What are the vocational rehabilitation benefits in worker’s comp?

Often times injured workers are prevented from rejoining a field of work that they used to do. Fortunately this does not mean that they will not be able to obtain another type of employment. For the most part, injured workers can receive assistance and find a new line of work through a process known as vocational rehabilitation and Tupelo, Mississippi worker’s compensation lawyers can help you make this happen and Richard Schwartz is one of the best in the business.

Once in a while you meet someone someone who is a jack of all trades. In this case it is Richard Schwartz. His trade is the legal field. He knows everything from truck accidents to worker's compensation. If you need a Tupelo, MS worker's compensation lawyer, his firm is the go to source. He knows this field and has the resources to find out anything he does know on the top of his head. If you have been hurt on the job or even off of it, you may be entitled to worker's comp. Time to find out. You have been paying into it after all. Richard Schwartz and his team can be found right here: https://www.1call.ms/.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?

There are numerous agencies which help workers find an alternate source of employment. They provide support such as skill evaluation, training, career counseling, resume writing, and finally help them with job placement. They can help you set up a LinkedIn page and even a Facebook account which can help you network and meat new people. Their principal aim is to arm a worker with the necessary expertise so that he/she can pursue a different field of work and make a worthy living.

Once a worker agrees to participate in a rehabilitation program he/she will be asked to meet with a rehabilitation counselor who will design a rehabilitation plan. In some cases, the counselor may simply have to redesign the workstation and Tupelo, MS worker’s compensation attorneys such as Richard Schwartz can help you in this pursuit. For example, if a worker has lost an arm in an accident on the job then he or she might need a different type of telephone or keyboard to be able to work.

However, if the worker has suffered from a serious impairment following a workplace accident and needs to be reinstated in a completely different kind of job then this is a much more complicated and lengthy process. The counselor will have to find a different skill set for the worker, provide him/her with the training and help him get a job.

Ways to receive vocational rehabilitation benefits

If you are unable to return to your original job due to permanent impairment you are eligible for vocational rehabilitation. You will receive a specific sum in your worker’s compensation package which you are expected to spend on your rehabilitation program. This is not money for a new paint job for your car unless that is job related. This is not money to spend on restaurants every night unless that too is work related. 

However, to receive the benefits you will have to get an approval from your insurance company and the worker compensation board. If they deny you a good rehabilitation program package you ought to consult a legal representative for assistance. Your legal professional, such as Richard Schwartz, will be in the best position to evaluate your case and suggest possible options.

In some states, if you have suffered a disability of more than 50%, you must participate in rehabilitation program. You will be financially penalized if you fail to do so and your weekly worker’s compensation package will be cut by about 15%.  

How do you get rehab benefits?

Each state has its own set of rules. In many states workers are given vouchers which they can use to enroll in state-sponsored rehabilitation programs. Often the rehabilitation service provider will directly bill the insurance company, so you do not have to pay anything. Sometimes the compensation package you receive from the insurance company includes an amount for your rehab. Some states offer such assistance for two to three years while other states offer assistance as long as the counselor deems it necessary.

No one said this is easy, if you have any questions about this process you need legal help and this is where Richard Schwartz (https://www.1call.ms/) should enter the picture. He is the best Tupelo, Mississippi worker’s compensation lawyer around.