A serious workplace injury can leave a worker unable to return to the same job he or she held before the accident. The nature of these injuries could radically alter your options for employment in the future, but thankfully support is available if your injury happened on the job.
Ohio’s workers’ compensation system includes vocational rehabilitation services designed to help injured workers return to suitable employment when possible. If you have questions about vocational rehabilitation in Toledo workers’ compensation claims, now is the right time to ask our experienced workers’ comp attorneys.
Not every injured worker automatically qualifies for vocational rehabilitation benefits. The Bureau of Workers’ Compensation generally evaluates whether the worker has a viable workers’ compensation claim and whether the injury creates barriers that would make re-entering the workforce difficult. The program usually focuses on workers who cannot safely return to their former positions because of physical or psychological limitations related to the workplace injury.
A worker usually must have medical evidence showing he or she can participate in rehabilitation activities. If the worker remains completely unable to engage in training or employment efforts, vocational rehabilitation may not begin immediately. Our Toledo attorneys can advise you on whether vocational rehabilitation benefits are an option in your workers’ compensation case.
There are different services available when it comes to vocational rehabilitation in a Toledo workers’ compensation claim. They include the following:
Career counseling helps injured workers understand what jobs may remain realistic after the injury. A counselor may evaluate everything from your education to your physical limitations when finding a new career that makes sense for you.
Some vocational rehabilitation programs include job placement assistance. These services help connect injured workers with employers willing to accommodate medical restrictions. In some situations, vocational specialists work directly with the former employer to explore if certain positions might be an option if the employer agrees to some modifications.
Retraining programs help workers develop new skills when returning to their former occupation is no longer possible.
Retraining may involve:
The goal involves helping the worker qualify for employment that matches current medical abilities.
In some cases, it may be possible to recover financial benefits as part of your vocational rehabilitation. While direct payments aren’t the primary purpose of these programs, you could be entitled to wage loss benefits or living maintenance.
Some injured workers qualify for wage loss compensation if they return to work but earn less because of the workplace injury. For example, a worker may no longer physically handle the duties of a higher-paying job after a permanent physical limitation. If the worker takes a lower-paying position because of those restrictions, wage loss benefits may partially compensate for the income difference.
Living maintenance benefits may apply when the injured worker actively participates in an approved vocational rehabilitation program in Toledo. These payments help support the worker financially during rehabilitation efforts, especially when retraining, education, or job placement services temporarily prevent a full return to employment.
Still have questions about vocational rehabilitation in Toledo workers’ compensation claims? Our attorneys are ready to provide you with the answers. At Schaffer & Associates, our team understands how to maximize your recovery through a workers’ compensation claim. Reach out as soon as possible for a confidential consultation with our firm.