Do I need to attend vocational rehabilitation to get my workers’ compensation benefits?
Unfortunately, some employers and insurance companies hire vocational counselors for the sole purpose of cutting your wage-loss benefits. A poor vocational counselor can make your situation worse by ignoring work restrictions and suggesting demeaning jobs. If it is found that you did not cooperate with a vocational counselor, you could lose your benefits. You may also be sent to a vocational counselor for a “transferable skills analysis” and find that your wage-loss benefits have been cut based upon a job that does not actually exist. This is not vocational rehabilitation, and you should call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer immediately if this happens. If you receive a request to meet with a vocational counselor, contact Pond Lehocky Giordano immediately to determine your rights and obligations.