Do I have to take a light duty job even at a lower pay rate when offered by my employer?

By Fred J. Lewis

Most of the time the answer is yes. If there is a position or duty that can be reasonably done within the restrictions set by your physician, then you will need to go back to work and try the light duty job. However, if you are asked to perform work outside your restrictions on the alleged “light duty” job you need to go back to your doctor and have him or her pull you off work completely until you can recover. If your pay is less then your normal wage, under Idaho Worker’s compensation law you may be entitled to benefits which compensate your wages lost while working for a lower pay on the light duty job