Exploring Career Options After a Serious Workplace Injury in Chicago

A workplace injury in Chicago is often a life-altering event – but it does not always represent the end of your career. Regardless of your situation, it may be possible to explore alternative career paths – allowing you to continue earning income and contributing to the American economy. The workers’ compensation program provides certain benefits for those who want to continue their careers despite their injuries. A lawyer may be able to help you explore some of these benefits.

Understanding Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits in a Workers’ Comp Claim 

Most workers are familiar with the main benefits of workers’ compensation claims: Compensation for lost income and medical expenses. However, it makes sense to explore all of the various benefits you might be entitled to – including vocational rehabilitation.

The word “vocational” means “work-related,” so vocational rehabilitation refers to the process of helping you get back into the job market despite your injuries. For example, you might need to undergo training or gain new certifications in order to apply for certain positions.

The classic example is a transition from a labor-intensive job to a more administrative role. You might have worked as a construction laborer before your accident, but your injury might make a desk job more suitable in the future.

If you file a successful workers’ compensation claim, vocational rehabilitation could be free. In other words, your claim could pay for all of your training and certifications.

Vocational Rehabilitation Is Not Automatic 

Workers should know that they do not automatically gain access to free vocational rehabilitation through their workers’ comp claims. First, they must prove that this additional training would actually be beneficial. Next, they must establish that they have already made a genuine effort to find alternative work – and that this job search was unsuccessful.

An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to help you prove that you need vocational rehabilitation – and that all previous job searches were unsuccessful. You should expect some resistance from your employer and their insurer, as the cost of vocational rehabilitation can be quite high. However, you have every right to ask for this benefit.

Vocational Rehabilitation vs. Never Working Again 

Some workers may wonder whether they should pursue vocational rehabilitation or simply hang up their work boots permanently. Ultimately, this is a decision that each worker must make based on their own specific circumstances. Some injuries are so debilitating that virtually any career becomes impossible. Others are determined to work again, if not for money then for a sense of purpose in their lives.

Can a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help Me Continue With My Career? 

Vocational rehabilitation is a workers’ compensation benefit in Chicago that is often overlooked. Even if you stand to recover a considerable settlement through your workers’ comp claim, it may still be worth continuing with your career. A job provides a sense of purpose and satisfaction – and it may allow you to maintain your previous standard of living. Speak with the Chicago workers’ compensation lawyers at Connolly Injury Law today – and learn how to maximize your workers’ compensation benefits.

Source: 

dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=29737