Vocational Rehabilitation: Your legal right under workers comp

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You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and we pride ourselves on providing you with care, trust, and responsiveness.

Michigan workers comp lawyer explains how vocational rehabilitation can be used against you and how to make sure that your legal rights are protected.

We find that our clients have better outcomes if they can return to work after an injury.  This is because wages earned over a lifetime will be more than what workers compensation will ultimately pay.  It has been our experience that a successful return to work also helps reduce stress and restores a normal life.

What is vocational rehabilitation under workers comp in Michigan?

You may find yourself incapable of doing your past work because of permanent medical restrictions.  Your employer is required to provide vocational rehabilitation to help you get back to gainful employment.

You are allowed a maximum of two years of vocational rehabilitation under workers comp. Vocational rehabilitation could include tuition reimbursement or retraining for another job.

Your employer and its insurance company have an incentive to help you with retraining and job placement because it reduces the total amount of wage loss benefits paid.  If you find a lesser paying job, workers comp must pay the difference.  Don’t let the insurance company tell you otherwise!

Disputes often arise as to what vocational rehabilitation is needed.

You may want to go to college and begin a new career.  The insurance company may  want you to just accept any job so that wage loss benefits can be stopped.  Talk to an experienced workers comp lawyer to learn about all of your options under workers comp.

Some insurance companies use vocational rehabilitation to reduce or stop wage loss benefits instead of trying to help you get back to work.

A vocational rehabilitation counselor may be hired to help with retraining and job placement.  A vocational rehabilitation counselor can make your situation worse by ignoring medical restrictions and by suggesting demeaning jobs.  If it is found that you did not cooperate with a vocational rehabilitation counselor, you can lose wage loss benefits.

Vocational rehabilitation counselors are sometimes hired by insurance companies for the sole purpose of cutting your workers comp benefits.  This is based upon a recent Michigan Supreme Court case called Stokes v. Chrysler.  You may find that your workers comp benefits have been reduced or stopped based upon a job that does not truly exist.

You can have a lawyer present during any meeting with a vocational rehabilitation counselor.

Don’t let your employer or the insurance company trample on your legal rights.  An experienced workers comp attorney can intervene if a vocational rehabilitation counselor does not have your best interest at heart.

You can also trade away the value of vocational rehabilitation as part of a workers comp settlement. This allows you to get a lump sum payment and do your own retraining or rehabilitation. 

We are happy to discuss all of your options under workers compensation. Call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation today.

Alex Berman is the founder of the law firm. He’s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 30 years.  Alex has helped countless people get workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to review a case.

Related Information:

What are the Michigan workers compensation benefits?

You can afford a great workers compensation lawyer

02/01/2011
Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

Hundreds of 5-Star Reviews

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.