Vocational Rehabilitation & Living Maintenance in Ohio

What is Vocational Rehabilitation?

Vocational rehabilitation is a voluntary program that is uniquely tailored to each worker in order to help them return to the workforce.  It can include therapy to adjust to new physical job duties, job search, and training to acquire new skills. To enroll in a vocational rehabilitation program, you will need a referral from yourself, your lawyer, or your doctor. The managed care organization, your doctor, and the vocational rehab case manager will work together to develop a specific vocational program for you.

How Does Vocational Rehabilitation Work?

The BWC, the MCO, and the vocational rehabilitation case manager will work together to develop the best program for the injured worker and coordinate the payment of living maintenance. The role of a vocational rehabilitation program is to help the injured worker return to their former job or to teach the worker new skills that will help them secure a new job with a different employer. 

As vocational rehabilitation programs are designed specifically for each individual worker, there are a variety of services that may be offered. Some of the rehabilitation services might include, but are not limited to:

• Vocational rehabilitation case management
• On-the-job training
• Occupational or physical therapy 
• Work hardening
• Work conditioning
• Transitional work
• Career counseling and guidance
• Job training
• Education
• Job-seeking skills training
• Job placement

What Is Living Maintenance and Living Maintenance Wage Loss in Ohio?

Living Maintenance – While you are participating in a vocational rehabilitation program, you will receive living maintenance compensation, or LM in Ohio workers’ comp terminology. This is paid instead of temporary total compensation and is limited to six months. 

Living Maintenance Wage Loss – You may be eligible for LMWL if you successfully complete a vocational rehabilitation program and return to a new job making less money than before. This is similar to wage loss compensation and is paid at a percentage of the difference between your average weekly wage and your earnings at your new job.

Why Do I Need an Attorney for Vocational Rehabilitation & Living Maintenance?

Having an experienced Ohio workers’ compensation attorney such as Mark L. Newman can help you qualify for vocational rehabilitation and living maintenance compensation. 

Mark L. Newman handles his cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning he only charges a fee for his services if he is successful in getting you compensation. To learn more or schedule a consultation, call (513) 533-2009 or fill out his online intake form today.