When you experience an injury at work, it is much more than just a painful inconvenience. Some Georgia workers experience serious injuries to the extent where they require an extensive recovery, and even then, they may not be able to return to the same job they had before. If you find yourself in this position, you may need to know about the options available to you.
After a work accident or the onset of an occupational illness, you have the right to seek benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. Through your employer’s insurance, you can seek financial support to cover the cost of your medical bills, lost wages and more. You also may be able to secure help with vocational rehabilitation.
What are these benefits?
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are for the support of workers who are unable to return to the same job after a work accident. If your injuries are such that they will preclude you from doing the same work you did before, you will find it beneficial to learn more about this specific type of help you can seek. Through your workers’ compensation claim, you can not only get what you need to recover your medical expenses but also what you need to get back to work.
Vocational benefits vary, and the specific type of help you may be able to get depends on the nature of your injuries, what type of work you may be able to do and more. These benefits may include the following:
- On-the-job training for new types of work
- Help with resume preparation and interview skills
- Assistance with your job search
- Ergonomic assessments
- Survey of the labor market
- Help with additional educational needs, such as tuition
- Wage assessments
These are just some of the ways that you can get support and guidance as you move toward re-entering the workforce. It can be daunting to return to work after a serious injury and lengthy recovery, especially if you have to find a new job or make significant adjustments to how you do your job. You do not have to endure this process alone.
Help getting the benefits you need
Even with a valid work injury, it is not always easy to get the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits you need. You have the right to fight for what you need to get better and move forward, including maximizing your claim by securing vocational rehabilitation assistance.
