Severe workplace injuries can result in permanent impairment which prevents you from returning to your job. In this situation, your Orlando workers comp lawyer will help you apply for vocational rehabilitation benefits.
These services covered by the workers’ compensation system offer you the chance to learn a new job, which is adapted to your reduced physical abilities due to the injury. This gives you the chance to remain active and provide for your family.
Who Is Eligible for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits in Florida?
First of all, let us explain who can benefit from these special job retraining services. The basic conditions are these:
- You suffered a compensable injury under Florida workers’ compensation law.
- The accident causing the injury took place on or after October 1, 1989.
- You hold a United States work permit.
If you meet these requirements, an attorney will help you submit a Request for Screening with the Florida Division of Workers Compensation Reemployment Services. Please note that the application process takes about one hour and involves many steps. It is important to have an experienced lawyer by your side to make sure that you do not make any mistakes.
The Types of Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits You Can Receive
The vocational rehab program aims to help injured workers find a new type of job they can perform and return to the labor market. Thus, the program covers all the necessary aspects that allow injured employees to learn new skills while being able to provide for their families.
You can receive the following vocational rehabilitation services:
- Continued payment of workers comp benefits for 52 weeks, provided that you continue to make academic progress
- Free course materials and tuition services
- Assistance or referrals for getting a job
- Assistive devices and technology to perform the job you retrain to do.
Factors Considered During the Screening Process
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are not guaranteed to every applicant. It is important to have a strong case and include relevant and factually correct information on the Request for Screening.
When you consult with an Orlando workers comp lawyer, they will look over your educational background and employment history to assess the likelihood of getting these benefits.
According to the Florida Department of Workers Compensation (DWC), the factors considered during the screening process are:
- Age
- Education
- Previous occupation
- Work history
- Transferrable skills
- Type of workplace injury
- Average weekly wage at the time of the workplace accident.
How Do Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Help You?
Vocational rehab is not just about getting enrolled in a course paid by workers comp. You will work with a counselor, who will:
- Assess your ability to work
- Help identify jobs you can that would use your previous skills
- Teach you to create a CV and be confident in job interviews
- In some cases, help with job placement after retraining courses.
Call an Orlando Workers Comp Lawyer Today!
Training for a new job and getting wage replacement is a win-win scenario for injured workers who cannot return to their jobs. However, not everyone qualifies for vocational rehabilitation services.
An experienced Orlando workers comp lawyer will assess your chances and help you with the complex application process. We know what the DWC is looking for and what kind of attitude they expect in successful applicants.
As a new client, you benefit from a free case evaluation, so call us today at 954-388-8616!