Workers’ compensation can help in the short term for those recovering from an on-the-job injury. However, when a work-related injury leads to long-lasting or permanent disability, returning to your previous employment may be out of the question.
In these cases, vocational rehabilitation could support you in the process of finding a new position. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand what is included in vocational rehabilitation and whether you qualify for these services under your workers’ compensation claim.
What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation is a public program designed to help individuals with physical, mental, or emotional disabilities find, keep, or return to a job. In most cases, it supports injured employees who cannot safely return to their previous job because of permanent work restrictions or lasting injuries. The overall goal of vocational rehabilitation is to help workers return to meaningful employment.
In most cases, workers’ comp is designed to provide financial support to injured employees until they can return to their positions. But if your injury is severe enough to permanently alter your physical capabilities and it is impossible to return to your former role, you could be eligible for vocational rehabilitation coverage to support a career transition. The program can provide retraining, education, resume development, and job placement to help you reenter the workforce in a new role suited to your capabilities.
When Does Workers’ Compensation Pay for Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation may be covered for employees receiving workers’ compensation benefits. However, certain conditions must be met.
To meet the criteria for coverage, your treating physician must determine that you are unable to return to your previous occupation due to permanent restrictions. However, this does not always mean you have to find a new company altogether. In some situations, your employer could offer you a different position or duties.
What Services Can Vocational Rehabilitation Include?
- Career counseling and skills assessments: Through career counseling and skills assessments, a specialist can evaluate your abilities, interests, job experience, and limitations to identify suitable career options.
- Job search and placement assistance: Your team will support you in developing a resume, finding and applying for fitting jobs, and preparing for interviews.
- Education and retraining: Vocational rehabilitation often includes education, training, or skill development needed to qualify for a new occupation.
- Return-to-work planning: Your vocational team can help you develop a plan to transition safely and successfully back to your previous job or another suitable position, depending on your unique circumstances.
Who Qualifies for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits?
Whether you qualify for vocational rehabilitation largely depends on your ability to return to your previous employment. If vocational services are reasonably necessary to restore your earning capacity, workers’ compensation will likely cover them. However, each claim is evaluated individually. One case could look very different from another depending on your job position, the extent of your injuries, and your recovery progress.
What if Your Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits Are Denied?
Disputes can sometimes arise if you are seeking vocational rehabilitation. These disputes typically involve your eligibility, approving the scope of services you are seeking, or questions about whether services are necessary.
Your workers’ compensation attorney can assess your circumstances and answer your questions. They can offer legal guidance and evaluate whether your vocational rehabilitation benefits were wrongfully denied. If your attorney believes your rights are being undermined, they can advocate on your behalf by submitting a formal dispute or appeal, or by taking your case to trial.
Talk to a Kentucky Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Our legal team at Lawrence & Associates helps injured workers understand their workers’ compensation benefits, address vocational rehabilitation disputes, and protect their rights throughout the claims process. If you have questions about your benefits or ability to return to work, we can help you understand your options.
Understand Your Options After a Workplace Injury
If you were injured on the job and are facing questions about vocational rehabilitation or other workers’ compensation benefits, you do not have to navigate the process alone. Contact our attorneys at Lawrence & Associates by calling (859) 251-3045 to discuss your situation and learn more about how we can help you. Our law firm is backed by strong case results and positive reviews from satisfied former clients.
