Are You Ready To Go Back To Work After A Workplace Injury?
After an injury on the job, you may have successfully gotten workers’ compensation benefits coming to you. Although you may not be able to return to your old job as you used to do it, you may be able to return with restrictions as advised by your doctor. This is a prime reason for seeing legal advice as soon as possible after an accident on the job.
My firm, William R. Long, Attorney at Law, can facilitate communication and documentation among your doctors, the workers’ compensation insurer and your employer. I primarily serve clients in and around the Shreveport-Bossier City metro area.
What Job Functions Are Suited To Your Physical Condition Now?
When the time comes to determine what kind of work activities you can safely do, given the consequences of your injuries, your doctor should order a functional capacity test for you. The results of this test will indicate what types of restrictions or rehabilitative efforts best suit your condition. It may be that you will need to retrain for a different type of work altogether. For example, if your job involved lifting and your back injuries do not allow you to lift heavy loads anymore, you may be able to train for a new occupation, such as an inspector.
Having A Lawyer On Your Side Through All Negotiations Can Be Key To A Successful Outcome
Remember that your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer is not likely to take the role of a vocational counselor on your side. Rather, the insurer wants you to get back to work so it can stop paying you wage replacement benefits. To make sure that the insurer and a doctor appointed to you by the insurer do not railroad you into lines of work that are not well suited to you, you should have a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. One important piece of advice I give to my clients is not to meet with vocational rehabilitation advisers without taking an attorney along. If I represent you, my staff and I can help ensure that proper protocols are followed. I can facilitate communication with your employer about job descriptions. Your unique capabilities deserve full consideration in any decision that you are ready to go back to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vocational Rehabilitation
If you have been injured on the job and are navigating the aftermath, you may be interested in learning about vocational rehabilitation services. Here, I have provided answers to some of the most common questions I address in this area to get you started.
Who is eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation services?
Vocational rehabilitation can help people as they seek further employment, and those who are eligible are dealing with a mental or physical impairment. Many such impairments may prevent individuals from obtaining employment by creating substantial barriers. Vocational rehabilitation can help them re-enter the workforce and find a new job, and by helping them prepare to seek and ultimately find a new position.
People are often eligible for vocational rehabilitation services if they are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, it does depend on the level of disability. Each case is unique, but our experienced team can help you explore your options.
What types of services can you get through vocational rehabilitation?
There are a wide range of potential services offered through vocational rehabilitation, and the plan will be individualized for each person. It is designed to provide services that address each individual’s specific needs and goals. In some cases, vocational rehabilitation starts with a diagnosis and a unique program, which can include:
- Counseling and guidance
- Job training
- Support services
- Job placement
In other words, once the diagnosis has been made, the rehabilitation program can be set up to help people learn new skills to overcome their specific disability and enter a new type of employment. For instance, a former physical laborer may not be able to return to that job, but vocational rehabilitation can help them train for a new and different career path.
Will vocational rehabilitation affect my Social Security Disability benefits?
There is a chance that vocational rehabilitation could impact your benefits. For example, if you get a new job that allows you to earn enough to exceed the substantial gainful activity (SAG) threshold, it may affect benefits.
However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) understands the complications and potential hardships this can create. The SSA has programs in place that help prevent the immediate loss of benefits due to vocational rehabilitation.
It is also important to note that vocational rehabilitation is generally not a requirement, but offers an opportunity for those who are interested in trying to re-enter the workforce. If you have further questions, reach out to our team for personalized answers.
I Encourage Injured Workers To Contact My Firm
Even if you have managed your workers’ compensation claim on your own at first, I urge you to contact my office before entering into any discussions with the insurer or with your employer about new work restrictions or vocational training. Call me at 318-562-1440 or complete my short online contact form for prompt response.