[RebelYell]

I am a police officer in Louisiana. I recently tore my left bicep while arresting a dopehead. I have been told by the doctor that I would be out of work for 6 months. Workmans comp will pay me about 60% of my pay. First let me say that I live to do two things, police and hunt. My work is telling me that I am restricted to my house for 6 months. I haven't done anything wrong. I don't deserve this. Not getting to police is bad enough. My other love is sitting under a tree behind my house and shooting squirles, during season. I do this with a .22 pistol that I shoot with my right, uninjured, hand. The squirels don't weigh but about a pound. WHATS THE PROBLEM. I will go crazy sitting inside for 6 months. I don't see a problem as long as I don't do anything to jeapordise my recovery. I WANT TO GET BACK TO THE JOB I LOVE AS QUICK AS POSSIBLE.

[Mr. Knowitall]

On what basis are you restricted to your house? Are you unionized? Have you tried to raise a challenge through your union?

[RebelYell]

It's a small Dept. No union or civil service. I'll get my lawyer involved if I have to. Do you know if there are printed, hard, rules to what I'm alowed to do or not do on W/K?

[Mr. Knowitall]

I am not sure that the employer has any right to restrict a worker's activities during a workers comp leave. They can terminate an employee for making a fraudulent claim - so if the employee claims to be so disabled that he can't leave the home, yet does so, that could constitute grounds for discipline or termination. But I don't know of anything in any state which would allow an employer to order the employee to stay at home.

You really should consult a lawyer.

[DaveBis]

Put it in writing and ask them if they will allow you to engage in target practice in your back yard with your other good hand to stay sharp. Cal lit off hand shooting practice. Just don't tell them the targets are alive and furry.