Understanding Workers’ Compensation and Light Duty

If you’ve suffered a work injury in Washington D.C., Maryland, or Virginia, understanding workers’ compensation and how light duty fits into your recovery is critical. These benefits are designed to protect you by covering medical care and providing financial support when you can’t do your regular job.

What Is Light Duty?

After a work injury, your doctor may restrict you from heavy lifting, long hours, or other tasks that could make your condition worse. Instead of sending you back to your full job right away, your employer might offer light duty work. This could mean modified tasks, fewer hours, or a different role altogether.

The idea is to ease you back into the workforce while reducing the risk of further injury.

How Light Duty Affects Your Benefits

If you return on light duty but earn less than before your injury, workers’ compensation may cover part of the lost income. This is often called temporary partial disability benefits. These payments are designed to bridge the gap between what you used to earn and what you make while on restricted duty.

It’s important to know that if your employer offers valid light duty within your doctor’s restrictions and you refuse it, your benefits may be reduced or even stopped. Always make sure you understand what’s being offered and how it fits with your medical restrictions.

What If My Employer Doesn’t Offer Light Duty?

This is one of the most common questions injured workers ask. If your employer doesn’t have light duty work available, the law requires that you continue receiving your full workers’ compensation rate—just as if you were totally unable to work. You cannot be forced into a role that doesn’t exist or that falls outside your restrictions.

Staying Consistent With Your Benefits

Workers’ compensation checks should arrive regularly. If they stop or are delayed without explanation, that’s a red flag. Inconsistent or missing payments can seriously affect your recovery and financial stability, and you should get legal advice right away.

Why Experience Matters

Navigating the workers’ comp system is not easy. Insurance companies have adjusters, nurses, and lawyers working on their side. You deserve someone experienced to stand up for you, make sure your benefits are paid on time, and ensure your medical treatment is covered.

Contact Donahoe Kearney

If you’ve been hurt at work, you don’t have to handle this alone. At Donahoe Kearney, we represent hardworking people throughout Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. We’ll answer your questions, guide you through the system, and fight to get you the benefits and care you deserve.

Call us at 202-393-3320 or schedule your free and confidential consultation today.

What Happens If You Need Surgery After a Workplace Injury?

Do I Have To Use The Lawyer My DC Union Uses?

What Is A Third-Party Lawsuit?