When a doctor releases an injured worker in South Carolina to light duty, the employer is given the opportunity to accommodate the physical restrictions. However, if the employer cannot offer light duty work within the prescribed restrictions, the employee will continue receiving a weekly workers' compensation check.
For instance, if you underwent shoulder surgery and have been released to light duty with a restriction of no lifting greater than 5 pounds, your employer may either provide light duty work or allow you to continue receiving a weekly check for two-thirds the amount of your previous pre-tax wages.
Reduced Light Duty Wages After Work Injury
In many cases, someone will return to light duty, yet not make as much money as they did before the injury. When this happens, you are entitled to two-thirds of the difference between your wages before the accident and your post-accident wages. This situation may arise due to a reduction in your number of hours (e.g., no overtime) or a decrease in your hourly pay. Regardless of the circumstances, you should receive a weekly check for two-thirds of the difference in earnings.
Should your employer be able to accommodate the physical restrictions your doctor prescribed, you are required to return to work or risk forfeiting your workers' compensation benefits. Most injured people grow tired of being out of work and look forward to returning to their job.
Call a SC Workers' Comp Lawyer to Protect Your Legal Rights
South Carolina's workers' compensation laws are nuanced. When it comes to protecting your health and your rights, you do not have to take on the company, their insurance carrier, or the workers' comp commission by yourself. If your doctor has placed you on light duty, and you have questions about your South Carolina workers' compensation benefits, I am here to help. Call our South Carolina workers' comp lawyer team today at 803-790-2800 or reach out to us by using the live chat option box below.