Vocational Rehabilitation

A workplace injury can change a person’s life in an instant, leaving them uncertain about their future and their ability to earn a living. If an injury prevents a worker from returning to their previous job, they may feel overwhelmed by the prospect of finding new employment or retraining for a different career. Fortunately, Maryland’s workers’ compensation system offers vocational rehabilitation, a benefit designed to help injured workers transition into new roles that accommodate their physical limitations. Vocational rehabilitation provides job training, career counseling, and other crucial support services to help workers regain financial independence and stability. If you face challenges in returning to work after an injury, you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation, and it is in your best interest to talk to an attorney about your options. The skilled Prince George’s County workers' compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., regularly handle claims for injured employees, and we can guide you through the process and help you seek the benefits you deserve.

Vocational rehabilitation is a structured program designed to help injured workers regain their ability to earn an income after a workplace accident. It can include job retraining, educational programs, resume development, and job placement assistance. Vocational rehabilitation aims to enable injured employees to find suitable employment that accommodates any physical restrictions resulting from their injuries.

However, navigating the vocational rehabilitation process can be complex. Some employers or workers' compensation insurers may dispute an employee's need for vocational rehabilitation or attempt to limit the available services. Additionally, transitioning to a new career can be daunting, especially for employees who have spent years in a particular trade or industry. Without proper guidance, injured workers may struggle to receive the benefits they need to secure stable employment. An experienced attorney can advocate on behalf of injured workers to help them receive comprehensive vocational rehabilitation services tailored to their needs.

In Maryland, the process of vocational rehabilitation involves working with a certified vocational rehabilitation counselor who assesses the worker’s functional abilities, employment history, and transferable skills. The counselor may recommend different forms of rehabilitation, such as short-term training programs, formal education, or direct job placement. Ensuring that an injured worker receives the appropriate level of support is critical to their long-term success in a new role.

Under Maryland law, employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are generally eligible for workers' compensation benefits. These benefits include medical treatment, disability benefits, and, when necessary, vocational rehabilitation. Vocational rehabilitation is typically available to employees whose injuries prevent them from returning to their pre-injury jobs but who remain capable of working in some capacity.

The vocational rehabilitation process begins with an assessment to determine the injured worker’s abilities, skills, and potential career paths. Depending on the worker’s needs, they may receive assistance with resume preparation, interview coaching, job search support, and tuition for educational programs or vocational training. In some cases, workers may also be eligible for on-the-job training programs or apprenticeships in a new field. Throughout this process, injured employees are entitled to continued disability replacement benefits while they participate in vocational rehabilitation. Ensuring access to these benefits is crucial for maintaining financial stability during the transition to a new career.

Additionally, Maryland law requires that vocational rehabilitation plans be individualized and developed in good faith to ensure injured workers receive meaningful support. If an insurer denies an injured worker access to vocational rehabilitation or fails to provide appropriate services, the worker may have legal options to appeal these decisions before the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Vocational rehabilitation is vital in helping injured employees rebuild their careers after a workplace injury. If you are struggling to return to work and need assistance with vocational rehabilitation, you should seek legal counsel to protect your rights. The knowledgeable Prince George’s County workers' compensation attorneys at Foran & Foran, P.A., can provide the guidance and advocacy you need to help you seek the full benefits available under Maryland law. We are based in Greenbelt, Maryland, and proudly serve injured workers in Hyattsville, Upper Marlboro, Bowie, La Plata, Waldorf, Rockville, Silver Spring, and throughout Prince George’s County, Charles County, Montgomery County, and across the state of Maryland. To schedule a free and confidential consultation, you can contact us through our online form or call us at (301) 441-2022.