In Ohio workers’ compensation cases, work restrictions are medical limitations set by an Ohio BWC-certified physician that define what job duties an injured employee can safely perform during recovery. If your doctor determines you can return to work in some capacity, your employer may modify your duties or offer alternative work through BWC-approved transitional work programs.
If your employer cannot accommodate these restrictions, they cannot require you to return to work. In that case, you may qualify for temporary total disability benefits, which provide income replacement when no suitable light-duty or modified position is available.
As your Cincinnati workers’ compensation lawyer, Mark L. Newman can help ensure your medical restrictions are properly recognized, your benefits are accurately calculated, and your rights are fully protected throughout the claims process. Call (513) 533-2009 to discuss your case and learn what legal options may be available to you.
Understanding Work Restrictions in Ohio Workers’ Compensation Cases
When an injured employee cannot perform their regular duties, a doctor may issue “light duty” or “modified duty” restrictions. These restrictions limit certain physical tasks, such as heavy lifting or prolonged standing, to promote recovery while allowing the employee to remain at work if possible.
The treating physician determines these restrictions, which are then reviewed and monitored by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) and the Managed Care Organization (MCO). Employers are legally required to follow these light-duty work restrictions in Ohio to prevent further injury.
Common Types of Work Restrictions After an Injury
Typical work restrictions include lifting limits, standing or sitting restrictions, reduced work hours, or placement on light-duty assignments. These medical limitations are designed to protect the worker’s health and ensure a safe recovery environment.
For employers, compliance with restrictions reduces liability and supports a smoother return-to-work process. For workers, understanding and following these restrictions helps avoid reinjury and supports continued eligibility for benefits.
What if an Employer Cannot Accommodate Work Restrictions?
If employers cannot offer a modified or light-duty job, options may include temporary reassignment, reduced duties, or, in some cases, sending the employee home until suitable work is available. When this occurs, the worker may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits during their recovery period.
It is essential for injured employees to document their medical restrictions and keep records of the employer’s response to any accommodation requests. Accurate documentation protects the worker’s rights and strengthens any future claim.
Employer Retaliation and Your Legal Rights in Ohio
Employers are prohibited from retaliating against employees who file for workers’ compensation or follow doctor-imposed restrictions, including pressuring a worker to return before they are medically cleared. Injured employees have the right to refuse unsafe work and to report any retaliatory conduct. To learn more about these protections, read our blog about Ohio workers’ compensation retaliation laws or contact Mark L. Newman today.
Here’s What Happens If You Can’t Return To Work After Injury
If medical restrictions prevent an employee from returning to work, they may qualify for Ohio Temporary Total Disability benefits, or TTD, which replace a portion of lost wages during recovery. Some workers may also qualify for wage loss compensation in Ohio if they can work but earn less due to their restrictions. Continued medical treatment and periodic re-evaluations determine whether benefits should continue or transition to another form of compensation.
How an Ohio Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
After a workplace accident, your Ohio workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Guide you through every stage of your workers’ compensation claim
- Help you pursue the workers’ compensation benefits in Ohio that match your medical needs and income loss
- Evaluate medical records to confirm your specific restrictions based on your work-related injury and assess whether you are fully healed
- Assess whether offered light-duty work, reduced hours, or other assignments fit your medical limits and comply with good faith requirements
- Pursue partial benefits when your restrictions prevent you from returning to full duty
- Prepare all required filings and documentation so your claim remains on track
- Protect your rights if your condition worsens or your employer pressures you to return before your recovery time ends
Call Mark L. Newman – Cincinnati Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If your employer cannot meet your medical restrictions after a workplace injury, you should speak with an Ohio workers’ comp lawyer ASAP to understand what options you may have under Ohio law. In most cases, an injured worker remains eligible to receive benefits when light-duty tasks or modified job duties do not match their approved limitations or their restrictions require a lower-paying job. The workers’ compensation system provides medical benefits and other workers’ comp benefits that continue during qualifying circumstances, even when your employment cannot offer suitable work.
If you are unsure about your rights or need guidance on what to do next, call (513) 533-2009 or send a message online to schedule a free consultation with Mark Newman today. He can explain how the law applies to your situation and help protect the benefits you rely on while you recover.
