Common Questions About Work Restrictions

Common Questions About Work Restrictions If you’ve been injured on the job, one of the first things your doctor may discuss is your work restrictions, or limitations placed on your ability to perform certain tasks as you recover. While these restrictions are meant to protect your health and promote healing, they often raise difficult questions about your job, your wages, and your rights under Minnesota workers’ compensation law.

At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, we help injured Minnesotans understand how work restrictions affect their benefits, employment, and medical care. Whether you’ve been taken off work entirely or given a light-duty assignment, our Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyers can guide you through this complex process. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about work restrictions in Minnesota.

For more information, call (651) 390-9219 or contact us online.

What Are Work Restrictions?

Work restrictions are medical guidelines issued by your treating physician that limit the type or amount of work you can safely perform while recovering from a work injury. These restrictions can be:

Temporary – while you heal from your injury
Permanent – if your condition is unlikely to improve
Partial – limiting specific duties or hours
Total – removing you from all work temporarily or permanently

Examples of common restrictions include:

No lifting over 10 pounds
Limited standing or walking
No bending, climbing, or kneeling
Reduced hours or part-time only
Sedentary work only
No use of one arm or hand

These limitations are typically documented on a Report of Work Ability form in Minnesota and must be followed by both you and your employer.

Who Decides My Work Restrictions?

Your work restrictions are usually set by your primary treating doctor, based on the type and severity of your injury, your response to treatment and physical therapy, diagnostic tests such as MRIs or X-rays, and your reported symptoms and limitations.

In some cases, an independent medical examiner (IME) hired by the insurance company may issue their own opinion about your restrictions, which could differ from your own doctor’s assessment. If this happens, disputes may arise about what you are truly capable of doing. The good news is that our Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys will help you resolve these conflicts and protect your rights when the insurance company tries to minimize your limitations.

What If My Employer Can’t Accommodate My Restrictions?

If your employer does not have suitable work available within your restrictions, you may be entitled to wage-loss benefits under Minnesota workers’ compensation law. These include:

Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you cannot work at all
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you return to lower-paying or part-time work

Your employer may be required to pay you wage-loss benefits while you’re off work or earning less than before. If they later offer a light-duty position that fits within your restrictions, you may be expected to return, but only if it’s suitable and safe for your condition. If you feel pressured to return to work too soon or are offered a job that violates your restrictions, speak with our Minnesota workers’ compensation attorneys immediately.

What Happens If I Ignore My Restrictions?

Ignoring your restrictions, either by choice or because your employer demands it, can have serious consequences:

Worsening your injury or delaying recovery
Jeopardizing your medical benefits
Losing eligibility for wage-loss compensation
Being accused of non-compliance with treatment recommendations

Even if you feel capable of doing more, you should always follow your doctor’s orders unless your restrictions are formally changed.

If your employer asks you to do something outside your restrictions, politely decline and document the request. Then contact a Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyer.

Can My Employer Fire Me While I’m on Work Restrictions?

Minnesota is an “at-will” employment state, which means employers can generally terminate employees for any reason that isn’t illegal. However, firing someone because of a work-related injury or because they’re on workers’ compensation is prohibited.

If you are fired while on restrictions:

You may still be entitled to ongoing workers’ comp benefits
You may qualify for vocational rehabilitation services
You may have a claim for retaliation or wrongful termination

If your employer claims they can no longer accommodate your restrictions, you should contact a Minnesota workers’ compensation attorney at our firm to evaluate the legality of their decision and preserve your right to benefits.

What If My Restrictions Are Permanent?

If your treating physician determines you have permanent work restrictions, this could mean:

You are unable to return to your old job
You may need to retrain for a different type of work
You may be eligible for Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits
You may receive vocational rehabilitation services, including job search assistance, retraining programs, or education support.

Permanent restrictions can affect your long-term income and career path, which is why it’s imperative to have an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer evaluate your claim, benefits, and future options.

Can I Get a Second Opinion?

Yes. Under Minnesota law, you are allowed to choose your own treating doctor and are not required to stick with the provider selected by the insurance company. If you disagree with your current doctor’s opinion or if the insurance company tries to rely solely on an IME, you have the right to request a second medical opinion, switch to a different treating provider, and file a medical dispute through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) At Atkinson Gerber Law Office, our Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyers can help you find trusted medical professionals and ensure your restrictions are based on accurate evaluations, not biased reports.

How Do Work Restrictions Affect My Job?

If you’re working under restrictions, your employer must determine whether they can reasonably accommodate your limitations. This may involve modifying your job duties, providing adaptive equipment, offering shorter shifts or flexible hours, or reassigning you to a different position.

However, your employer is not required to create a job that doesn’t exist. If no suitable work is available, they may place you on leave, but you should still receive wage-loss benefits through workers’ compensation. Employers and insurance companies may try to minimize your restrictions or claim you’re faking. As such, having legal support can be essential during this process.

Get Help With Your Work Restrictions Today

If you’re dealing with work restrictions after a Minnesota job injury, don’t try to handle it alone. The insurance company has attorneys and claims adjusters working to limit your benefits; you should have someone fighting for your interests as well.

Call the Atkinson Gerber Law Office today at (651) 390-9219 for a free consultation with our Minnesota workers’ compensation lawyers, or contact us online to learn how we can help.

We serve Minneapolis, St. Paul, and throughout Minnesota. Visit any of our offices at:

Atkinson Gerber Law Office – Minneapolis Office

10 S 5th Street Suite 955
Minneapolis, MN 55402

Toll Free: (866) 635 9200
Phone: (651) 412 1470

Atkinson Gerber Law Office – St. Paul’s Office

6 Pinetree Drive Suite 225
St Paul, MN 55112

Toll Free: (866) 635 9200
Phone: (651) 412 1470

Your aggressive handling of this work comp case was first rate. I’ve worked with other attorneys in the past but appreciated the personal attention you provided me in this matter. Thank you!

- Cathy M.

Finally, I found the attorney that works for the injured worker, after two previous attorneys’ work for us seemed inadequate. Tom and his staff have the commitment to take it to trial if necessary rather than the other attorneys’ inertia and reluctance to do so. He has the integrity that you rarely find in the work comp arena anymore. Your involvement in my case resulted in returning us to some sense of dignity in this battle. I thought that with the multiple near-fatal catastrophic injuries I sustained that the opposing side would do the right thing. Don’t deceive yourself with this notion. You must have the right attorney by your side. With all the overwhelming tasks to complete while recovering, I thought I needed an attorney that was located near me. Again, I was wrong as they accommodated us however we needed it. Please don’t choose a work comp attorney based on location no matter how tempting that may be. Tom and staff thank you for making us believe in justice again.

- Scott H.

I just want to say a big “thank you” for representing me in my Social Security case. Without your help, I know that I would not have been successful. I am very fortunate that you represented me because you have the experience and knowledge that obtained the favorable ruling

- Dana D.

I received my settlement check this weekend and I want to thank you and all of your staff for taking on this case and pursuing it to a positive conclusion. These proceedings were not without their share of frustration but I always felt confident in my representation and your efforts to best represent me. I don’t believe I could do what you do- I would be too tempted to reach across the table and strangle the opposing counsel. I am very pleased with the outcome and am glad it is over.

- Gary S.

Tom and Marci were a tremendous help in that you made it so easy for someone like me who was stressed out about it all, especially with all the little things. I would have had a hard time relaxing enough to deal with everything effectively if you had not been so helpful. I also thought that Tom was very effective in the courtroom and had the facts of my case organized well and was informed so that he could tell where the judge wanted to go with his questions and was able to present the facts in a way that helped my case be viewed favorably by the judge. I was very pleased with the results. Thank you.

- Dan N.

You kicked butt. I am so happy with my results and I couldn’t have done it without you

- Teresa H.

Listen up every employee who has suffered a work comp injury in this state! If you think you don’t need a lawyer because everything is going fine, the adjuster is nice, and the QRC they assigned you seems to have your interest at heart; you are WRONG! The longer you wait to hire a lawyer the more disadvantaged you become. Tom Atkinson and his staff are aggressive and experienced workers’ compensation experts. Tom got me more than I ever thought I would get and NEVER charged a fee until he obtained benefits on my behalf. Thank you Tom, Marci, Gene and Cassie; I couldn’t have done it without you on my side.

- Thomas Hoaby

Thank you so much for your time and expertise today. I’m so proud to have you as my lawyer as you are absolutely wonderful at your job… Not to mention hilarious:) Whatever the outcome of today, I truly appreciate all you have done for me.

- Stacey B.

The day I met Tom, was the day I knew I would get all I needed from the Work Comp. company. For me, it was never about getting a big settlement. I only wanted what my doctor was recommending. Tom supported my decision not to settle, and took it all the way to a hearing to get me what I needed. It seems as though every step of the way has been a battle, but never once have I had any doubts in his ability to succeed. In the end, I got the surgery I needed and Tom still ended up getting me a bigger settlement than they offered in the beginning. Tom and his staff are a wonderful, caring group of people, and I don’t think I could have gotten through this without them.

- Sandy

Tom and his team are the top tier in the worker compensation field as I experienced the professionalism personally. I was injured at work and after two other well publicized and awarded attorneys failed to reach a satisfactory outcome, Tom and his team proved how a dedicated, genuine, caring, honest team can get the better than expected results for a client.

- DR

Dana and her staff are the most professional and outstanding lawyer I have ever dealt with and I would highly recommend anybody that would need a lawyer contact her. They made me feel more like a friend or family. When dealing with them and made the whole process, go smoothly as possible. There’s not enough words to describe the gratitude I feel for her and her staff. Thank you for a job well done. I would highly recommend her at her staff to anybody that would need legal assistance.

- Les A.

Dana has been incredibly helpful in representing me. She made the entire process easy, addressing any issues with professionalism and care. Her team was equally wonderful, providing excellent support throughout. I highly recommend Dana and her team to anyone seeking assistance with workers’ compensation.

- Attas

Amazing Workman’s Comp attorneys. Tom did everything he said he would. His paralegal team and staff are amazing too and very quick to get back to you. Fought for me until the very end. Will recommend this team to anyone having Workman’s Comp issues.

- Taylor K.

Words can not express how amazing Dana and the family at Atkinson Gerber Law are! Everyone was so kind and helpful. Dana and Morgan where prompt, knowledgeable and so so kind. I can not recommend them enough if you or a loved one ever needs legal help. Getting injured is stressful but with this phenomenal team in your corner, it really helps ease some stress. I can’t thank them enough!

- Amber N.

Despite that my case ended about 10 months ago, I actually went back to place this review because Tom and his team did so well and help me through a very, very difficult time in my life. I want to thank the entire staff for all their help.