If you were injured on the job in Alamosa or elsewhere in Colorado, you may be receiving workers’ compensation benefits to cover lost wages and medical treatment. A common question many injured workers have is whether they can return to work, even in a limited capacity, while still receiving benefits.
The short answer is yes, in some situations you can work while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Colorado. However, whether you can work, and how it affects your benefits, depends on your medical restrictions, the type of benefits you are receiving, and whether your employer can accommodate your limitations.
Understanding how these rules apply can help you avoid jeopardizing your benefits.
To understand how working affects your claim, it is important to know which type of wage replacement benefits you are receiving.
In Colorado, injured workers may receive:
Each category has different rules regarding employment.
Temporary Total Disability benefits are paid when your authorized treating physician determines that you cannot work at all due to your injury.
If you return to any type of work while receiving TTD benefits, those benefits typically stop. TTD is meant to replace wages when you are completely unable to work.
Your TTD benefits may end if:
It is critical to follow your doctor’s restrictions carefully. Returning to work before you are medically cleared can not only worsen your injury but also complicate your claim.
If your doctor releases you to work with restrictions, such as lifting limits or reduced hours, you may qualify for Temporary Partial Disability benefits instead of TTD.
In this situation, you are allowed to work in a modified or light-duty position. If your new wages are lower than what you earned before the injury, TPD benefits may cover a portion of the difference.
For example, if you previously worked full-time construction in Alamosa but are now limited to part-time administrative duties, your TPD benefits may supplement your reduced income.
However, if your employer offers a modified position within your medical restrictions and you refuse it without valid reason, your wage benefits could be suspended.
Some injured workers in Colorado hold multiple jobs. If you were injured at one job but are physically capable of continuing another job within your restrictions, you may be allowed to do so.
However, failing to disclose outside employment can raise serious problems. Insurance companies monitor claims closely. If they discover you are working beyond your medical limitations, they may argue that you are misrepresenting your condition.
Honesty and compliance with medical restrictions are essential.
If you are receiving Permanent Partial Disability benefits, you may still work. PPD benefits compensate you for lasting impairment but do not require you to be completely unable to work.
If you are classified as Permanently and Totally Disabled, you are considered unable to earn wages in any employment. Working while receiving PTD benefits can create significant legal complications and may result in termination of benefits.
Each case depends on the medical evidence and the classification assigned after reaching Maximum Medical Improvement.
Insurance carriers often investigate workers’ compensation claims. This may include surveillance, social media monitoring, or reviewing employment records.
If you are seen performing tasks outside your medical restrictions, the insurer may argue that you are capable of returning to full-duty work. This can lead to reduced or terminated benefits.
Even activities that seem harmless can be taken out of context. That is why it is important to strictly follow your physician’s guidelines and consult with an attorney before accepting new work.
Many employers in Alamosa and throughout the San Luis Valley offer modified-duty positions to bring injured workers back on the job safely. These programs can benefit both the employer and the employee by maintaining income and reducing time away from work.
However, not all light-duty assignments are appropriate. The position must comply with your medical restrictions. If the duties exceed those restrictions, you have the right to raise concerns.
An experienced attorney can review the job description and determine whether it is consistent with your physician’s recommendations.
At Larson Law Firm, we assist injured workers with complex Colorado workers’ compensation claims, including disputes involving return-to-work issues and benefit termination.
Sometimes injured workers attempt to return to work but discover they are physically unable to perform even modified duties. If this happens, you should immediately notify your employer and treating physician.
You may be eligible to resume Temporary Total Disability benefits if your doctor removes you from work again. Documentation is essential. Without proper medical support, insurers may argue that you voluntarily left employment.
Before returning to any form of employment while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Colorado, consider the following:
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to support injured employees, but insurance companies often look for reasons to reduce payments. Careful compliance can protect your rights.
Whether you can work while receiving workers’ comp benefits depends on the type of benefits you are receiving, your medical status, and your employer’s accommodations. Making the wrong move can unintentionally jeopardize your claim.
If you were injured on the job in Alamosa or anywhere in Colorado and have questions about returning to work, Larson Law Firm can help you understand your options. We are committed to protecting injured workers and ensuring they receive the full benefits they are entitled to under Colorado law. Contact us to discuss your case and get clear guidance about your next steps.
I thought I needed a big city lawyer for my workers’ compensation case, so I hired the Strong Arm. After he took the easy money, he told me I was done. I fired him and took my case to the Larson Law Firm, PC. They fought for me and got another $80,000.
I thought I needed a big city lawyer for my workers’ compensation case, so I hired the Strong Arm. After he took the easy money, he told me I was done. I fired him and took my case to the Larson Law Firm, PC. They fought for me and got another $80,000.
I thought I needed a big city lawyer for my workers’ compensation case, so I hired the Strong Arm. After he took the easy money, he told me I was done. I fired him and took my case to the Larson Law Firm, PC. They fought for me and got another $80,000.
I thought I needed a big city lawyer for my workers’ compensation case, so I hired the Strong Arm. After he took the easy money, he told me I was done. I fired him and took my case to the Larson Law Firm, PC. They fought for me and got another $80,000.
I thought I needed a big city lawyer for my workers’ compensation case, so I hired the Strong Arm. After he took the easy money, he told me I was done. I fired him and took my case to the Larson Law Firm, PC. They fought for me and got another $80,000.
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