Returning to Work After a Workplace Injury in Georgia

Understanding Your Rights & Benefits When You’re Ready to Work Again

After a workplace injury, many employees are eager to return to work, but it’s important to do so safely and understand your legal rights. Rushing back before you’re fully healed can put your health at risk, and some employers may pressure injured workers to return too soon.

At Garner Law Office, P.C., we help injured employees in Carrollton, Dallas, Hiram, and across Georgia navigate the return-to-work process while ensuring they continue to receive the wage and medical benefits they are entitled to.

What If I Can’t Return to My Previous Job?

If your workplace injury prevents you from returning to your old job, you may qualify for:

Vocational Rehabilitation Services

Training for a new career if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous line of work.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits

If you have a permanent injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits

f you can never return to work, you may be eligible for lifetime benefits.

What Happens If I Am Cleared for Light-Duty Work?

In some cases, your doctor may approve you for work, but with restrictions (also known as light-duty work). This means:

01

 You may be assigned different tasks

If you cannot perform your original job, your employer must provide modified work within your restrictions.

02

You should not be required to perform unsafe duties

If your employer asks you to perform tasks that violate your doctor’s restrictions, you have the right to refuse.

03

You may still receive partial wage benefits

If your new role pays less than your previous job, you may be eligible for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits to cover the difference.

Your Rights When Returning to Work After a Workplace Injury

If you are recovering from a work-related injury, you have rights under Georgia workers’ compensation laws, including:

  • You CANNOT be forced back to work before you are medically cleared.
  • Your employer MUST provide reasonable accommodations if you have work restrictions.
  • If you earn less than before your injury, you may be eligible for wage loss benefits.
  • You may qualify for vocational rehabilitation if you cannot return to your previous job.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I Lose My Workers’ Comp Benefits If I Return to Work?

    It depends. If you return to work and earn the same or more than before your injury, your wage replacement benefits may stop. However, if your new job pays less, you may still qualify for partial benefits.

  • What If My Injury Gets Worse After Returning to Work?

    If returning to work causes your condition to worsen, you may be entitled to continued medical treatment and additional workers’ compensation benefits. Notify your employer immediately and seek medical attention.

  • Can I Be Fired If I Can’t Return to Work?

    Georgia is an at-will employment state, which means your employer can fire you, even if you are injured. However, they cannot fire you in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you suspect wrongful termination, speak with an attorney.

  • What If My Employer Won’t Provide Light-Duty Work?

    If your doctor clears you for light-duty work, but your employer doesn’t have a suitable position, you may continue receiving full workers’ comp benefits.

  • Do I Have to Accept a Light-Duty Job If It Pays Less?

    Yes, if the job meets your doctor’s restrictions. However, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits to make up for lost wages.