If your employer requests that you return to a light-duty position, refusing that offer can have consequences—particularly if the position is presented as what the law calls Suitable Alternative Employment. These provisions are very specific about how the offer must be made, and in practice, it can resemble a typical light-duty assignment. If you refuse a valid offer of Suitable Alternative Employment, your workers’ compensation weekly check and certain benefits may be affected. However, in many cases, you are not required to return to light duty as a condition of continuing to receive your weekly benefits. Speaking with our Rhode Island workers compensation lawyers can help you understand when a return-to-work request is valid. You can also review our RI workers’ comp benefits for broader information on how return-to-work decisions affect your rights. Related issues like physically demanding job restrictions or light-duty assignments may also influence your decision.

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