Navigating Return-to-Work Programs After an Injury
Georgia injured workers may receive workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment and loss of income benefits. If your injuries prevent you from performing your job duties, workers’ comp pays temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. However, workers’ compensation insurance providers and employers push employees to return to work as soon as possible. Our Atlanta & Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys explain how to navigate the Return-to-Work (RTW) Program in Georgia, including the pros and cons for the injured employee.
What Is the Return-to-Work Program For Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation aims to help an injured worker recover from a workplace accident or illness so they can return to their normal activities and work. According to the RTW Program literature, people recover quicker if they remain active and return to normal activities as soon as possible. However, injured workers may be unable to return to regular work duties.
In that case, the Return-to-Work Program works with the employer and the employer to develop transitional employment that helps the worker bridge the gap between full recovery and regular employment. The workers’ treating doctor must approve the temporary assignments.
How Am I Paid if I Participate in a Right-to-Work Program?
If you earn the same income you did before your injury, your workers’ compensation income benefits terminate. However, if you earn less than you did before the injury, you may receive temporary partial disability (TPD). These benefits compensate you for two-thirds of the difference between what you earned before your injury and what you earn during transitional employment.
What Are the Steps for Returning to Work Before Maximum Medical Recovery?
Your doctor must approve you for “light duty” or transitional employment. The steps involved in return to work for transitional employment include:
- Determine whether the worker’s injuries allow them to perform any job duties
- Determine whether the employer can reasonably accommodate the restrictions
- Obtain a detailed light duty job description from the employer explaining the essential job duties, rate of pay, and hours to be worked
- The worker’s treating physician must review and approve the proposed job duties based on the worker’s current condition, limitations, and restrictions
Returning to work on light duty can help the employee earn more than they would receive for temporary total disability benefits. It could also help them heal and recover quickly. However, a worker may have problems.
O.C.G.A. §34-9-240 states what happens if an employee refuses to return to suitable employment offered by the employer. If the worker returns to work and leaves before completing the workday or refuses to attempt light duty, an employer could terminate or suspend their workers’ compensation benefits.
If you believe you are being forced back to work before you can safely resume your work duties, talk with a workers’ compensation attorney immediately. An attorney can help you take steps to protect your right to workers’ comp benefits while protecting your health and recovery.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Atlanta & Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Navigating worker’s compensation can be challenging. You may be presented with several options, including return-to-work programs. Call Parsons Law Group to speak with one of our experienced Atlanta & Savannah return-to-work programs attorneys. We fight to protect your right to all benefits and compensation you deserve after a workplace accident.
