Can I Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits if I Return to Light Duty in Illinois?

For many workers, sustaining an injury on the job is incredibly frustrating, as it can require them to take time off work, thus losing income. However, you may find that if you are cleared to work light duty, filing a workers’ compensation benefits is critical to recovering a portion of the difference in wages. If you’re interested in learning more about this option, you’ll want to keep reading, as the following blog and an Illinois workers’ compensation attorney can help you recover the funds you deserve.

What Is Light Duty?

When you sustain an injury while on the job, you may be cleared by a medical professional to return to work, with the stipulation that you must abide by the restrictions they have placed. As such, your boss will generally put you on light duty until you have healed and can return to your normal responsibilities. Light duty is generally work that is not as physically demanding as your previous responsibilities, giving you the opportunity to continue working without exacerbating your injuries.

Light duty will depend on your industry and current responsibilities. For some employees, this can be restricted to preforming desk work, like data entry or administrative tasks, while others may be able to engage in some physical labor, but with weight restrictions or rest periods in between. Light duty is considered a reasonable accommodation to help a worker remain employed while preventing them from further harm.

Can I Still Receive Benefits for Lost Wages?

While you may be relieved when you are cleared to return to work to start earning an income again, if you are returning with restrictions or the injury you sustained left you permanently disabled and unable to return to your previous role, your employer may offer you light duty or a different position within the company. However, the pay for working with restrictions or in a new, less involved role may be lower than your previous earnings, which can impact your finances.

If this reflects your circumstances, you may be relieved to learn that you are still eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, even if you return to work. If you are left permanently partially disabled, your doctor can help calculate the level of impairment you will experience by factoring in your condition, the severity of the injury, and its impact on your mobility and physical capabilities. This will then determine the outcome of your compensation.

In the event you suffer a temporary partial disability, meaning you can return to work in a lowered capacity but are expected to return to your previous position at some point, you can then recover two-thirds of the difference between your previous wages and your current wages in your new reduced capacity.

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation can be an incredibly difficult and complicated matter. As such, if you are interested in securing benefits to help compensate you for the wages you’ll lose in your new role, you’ll want to connect with an attorney at the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore. We understand how complex this process can be, which is why we are committed to helping you fight for the best possible outcome for your circumstances. When you need help, do not hesitate to contact our team.