Vocational rehabilitation is the process of assisting an injured victim with healing from their injuries so that they could return to work. In a worker’s compensation claim, the claimant and the insurance company representing the defendant may hire vocational rehabilitation experts to determine what jobs the injured person can and cannot do. The vocational rehabilitation expert from either party will examine the work restrictions and impairments given by a doctor to determine what, if any, jobs the injured worker can do.
For more insight regarding vocational rehabilitation in North Charleston workers comp cases, get in touch with a knowledgeable attorney today.
What is the Main Goal of Vocational Rehabilitation?
The purpose of vocational rehabilitation is to offer the injured worker new skills that will allow them to perform work different from the job they are no longer able to do as result of their injuries. Although there is no official vocational rehabilitation that is offered by the Workers’ Compensation Act or awarded by the Workers’ Compensation Commission, injured victims unable to return to their regular jobs should get in touch with a vocational rehabilitation agency for help with developing new skills that would be transferrable to a different field.
Who is Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Services in North Charleston?
There is no qualification system for vocational rehabilitation since it is not provided by the State of North Carolina. However, individuals wishing to benefit from this type of rehabilitation could reach out to a vocational rehabilitation agency. The service is relatively inexpensive, and there is not even a requirement of being injured to receive vocational rehabilitation. As a result, individuals just trying to find a job and develop new skills could participate in this program.
The only group who should not apply for vocational rehabilitation is individuals who fall under the Longshore Act when they get injured. This would include crane workers, crane repairment, bridge or dock workers, etc. There is a robust vocational rehabilitation plan in this act that injured longshore workers can apply for.
Are there Certain Situations Where Individuals Cannot Receive these Services?
Individuals who may not be able to utilize this service or people who may not have the proper mental capacity to undergo the program. In other cases, victims too injured may not be able to participate. For example, if someone cannot sit in a chair for five to 10 mins, they are likely not going to be retrained since they may not be able to stand up and walk without being in some type of excruciating pain. As a result, they may have to wait until they are a bit more healed to begin the programs offered by this service.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you have been injured on the job and are finding it difficult to return to your job in the future, consider speaking with an attorney about vocational rehabilitation in North Charleston workers’ comp cases. A lawyer could provide you with information about the different agencies that offer this type of service and how your insurance could potentially pay for it. To learn more, schedule a consultation today.
