A serious work accident can bring your career to a halt. You may be worried that you’ll never work again, especially after a traumatic injury like an amputation, as an example.
But what if you’re able to work, just not in your former position? In these situations, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation that can help you get back to work. Vocational rehabilitation can be a benefit, but an employer can also use it against you. Here’s how it works under Virginia workers’ comp.
What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
When you’re hurt at work, you may be unable to return to your job. For example, you may have suffered a brain injury that makes it difficult to focus, which may be a serious problem for your ability to complete your daily tasks.
Vocational rehabilitation helps you find, train for, and get a job that you can complete despite your injuries. Vocational rehabilitation services offer training services for those who may be able to work but are unable to return to their former positions.
Taking Advantage of Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Fortunately, you may be eligible for these benefits as part of your Workers’ Comp benefits. Vocational rehabilitation is available to many Virginia workers, who can take advantage of these benefits to build new job skills after a devastating injury.
But it cuts both ways. If you unjustifiably refuse to cooperate with vocational rehabilitation, the insurance company can ask the Commission to suspend your wage benefits until you cooperate, and the checks for that time are not made up later (Va. Code § 65.2-603(B)). Job searches, meetings with the vocational counselor, and which jobs count as suitable are frequent points of dispute.
Asked to Meet a Vocational Counselor?
A serious work injury doesn’t have to end your career. Pathfinder Injury Law handles only Virginia workers’ compensation claims. Call (804) 505-0633 or fill out the form on this page.