After an injury, your job is to heal, not to rush back before you’re ready. But too many Mississippi workers are pressured to return early, especially in construction and manufacturing jobs. Here’s what to know if your employer is pushing you back too soon.
1. Light-Duty Work Must Be Approved by a Doctor
Your employer can’t assign you “light duty” unless your treating physician clears it. If your doctor says no, that’s the final word no matter what management says.
If your doctor places gives you light duty restrictions, and your employer refuses to accommodate those restrictions, then your workers compensation benefits will continue.
2. You Have the Right to Heal
The Mississippi Workers’ Compensation Commission does not allow employers to force you back prematurely. As long as your doctor says you need to remain off work, or you have light duty restrictions that your employer cannot accommodate, then you will continue to receive workers compensation benefits.
3. Signs of Pressure to Watch For
- Being told you “have to” return or risk losing your job
- Suddenly being assigned menial tasks or unrelated duties
- Co-workers implying you’re faking or dragging it out
- Being denied further treatment until you return
4. What You Can Do
- Ask for your work restrictions in writing
- Bring that to HR or your supervisor
- Make sure that you do not perform tasks outside the restrictions given by your doctor
5. When to Call a Lawyer
If you’re being threatened, if your doctor seems pressured, or if your benefits have been cut off for refusing light duty - you need backup.
Call Eichelberger Law at 601-202-9981.