If you’ve suffered a workplace injury in South Carolina, you may be entitled to benefits under the state’s workers’ compensation law. During your recovery, your medical provider might issue light duty restrictions,a critical component in how your comp claim is handled.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about light-duty work, your rights as an injured employee, and how to protect your compensation benefits throughout the recovery process.
What Are Light Duty Restrictions?
Light duty restrictions are medical restrictions imposed by your healthcare provider following a job injury or occupational injury. These restrictions are intended to prevent further harm while allowing the injured employee to perform certain job functions.
Typical light duties include:
- No lifting heavy objects (e.g., more than 10 lbs)
- Limited walking or standing
- Avoiding repetitive movements
- Seated or desk-based work
- Reduced work hours
These physical limitations are designed to support the healing process and ensure a safe return to work.
What Is Light-Duty Work?
Light-duty work refers to a light duty position offered by your employer that meets your medical restrictions. These positions may differ from your regular job but should fall within the scope of your capabilities.
Examples of light-duty assignments include:
- Light duty job like filing paperwork or answering phones
- Inventory tracking
- Monitoring security systems
- Basic computer tasks
- Supervisory roles with limited physical demands
Your insurance carrier or compensation insurer will often consider whether light-duty jobs were offered and accepted when determining your temporary disability benefits.
How Light Duty Impacts Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Your eligibility for comp benefits depends heavily on your light duty capacity and whether your employer offers a suitable light duty job offer.
1. Light Duty Job Accepted at Same Pay
- You return to work with no wage loss
- No temporary disability benefits apply
2. Light Duty Job Accepted at Lower Pay
- You may receive temporary partial disability benefits
- These help offset the difference in weekly wage
3. No Light Duty Job Available
- You may continue receiving temporary total disability benefits (TTD)
4. Refusing a Light Duty Assignment
- Refusing without medical cause may result in loss of compensation benefits
What If Light Duties Aggravate Your Condition?
Sometimes, light-duty work may worsen your condition. If so:
- Contact your medical professional immediately
- Get updated medical restrictions
- Your comp attorney can help ensure your comp claim is adjusted accordingly
Your insurance company should not pressure you into work outside your physical capacity. Violations of medical restrictions can affect your recovery and future disability benefits.
Legal Considerations and Employer Responsibilities
Employers must comply with compensation law when offering light duty positions:
- They must respect medical restrictions
- They cannot retaliate against employees for filing a compensation claim
- You have the right to legal protection if you face involuntary termination
Disputes over job duties may require involvement from your compensation attorney or even a hearing before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
If you’re still on light-duty work when you reach maximum medical improvement, your doctor will assess whether you’re eligible for:
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
Your long-term eligibility depends on your ability to resume essential job duties.
Independent Medical Examination (IME)
Your insurance carrier may request an IME,a second opinion to evaluate your current light duty work restrictions. If the IME conflicts with your regular doctor’s opinion, it can impact your comp benefits and may lead to a legal review.
Complications with Multiple Injuries or Pre-Existing Conditions
If your workplace accident aggravated an existing condition or involved multiple injuries, defining light-duty work may be more complex. Your overall physical activities will need careful review from a medical provider.
What If Your Employer Doesn’t Offer Light-Duty Jobs?
If there is no vacant position within your restrictions:
- You stay out of work
- Continue receiving temporary total disability benefits
- Your recovery is monitored until MMI
Employers are not obligated to create a light-duty job, but lack of accommodation keeps your comp claim active.
Protecting Your Rights: What You Should Do
- Document Everything
Keep records of all medical visits, symptoms, and light-duty job tasks. - Communicate with Your Medical Provider
Discuss any difficulties with your light-duty work restrictions. - Seek Legal Counsel
An experienced attorney can help protect your rights under South Carolina compensation law.
Need Help With Light Duty Restrictions?
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in helping injured employees across South Carolina understand their rights and receive the disability benefits and compensation coverage they deserve. Whether your insurance company is denying your comp benefits or you’re being pressured to return to work too soon, our team is ready to fight for your fair treatment. We proudly serve clients across all of South Carolina and Georgia including Charleston, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta. No matter where you are in either state, we’re here to help. And remember: you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.
