Q: If I want to reserve my paid leave accrual while off work due to injury, do I have this option? 
A. Yes, an employee has an option of reserving sick leave during an illness or injury, during a work injury recovery. All employees who wish to preserve leave accrual should complete a Leave Claim Form and indicate their preference for leave usage. This will stop your sick leave and revert to unpaid time separate from workers’ compensation while you continue your recovery.   

Q. Do I have the option to use all of my leave accruals while receiving time loss payments?  
A.Yes, employees may elect to use all leave accrual such as sick leave, personal leave, and/or vacation while off work due to a work-related injury. In addition to your paycheck from the district, you may also receive time loss payments from Puget Sound Workers' Trust. Employees will coordinate with Human Resources to determine how my leave they elect to use and submit for approval to their supervisor.  

Q: Am I eligible for Shared Leave while off work due to a work-related injury?
A: Unfortunately, no. Using the Shared Leave option is not available while off work due to a work-related injury.

Q: If Puget Sound Workers' Trust requires me to attend an Independent Medical Exam, am I required to use my sick leave?
A: No, if you have been asked by Puget Sound Workers' Trust to participate in an Independent Medical Exam, please notify the HR/Return to Work Coordinator with notification of this appointment so the district knows to not charge your sick leave for time away for this purpose.

Q. If I am cleared by my doctor to return to work, but I have work restrictions, what should I do?
A. If you have been cleared by your doctor to return to work with restrictions, you should be in immediate contact with your HR/Return to Work Coordinator to set up a meeting and discuss return to work options with Human Resources and your supervisor. The district will decide whether they can accommodate your restrictions prior to you being fully released to duty without limitations.

Q: May I be put on Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) while on leave due to an on-the-job injury?
A: Yes, the district can qualify your on-the-job injury as a serious health condition covered by FMLA for those eligible. Designated FMLA leave can run concurrently with a workers' compensation leave, or with paid sick leave. While FMLA is unpaid leave, it does allow the employer-paid portion of your healthcare benefits, such as medical insurance, to continue during the approved period of up to twelve weeks.

Please also visit the Puget Sound Workers' Trust FAQ page for additional questions and answers regarding work injury claims.