Returning to Work After Injury in New Jersey: Light Duty & Rights (2026)

Returning to work after a workers' compensation injury in New Jersey involves understanding medical clearance, light duty, and benefit impacts.

Medical Release

Full Duty

When: Doctor clears you for all pre-injury job duties Effect: Temporary disability benefits end upon return Employer obligation: Must allow return (subject to retaliation protections)

Light Duty

When: Doctor clears limited work with restrictions Examples: Lifting limits, sedentary only, reduced hours

Light Duty Obligations

No Legal Requirement

New Jersey law: Employer NOT required to create or offer light duty Employer discretion: May offer if available

If Offered

Must comply with restrictions: Work within medical limitations Wage may differ: Light duty often lower wage

Suitable Employment

Definition: Work within restrictions, reasonably comparable Refusal: May reduce or terminate benefits if work is suitable

Benefit Impacts

Return at Full Wages

Temporary disability: Ends Medical benefits: Continue Permanency rights: Preserved

Return at Reduced Wages

Partial temporary disability: Continue receiving difference Calculation: 70% of wage loss (capped at maximum weekly rate)

Trial Return to Work

Benefits continue: During trial period typically If fails: Benefits resume if medical inability proven

Permanency Evaluation

After maximum medical improvement:

• Medical evaluation of impairment
• Functional capacity evaluation
• Permanency award determination

Retaliation Protections

Prohibited: Discharge or discrimination for claiming benefits See: New Jersey Workers' Comp Retaliation Protections

FAQs

Q: Can employer fire me if I can't return to full duty? A: New Jersey is at-will employment. May terminate if unable to perform essential functions, but cannot discriminate for filing claim.

Q: Must I accept light duty? A: If suitable and within restrictions, refusal may affect benefits.

Q: Can I look for other work? A: Yes, and encouraged if cannot return to pre-injury job.

Q: What if light duty worsens my condition? A: Notify doctor immediately; may be work-related aggravation.

Related Topics

• New Jersey Workers' Comp Benefits
• New Jersey Denied Claims
• New Jersey Workers' Compensation Overview

Last updated: January 5, 2026