If you were injured in a workplace accident or suffered an occupational disease, it is important to understand the Workers’ Compensation benefits that may be available to you through Washington State’s Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Among the benefits to which you may be entitled include vocational rehabilitation services. This program helps injured workers acquire new employment skills so they can reenter the workforce at a physically appropriate job.

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation services may be available to injured workers in Washington. The objective is to help workers who have been hurt on the job obtain the training they need to become employable again and return to work.

Vocational training can involve schooling and on-the-job training to learn new skills for a period of up to two years. Costs provided by L&I can include expenses related to books, tuition, equipment, tools, childcare, and other necessary expenses.

Once you have been approved for vocational rehabilitation services and retraining, it is essential that you cooperate with the program. Your time loss benefits will continue while you participate in the plan and terminate upon completion.

How Do You Qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation Services?

If your doctor determines that the effects of your work-related injury or illness prevent you from working, the Department of Labor and Industries (or self-insured employer) will hire a private vocational counselor to assess your ability to work in the future.

Importantly, in order to receive vocational retraining you must be physically incapable of returning to all positions that you performed at any point in the past. For instance, if you can return to some form of work — even if the pay is substantially lower than that which you were earning at the time you were injured — you would not be eligible for vocational retraining.

Disputing an Unfavorable Decision Regarding Vocational Benefits

In the event you receive an unfavorable decision regarding your eligibility for vocational rehabilitation services, you may challenge it through either a dispute, protest, or appeal. Typically, you would need to file a written protest within 15 days to challenge L&I’s determination, however an appeal may be filed with the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals.

Navigating L&I’s vocational rehabilitation services can be complex. It is vital to have an experienced Washington Workers’ Compensation attorney by your side who can guide you every step of the way. The Bellingham Workers’ Compensation attorneys at Robinson & Kole provide trusted representation to injured workers throughout Washington State and strive to obtain the best possible results in each case.

We welcome you to contact us for a free consultation by calling 360-671-8112 or by using our online contact form. Se habla Español.