Proud To Protect Injured Workers

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Proud To Protect Injured Workers

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Understanding Work Restrictions In Minnesota

When you go back to work after recovering from your workplace injury, you may not have the ability to perform the same job duties. Are you worried about how you will make ends meet if you can’t do your job anymore? Under Minnesota workers’ compensation law, you have rights to receive restricted duties and/or wage loss benefits.

To discuss your specific situation with an experienced attorney free of charge, call attorney Gerald W. Bosch of Bosch Law Firm Based in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, he serves injured workers throughout Minnesota. Call him today at 651-333-8300 to arrange a free consultation.

Work Restrictions FAQs

What if I can’t do my job at all?

If the effects of your workplace injury prevent you from doing your job, your employer is required to make reasonable accommodations to provide you with a different assignment. If your employer cannot feasibly provide you with a lighter duty job, you are entitled to wage loss benefits. Your employer cannot force you to do work that is beyond your restrictions, or fire you for refusing to do so.

How should I tell my employer about my work restrictions?

If you told your doctor that your injury is work related, your doctor should complete a Report of Work Ability (RWA) form for your employer and its insurance carrier. This details your necessary work restrictions, and it is very important to ensure that your doctor submits this form. You should also provide your employer with documentation of your work restrictions. Consider sending an email, and including the date of your return to work and the date of the notification. Save this email and your employer’s response.

What are “light duty” work restrictions in Minnesota?

Temporary light duty restrictions are common when people return to work after an occupational injury. This allows you to maintain your employment, while doing lighter tasks as you continue to recover from your injuries. In some cases involving more serious injuries, workers return to work with permanent restrictions. In this case, you would only be able to return to your job if your employer has a permanent light duty assignment for you.

What if I am having trouble even on “light duty”?

Limitations are not always clear until you test them. If your employer complied with your doctor’s light duty orders, and you are having trouble with your new assignment it is important to see your doctor again. Do not jeopardize your health by continuing to do tasks that cause you pain or further injury. Your physician may need to revise your work restrictions.

What if my employer is unable to provide me with “light duty” work?

Many injured workers are eventually told that they can return to work – but with restrictions that confine them to “light-duty” jobs.

In Minnesota, if your employer cannot reasonably provide you with “light duty” work once you have been cleared for it, you can still retain your regular wage loss benefits. Your employer cannot force you to do any work that exceeds your restrictions, nor can they retaliate if you refuse to comply.

What happens if I re-injure myself after returning to work with restrictions?

Your first priority is your health, so seek emergency medical services if you need them. Then, make certain that you inform your employer and your workers’ comp doctor about the situation. Depending on the situation, you may have to open a second workers’ compensation claim (although the aggravation of your previous injury may just require a continuation of your claim.

It is important to make sure that you seek a new evaluation regarding your work restrictions right away. You may no longer qualify for even light-duty assignments after the most recent injury and your benefits may need to be adjusted. A workers’ compensation attorney can navigate these kinds of complex situations on your behalf.

What steps can I take if my employer disputes my work restrictions?

Employers are often eager to put their injured employees back to work at their regular jobs both from a staffing standpoint and as a way to reduce the impact of their workers’ comp claim on their bottom line.

If your employer disputes your work restrictions you can provide additional medical documentation to support your restrictions, communicate your concerns and try to resolve the issue directly. If that fails, a workers’ compensation attorney can advocate for you and make certain that you are not pressured into putting yourself in harm’s way.

Get Your Questions Answered. Contact Bosch Law Firm, Ltd.

If you have questions about returning to work and your employer’s legal obligations, schedule a free legal consultation with lawyer Gerald W. Bosch. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Bosch has obtained many successful results for a variety of injured workers. Call him today at 651-333-8300, or send an email, to arrange a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.