First of all, if your employer won’t let you come to work while you’re on light duty restrictions, don’t take it personally. Many employers out there simply don’t offer light duty work and others may have some light duty work but it may only be sporadic. Your job as the injured worker is to communicate with your employer about this and keep them informed of your work status. Even if your employer says they don’t offer light duty work, call and check in every so often and let them know you are willing to work if they provide you with tasks that your doctor says are appropriate (and ALWAYS keep track of these communications!).
If you are not able to work for your employer while you are on light duty, you may need to be marketing (doing job searches for light duty work within your restrictions). This can be a complicated scenario, so if you find yourself in this position it is best to consult with an attorney to ensure you are taking all the necessary steps that are required of you so that you are eligible to get all of the benefits available to you through workers’ compensation insurance.
If you have questions about your responsibilities as an injured worker or if you would like more information on the Virginia workers compensation system, order my book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers Compensation in Virginia” by clicking this link, or call our office today (804) 755-7755.
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.