If I have been put on work restrictions by my doctor due to an on the job injury, can I lose my job?
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If I have been put on work restrictions by my doctor due to an on the job injury, can I lose my job?
I have a work release from my dr saying I am on light duty with no more than 5 pounds lifting. I had to go back to my doctor because of pain and had to miss work. Now I have a work statement that says no lifting period.
Asked on March 27, 2015 under Employment Labor Law, Georgia
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Yes, if you can't do your job, you can lose your job: your employer is not required to retain or pay people who can't do what they were hired for. If they can make "reasonable accomodations" to let you do your work--things which are not too costly or disruptive and which let you work productively--they must; but if given the nature of your job, the restrictions mean you can't do it, they can fire you--they don't have to pay you to not work, they don't have to make up a new job for you which they don't need, etc. The doctor's note doesn't protect you: the doctor is no the owner or manager of your company and can't decide for them what to do.
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