Chicago Vocational Rehabilitation Attorneys

When an employee is injured in the scope of their employment and is later deemed unable to return to their regular job position, vocational rehabilitation benefits should become available to them. For example, if someone working in the construction industry fell and injured their back, then it would be unsafe to have them return to construction work, which is known to be physically grueling. Vocational rehabilitation benefits could help that injured construction worker find a sedentary job, like office work, be it with the construction company or a different employer altogether.

In Illinois, vocational rehabilitation usually includes or pays for:

• Job counseling: An injured worker can gain access to job counseling services from a certified job counselor, who can help teach the worker about interviewing, resume creation, professional networking, and so on.
• Job searches: To make finding a job less stressful for the injured worker, vocational rehabilitation benefits often include access to a professional job search program, site, and/or network.
• Training: If working in a new position would require further training, then the worker should be provided the necessary training courses at no cost to them. In most cases, training courses are provided free of charge, with the costs being covered beforehand by the employer’s insurer.
• Education: Arguably one of the best benefits of vocational rehabilitation, education costs can be covered if continued schooling is necessary for the injured worker to start a new career. The educational courses should be from an accredited institution, which is usually on a shortlist of options that have been pre-approved by the insurance company.

Additionally, injured workers can sometimes be paid a form of wage replacement benefit while attending training courses or schooling as part of vocational rehabilitation. This benefit will be similar to temporary total disability payments, which are equal to 66.67% of the worker’s average weekly pre-injury wages.

Getting approved for vocational rehabilitation shouldn't take long once you have recovered from your injuries as much as possible. Once your doctor clears you to begin pursuing vocational rehab, you can reach out to your employer or have your attorney reach out on your behalf and request this benefit.

This evaluation may also be referred to as an "Earning Power Assessment." This is a meeting in which an expert will attempt to find you a job within your realm of skillsets while still keeping in mind the limitations that your injury presents. If you wish, you can have your workers' comp attorney present at this meeting to ensure that your interests are fully represented.

The length of your rehabilitation training will vary depending on several factors:

• The type of program or training you are receiving
• Whether you are being placed with your previous employer or with a new employer