Modified Duty in Texas Workers’ Comp: What Injured Workers Need to Know
FREE CONSULTATION
Contact Us About Your Case
FREE Consultation Today.
Light Duty Isn’t Always Light — And It Can Affect Your Case
After a work injury in Texas, many employers push injured workers into “modified duty” or “light duty” positions. Modified duty in Texas workers’ comp claims is supposed to help workers’ recover from injuries and transition back to work. Sometimes these roles are legitimate. Other times, they violate medical restrictions, worsen injuries, or are used to pressure workers into quitting.
Texas workers often feel trapped:
Do I have to accept modified duty? What if it hurts? Can I be fired if I refuse light duty?
This guide breaks down how modified duty works in Texas, your rights, and how to protect yourself from employer abuse.
What Is Modified Duty in Texas?
Modified duty (also called “light duty”) is temporary work assigned to an injured employee who cannot perform their regular job due to medical restrictions.
Modified duty may include:
- Reduced lifting
- Shorter shifts
- Limited physical tasks
- Administrative or desk work
- Alternative job assignments
The goal is to help workers return to the workforce while they recover — but not at the expense of their health.
Do I Have to Accept Modified Duty in Texas?
If your employer has workers’ comp:
You generally must accept modified duty if it complies with your doctor’s restrictions.
If your employer is a non‑subscriber:
You may have more flexibility, but employers often pressure workers to accept unsafe assignments.
The key rule:
✅ You are NOT required to perform work that violates your doctor’s restrictions.
If the modified duty assignment exceeds your limitations, you can refuse — and you should document why.
How Employers Abuse Modified Duty Programs
Unfortunately, many Texas employers misuse modified duty to protect themselves, not the worker.
Common abuses include:
- Assigning tasks that violate medical restrictions
- Creating “fake” light duty jobs that still require heavy labor
- Pressuring workers to return before they’re ready
- Threatening termination for refusing unsafe work
- Using modified duty to undermine your injury claim
- Forcing workers into roles designed to make them quit
If any of this sounds familiar, it’s a red flag.
Frequently Asked Questions About Modified Duty in Texas Workers’ Comp
Only if it complies with your doctor’s restrictions.
No. You cannot be fired for following medical restrictions.
Stop immediately, document it, and contact your doctor.
You may have even more rights — and a potential lawsuit.
Injured at work in Texas and your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp?
You may have the right to sue and recover full compensation.
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Your Doctor’s Restrictions Are the Law
Your doctor’s restrictions are not suggestions — they are legally binding medical orders.
Employers cannot:
- Override your doctor
- Change your restrictions
- Tell you to “try” tasks outside your limits
- Punish you for following medical advice
Modified duty in Texas workers’ comp claims are subject to very specific rules. If your employer pressures you to violate restrictions, document it and contact an attorney immediately.
What Happens If Modified Duty Violates Your Restrictions?
If the assigned work exceeds your restrictions:
✅ You can refuse the assignment
✅ You should notify your employer in writing
✅ You should request clarification from your doctor
✅ You should document the unsafe tasks
Never risk reinjury to satisfy employer pressure.
How Modified Duty Affects Your Income Benefits
If you accept modified duty:
You may receive Temporary Income Benefits (TIBs) if your modified duty pays less than your pre‑injury wage.
If you refuse modified duty:
Refusing may affect your benefits If the job meets your restrictions. If the job violates your restrictions, refusing is justified.
If your employer is a non‑subscriber:
Modified duty may be used to weaken your case — but it can also backfire on them if they ignore restrictions.
Signs Your Employer Is Using Modified Duty Against You
Watch for these warning signs:
- “Light duty” involves heavy lifting
- Supervisors ask you to work longer hours than your restrictions allow
- You’re told to “push through the pain”
- You get written up for refusing unsafe tasks
- Your employer claims you’re “non‑compliant”
- Your boss pressures you to return to work before you are medically cleared
These tactics are common — and they’re illegal.
What to Do If You’re Being Pressured Into Unsafe Modified Duty
✅ 1. Get your restrictions in writing
Always keep a copy.
✅ 2. Document every violation
Emails, texts, photos, witness names.
✅ 3. Notify your employer in writing
Explain how the assignment violates restrictions.
✅ 4. Don’t quit
Quitting can harm your case — talk to a lawyer first.
✅ 5. Contact a Texas workplace injury lawyer
Modified duty disputes are one of the most common reasons injured workers seek legal help.
At MLF Legal, we help workers on modified duty in Texas workers’ comp claims protect their health, their income, and their legal rights.
Modified Duty Should Protect You — Not Hurt You
Modified duty in Texas workers’ comp is supposed to help injured workers recover, not pressure them into unsafe work or undermine their claims. If your employer is ignoring your restrictions or using modified duty against you, you don’t have to face it alone.
Call The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers At MLF Legal For Help
📞 Being pressured into unsafe light duty?
Contact MLF Legal today for a free consultation. Call 214-357-1782 . Offices in Dallas and Fort Worth. Statewide representation for Texas workers’ compensation claims.
You pay nothing unless we win.
👉 Get Your Free Case Review Now
Call MLF Legal today
214-357-1782
Fill out our online form
for a free consultation.
We only get paid if we win your case.