Key takeaways
Permanent restrictions can affect job placement, wage capacity, vocational issues, disability benefits, and settlement.
Records to put together
- Permanent restriction note
- MMI/impairment report
- Job description and job offers
- Wage records and vocational documents
Questions to verify
- Can the employer provide work within restrictions?
- Are restrictions clear and task-specific?
- What benefit category may apply?
- Is vocational rehabilitation or retraining relevant?
Important caution
Do not treat permanent restrictions as a settlement number without understanding the state benefit system.
When a lawyer consultation may help
- A deadline, hearing, denial, or benefit change is close or disputed.
- The medical evidence and the insurer/employer position conflict.
- Permanent restrictions, settlement, third-party liability, employment status, or retaliation may affect the file.
Compare permanent restrictions with actual job demands
| Job demand | What the job requires | Restriction | Possible change to discuss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifting or carrying | Weight, height, distance, frequency | Equipment, team lift, or reassignment | |
| Standing, walking, or driving | Duration and breaks | Schedule or route change | |
| Reaching, gripping, or repetition | Position and cycles per shift | Task rotation or tool change | |
| Environmental exposure | Noise, heat, chemicals, or vibration | Protective measure or different area |
Keep the final restriction note, job description, written job offer, wage information, and any trial-work results together. Workers’ comp, disability-accommodation, leave, and employment questions may require separate review.