What Is Vocational Rehabilitation in Workers’ Comp Cases?

 Posted on February 19, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Many on-the-job accidents are relatively minor, with injured workers able to return to their previous positions after a recovery period. However, serious injuries can prevent employees from performing the same duties as they did before their accidents. These workers may be able to return to work but in a different position or industry. Some skill sets do not provide very many employment options when there are new disabilities. Training may be necessary to increase job opportunities.

Along with paying for medical expenses and covering part of your lost wages, workers’ compensation could pay for retraining, officially called vocational rehabilitation. Unfortunately, you may face an uphill battle fighting the insurance company for all the benefits you are entitled to. Working with an experienced Kane County, IL workers’ comp attorney can simplify the process and ensure that you receive vocational rehabilitation benefits if they apply to your case.

When Could I Qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits?

Many kinds of workplace accidents and injuries can cause permanent disabilities. For instance, manufacturing workers might become caught in a machine, losing fingers or even an arm. Those workers probably cannot operate machines without the use of both hands. Back injuries sustained by heavy lifting could make tractor-trailer drivers unable to drive for the long hours required. While you may be able to do some type of work to earn an income, your work-related injuries make it impossible to go back to your prior job.

Vocational rehabilitation might include counseling, job training, and schooling. To qualify for these services through workers’ comp benefits:

• Your job duties must have caused your disabling injury.

• That injury must have affected your functioning capacities so severely that your ability to work has been significantly reduced.

• You must show that vocational rehabilitation services could increase your earning potential, help you gain employment, and make it possible for you to maintain a job.

If you think you qualify for these benefits, one of our knowledgeable attorneys can review your case and verify your options.

Why Would the Workers’ Comp Insurance Company Fight My Job Retraining?

Every penny that an insurer pays out on claims is a penny deducted from the company’s profits. Insurers, whether for auto, homeowner’s, workers’ comp, or any other kind of coverage, want to protect their profits at the expense of claimants.

Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company probably will not tell you that you could receive job retraining benefits. They may also try to shortchange your other benefits. Your lawyer knows how these companies operate and how to force them to pay valid claims fairly. If you hope to collect all the benefits you deserve, call us now.

Speak With a Dedicated Aurora, IL Vocational Rehabilitation Lawyer

When a workplace accident threatens your ability to earn a viable income, one of the determined Kane County, IL workers’ comp attorneys at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. can help you pursue vocational rehabilitation benefits. Request your no-cost case review online or by calling us at 630-907-0909 today.