Start with the issue actually in dispute
Light duty unavailable is mainly a problem of restrictions, job offer, and wage status. Build the file around the written notice, dated record, or event that created the problem.
Documents to gather
Written restrictions, job offer, employer response, schedule, and payment records.
Questions to answer before acting
- What changed, on what date, and who made the decision?
- Is there a written notice or only a phone conversation?
- Which medical, wage, employment, or incident record directly addresses the dispute?
- What state or federal agency procedure controls the next step?
- Is there a separate employment, third-party, leave, or discrimination issue that should not be mixed into the workers’ compensation question?
Important caution
Separate what the doctor allows from what work the employer actually offers.