Being injured at work could mean that you are unable to earn an income for a significant amount of time. You’ll need to prioritize your healing by making sure to rest, seek treatment and avoid strenuous activities. Since you’ll likely be paying for medical care and you’ll almost certainly be losing wages during this recovery time, you have the right to file for workers’ compensation.
You’ll probably be successful at gaining workers’ compensation if you can show that the injury you are suffering from was acquired when you were engaging in work-related activities. If you do not recover in the short term and you are no longer able to perform your job, you’ll need to start considering other careers. While this sounds overwhelming, vocational rehabilitation is offered to affected workers as part of their workers’ compensation coverage. The following is an overview of your potential rehabilitation rights as an injured worker.
Retraining possibilities
If there is no way that you can continue in your current role, vocational rehabilitation programs may be able to help you to change roles. Your employer may be able to offer you a different role that is more suitable for you after your injury. In this case, you will receive on-the-job training.
Help to change careers
If your current employer is not able to offer you a different role, you may be able to receive job search assistance and help in developing your resume and interview skills. During vocational rehabilitation, counselors can help you to identify your transferable skills and alternative career possibilities.
Education and tuition payments for retraining
If you do not have the skills to get a new job, you may be able to have the costs covered of an education program that will help you to get a paid role in the future.
Being seriously injured at work doesn’t mean the end of your career or life as you know it. By making the most of your vocational rehabilitation rights, you may be able to start a new and exciting career.