comp claim.

You have the right to seek medical attention and tell your doctor exactly how your job duties are affecting your condition. If your physician determines that the work is causing harm, they can change your work restrictions or take you out of work entirely. Your employer is not allowed to override a doctor’s orders or force you to keep working if it’s unsafe.

If your employer disputes your symptoms or refuses to honor your doctor’s recommendations, you don’t have to handle that fight alone. An attorney can help ensure your rights are protected and that your claim accurately reflects the true extent of your injuries. You may be entitled to additional medical treatment, temporary total disability benefits if you can’t work, or a modification to your return-to-work plan.

Don’t Let Pressure Compromise Your Health

Many injured workers worry about losing their job or appearing uncooperative if they speak up about pain during light duty. But your health must come first. Workers’ compensation is meant to support healing, not to rush you back into harm’s way.

Work assigned during an individual’s recovery shouldn’t make things worse. If health concerns continue to trouble you, talk to your doctor and consult a Baltimore personal injury lawyer. Doing so can help you pursue the benefits and medical care you need to fully heal.

What job were you assigned following a workplace injury? Connect with the attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP if a light duty assignment is causing new harm, you may even need to file a new claim. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.