When a first responder faces a heart condition, there is medical stress, the uncertainty about returning to duty, and the pressure to continue supporting a family. Many police officers, firefighters, and corrections officers want to know what happens when they are released to light duty work after a Heart Bill claim in Florida. At Bichler & Longo, PLLC, our Heart Bill attorneys help those who serve us, to protect your rights, health, and income.
When a doctor places you on restrictions, your agency may assign you to lighter work. This is meant to help you recover without returning to stressful or dangerous duties too quickly.
The goal of light duty during a heart condition recovery is simple: allow you to return at a safe pace while protecting your heart from the stress of more intense duties. First responders may be assigned to tasks that stay within medical restrictions, avoid too much physical strain, and still support the department’s operations. The following are some common examples.
Police Officer Light Duty:
Firefighter Light Duty:
EMTs / Paramedics Light Duty:
A major concern is how your pay rate/salary changes once you are placed on light duty following a Florida Heart Bill claim. An employer may reduce your pay if the new assignment is different from your regular position, which could feel unfair, especially after years of service. However, workers compensation has a safeguard.
If you earn less than 80 percent of your normal wages in the light duty job, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. These benefits help make up part of the difference so you can continue supporting yourself and your family while recovering.
Not every department can offer light duty. If your doctor releases you to light duty but your agency has no assignment available, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits for the period where you are unable to work. This is different from refusing a legitimate offer. If your employer offers a suitable light duty position due to a heart-related recovery and you choose not to accept it, then workers compensation can deny pay for that period as this is called a voluntary limitation of income.
Your doctor may clear you for light or even full duty, but you still are not feeling ready. Only your physician can adjust your work restrictions, so contact your doctor right away to see if adjustments could be made. What you should not do is refuse the assignment without medical support and call in sick instead. Workers compensation views that as a voluntary limitation of income and will stop the wage benefits. Being honest with your doctor is the safest way to manage light work concerns during healing and ensure your restrictions match your true physical limits.
Managing light duty work after a Heart Bill claim in Florida is something we can help with at Bichler & Longo, PLLC. We are dedicated to protecting those in our community who protect and serve as first responders. Reach out to our firm with questions about light duty, wage loss, restrictions, and more.