When Iowa workers experience injuries in the workplace, they may experience both financial losses and physical setbacks. If you are currently unable to work, your goal is likely to get better and get back to work as soon as possible. Fortunately, there are tools available to you through workers’ compensation insurance that can help you accomplish this goal.
Workers’ compensation exists for the purpose of supporting workers who suffer injuries in the workplace or while carrying out their job-related duties. These benefits include recovery of a portion of lost wages, recovery of medical bills, as well as benefits that can help you get back to work.
What is vocational rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation benefits are available to you if you cannot return to the same job or will have trouble adjusting back to your job duties after time away due to a work accident. The specific benefits you could receive depend largely on the nature of your injuries and your physical limitations. Vocational rehabilitation benefits can include the following:
- Training for a new position or adjusting to changes in your old role
- Resume support and application help if you need a new job
- Interview preparation and wage analysis help
- Tuition for continued education you may need
- Counseling and ergonomic assessments
- Accommodation assistance if you will be returning to work with a disability
These are just some of the ways you could receive support after your workplace accident. You may be dealing with physical ramifications and issues after your accident, but that does not preclude you from holding a job and having a successful career after taking time off for recovery.
If you need to file a workers’ compensation claim, it may be beneficial to seek an understanding of the benefits you may be entitled to and how you can secure what you need for your future, which may include vocational retraining and rehabilitation.
Your right to recovery
The road to recovery after a workplace accident can be long and arduous. You may feel overwhelmed by your financial losses and the physical ramifications of your accident, but you do not have to walk through the aftermath alone.
Many injured workers like yourself find it helpful to seek a complete evaluation of their cases before they file a workers’ compensation claim. You may also benefit from an explanation of your rights and the best way to ensure you get the full amount of support you need for your full recovery.