Once you are released to return to work, you may receive a job offer. Either your doctor or the IME physician may release you to return to work with or without restrictions in a part time or full time capacity. After the insurance carrier receives the physician’s release, it will usually send to you a Notice of Ability to Return to Work. This Notice will let you know which doctor released you to return to work and whether or not that release was full or part time or with restrictions. The Notice will also inform you of your obligation to look for work.  

The employer for which you worked when injured may offer you a position which is your regular full duty job or a modified duty position within a physician’s restrictions. Regardless of the type of position you are offered, DO NOT ignore this job offer. Your workers’ compensation benefits may be jeopardized if you ignore the job offer. Notify your attorney immediately and discuss with him or her your return to work strategy.

In the event that you return to work earning less than your average weekly wage, you may be due partial disability benefits. Partial disability benefits are paid at the rate of 66 2/3 of the difference between your average weekly wage and your actual earnings. You should discuss this thoroughly with your attorney to ensure that upon returning to work, you are not losing benefits to which you are entitled.

If your employer does not offer you a job or does not have one available within your restrictions, a vocational evaluation may be requested. After the vocational evaluation, you may be given specific job referrals or an earning power assessment may be performed.