Workers Comp Light Duty Florida

101 frequently asked florida workers compensation questions.

Workers comp light duty florida. Light duties defined under workers comp law when used in regard to workers compensation law the term light duty has many meanings. Next the housekeeper filed a request for temporary partial disability benefits beginning on the date she was released for light duty work and ending on the date she secured a new job. There are however exceptions. If an injured worker accepts light duty does the employer have to pay the same hourly wage the employee was receiving at the time of injury or can the wage be reduced.

Under florida law you are not paid for the first seven days of disability. Most state workers compensation agencies encourage employers to provide light duty work to injured employees while they are recovering from their injuries. Oregon for example requires employers with six or more workers to accommodate a returning worker whose doctor authorizes a return to work with light duty work restrictions. Question from the worker s compensation workers comp light duty.

In response the woman s employer denied her workers compensation request and stated she voluntarily opted to limit her wages. In order for an injured employee to receive checks from workers compensation while they are on light duty the employer must not be able to accommodate the restrictions. As a general rule employers are not obligated to offer light duty work to workers seeking to return after a work related injury. While there is no black letter definition of light duty work the term generally refers to work available with an employer that complies with physical restrictions placed on an injured worker by their authorized treating physicians e g.

However if you lose time because your disability extends to over 21 days you may be paid for the first seven days by the insurance company. The most common meaning of light duty refers to work that is physically or mentally less demanding than normal job duties on a temporary or permanent basis. They also discourage employees from turning down such offers often by reducing or stopping workers comp benefits. What is a light duty job.

When a claim has been accepted as compensable by the employer carrier the authorized physician treating the employee will provide work restrictions. If your hours are limited you will continue to receive workers compensation benefits up to the maximum amount allowed by workers compensation 66 2 3 percent of your average weekly earnings prior to the injury.