Do I have to Accept a Light Duty Work Offer in Workers’ Comp?
The work comp act in Utah states that “If a light duty medical release is obtained before the employee reaches a fixed state of recovery and no light duty employment is available to the employee from the employer, temporary disability benefits shall continue to be paid.” U.C.A. 34A-2-410(2)(2015). However, our courts in Utah have also indicated that if an employee refuses a reasonable light duty offer, the employer is not required to continue to pay temporary cash payments to the injured worker.
What makes things difficult is that the term “light duty” is not defined under the Utah Workers’ Compensation Act. The moral of the story is: if you are offered a light duty job and are not sure you can perform the work based on your doctor’s restrictions, call us today for free consultation. 801-798-9000
For more information, read this other article we posted here, about independent medical evaluations and light duty.
