Employee Rights To Wage Replacement And Vocational Rehabilitation

A vital safety net for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job, workers compensation offers a range of support. In Baltimore, as in other areas, employees have rights to medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation if they are hurt on the job. To learn what financial compensation could be possible for you as you recover from an on-the-job injury, connect with a Baltimore personal injury lawyer.

Rights to Treatment, Salary Loss, and More 

When an employee is hurt at work, they have the right to receive appropriate medical treatment under workers’ compensation, including doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medications, and physical therapy. The goal is to ensure an employee receives the treatment necessary to heal without financial burden.

In addition to medical treatment, workers’ compensation provides wage replacement benefits to employees who are unable to work due to their injury. There are Temporary Total Disability (TTD), Temporary Partial Disability (TPD), and Permanent Disability benefits depending on the severity of an impairment and its impact on an individual’s earning capacity.

There could also be the possibility of assessing vocational rehabilitation services If your injury affects your ability to perform your previous job or work in your previous field. These services could include one or more of the following.

• Vocational counseling. A vocational counselor can help assess your skills, interests, and abilities to determine suitable career options that accommodate your injury. This may involve career testing and personalized advice on job searching and training.
• Job training and education. Workers’ compensation may cover the costs of retraining or further education necessary for you to qualify for new types of employment. This can include vocational courses, certifications, or specialized training programs.
• Placement assistance. Vocational rehabilitation services often include job placement assistance to help you find new employment opportunities that match your skills and physical capabilities. This support can be crucial in securing a new job and transitioning successfully into a different role.
• Workplace modifications. If you are able to return to your previous employer but require modifications to your workplace or job duties due to your injury, workers’ compensation may assist in implementing these changes to accommodate your needs.

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complex and challenging, but there are professionals who have experience on how to build a successful claim and assist you each step of the way.

Guiding You Through the Claims Process

A Baltimore personal injury lawyer will ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and submitted on time. Then, if you encounter issues with denied claims or disputes over the extent of your benefits, your attorney can advocate on your behalf to resolve issues. Seasoned legal teams are familiar with how to fight for a full settlement amount, and will negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your benefits.

Has a work injury upended your financial life? Employees in Baltimore who are injured on the job have protected rights to medical treatment, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP can help if you face challenges with your workers’ comp claim. Contact us to book a confidential appointment.