Hurt at work? Know your right to certain types of rehabilitation.
Work accidents can leave victims with a host of complex and painful injuries. For some Nebraska workers, it is possible to recover and return to work after a certain amount of time and proper medical care. However, it may not be so easy for you. You may find that because of your injuries and new limitations, you are unable to return to the same job as you had before your accident.
If you cannot go back to your old job, you have certain options. You still have the right to earn a living and support your family, but you may have to make some adjustments. One of your worker’s compensation benefits could be vocational retraining, which could help you find alternate employment.
What does vocational rehabilitation mean?
In some cases, you may be able to return to your old job, even with accommodations, after a certain amount of rehabilitation. In this case, you would be entitled to this specific type of medical care to get you back on your feet.
In other serious instances, the nature of your injury will not allow you to do the same job, and you may need physical and educational support to find alternate employment. You have the right to this type of rehabilitation as well.
Ways that rehabilitation can help you
The specific type of vocational retraining or rehabilitation to which you could be entitled depends largely on the nature of your individual situation and the type of injury you suffered. Workers may be able to get help with the following:
- Testing and analysis of job skills
- Job search assistance
- On-the-job training
- Interview skills assistance
- Wage assessments
- Ergonomic assessments
- Accommodation assistance
- Tuition for additional education
- Medical case management
You would be wise to reach out for help as soon as possible after a work accident. This can help ensure you get the help you need for the claims process, allowing you to fight for the specific types of care you deserve.
Walking the road to recovery
Your recovery after a work accident may be complex and fraught with challenges. You do not have to walk through this process alone, but you may seek support and guidance for every step. Whether you need a certain type of medical care to recover, replacement of your lost wages or help getting a new job, you have the right to know your options.
Post-injury limitations and complications do not have to hold you back from working, supporting yourself and holding meaningful employment, even after a serious work accident.