In Idaho, injured employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These can cover medical expenses and provide financial support during recovery. However, an employee can get reassigned after an injury. These changes can affect the individual’s daily work life and their ongoing workers’ compensation benefits.
Understanding how job changes post-injury impact workers’ compensation claims is vital. The outcome can depend on various factors, including the nature of the injury, the type of work involved and whether the employer provides reasonable accommodations.
Reassignment after a workplace injury
In many cases, employees who suffer work-related injuries may be offered alternative work duties or reassigned to a different position within the company. In Idaho, when an injured worker is temporarily unable to perform their original duties, employers are encouraged to provide modified tasks that accommodate the worker’s medical restrictions. This is a reasonable accommodation that helps employees maintain their employment while recovering.
The impact on workers’ compensation benefits can vary. If an employee is reassigned to a lighter-duty role, their benefits may be adjusted. For example, suppose the new position results in a lower wage than the worker’s previous role. In that case, the injured employee may be entitled to temporary partial disability benefits to make up the difference. This benefit is designed to help workers maintain some of their earnings while recovering.
Additionally, if the reassignment is permanent or leads to a permanent reduction in earnings, the employee may be eligible for permanent disability benefits. However, not all job changes after an injury result in reduced wages.
If the reassignment includes duties that pay the same or more than the original role, the worker may not be entitled to additional compensation. Workers should seek legal guidance to help ensure that their rights are fully protected and that they receive the appropriate benefits under Idaho’s workers’ compensation system.