When injured Maryland workers think about workers’ compensation benefits, they often focus on medical care and wage loss. These are undoubtedly important parts of the coverage. Still, there are other aspects that must be considered.
If a person is injured or suffers a work-related condition that they recover from but leaves them unable to do the same work they did before, it will be worrisome as to what they can do for employment. It is under these circumstances that people must be aware of vocational rehabilitation.
Workers should understand the details of vocational rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation is covered by workers’ compensation benefits and will retrain the worker for a new job. There must first be an assessment of the job market in the area where the worker resides to determine if there are jobs suitable to the worker’s skills prior to seeking retraining.
Retraining is not guaranteed. Once a worker is approved for retraining, they will have a maximum of two years to get the retraining. The duration will depend on the type of training they are receiving.
Prior to vocational rehabilitation being approved, a counselor will explore all other options, such as returning to the former employer for modified duties or a different job. Many people have skills in place that translate to other industries. This must be assessed prior to vocational rehabilitation.
The primary objective is to find the worker suitable employment at a salary that is near or the same as what they made before. That might not always be possible. While a person is receiving vocational rehabilitation, they can get benefits at the Temporary Total Disability rate.
It is important to get help with maximizing workers’ compensation benefits
It is not uncommon for workers who have been hurt on the job to suffer long-term damage that leaves them unable to return. Despite that, many can do other types of work. For example, a construction worker who injures their back could have a problem performing the labor necessary to do the same job. They might be able to use their skills and receive training to do another type of work.
Vocational rehabilitation can be essential for workers who have been approved for workers’ compensation, and who have improved as much as possible but still cannot get back to their old jobs. The worker must follow There are steps that must be taken for this area of workers’ compensation. Having guidance throughout the process is crucial to maximizing their benefits.
