You were hurt on the job — or you developed a work-related illness — and it pushed you out of work. More than anything, you’d rather get back to work and earning a regular income.
In addition to medical coverage for your injury and payments for lost wages, Washington State’s workers’ compensation system also could provide help returning to your old job or retraining for a new one.
This comes in the form of vocational benefits from the Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).
L&I could assign a vocational counselor to work with you, your employer and your health care provider on a return-to-work plan.
But be careful. The vocational counselor doesn’t work for you. Don’t let the system force you off other benefits prematurely because you could qualify for a much lower-paying job.
To make sure you get the maximum services you’ve earned under Washington workers’ comp, work with an experienced attorney.
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Vocational counselors look at your situation and consider these questions:
If your employer can provide adjustments for your health limitations, you could go back to work. But if your injury makes it impossible to return, a vocational counselor will try to match your experience, age, skills, and physical and mental capabilities to other jobs in your area.
The vocational counselor advises your claim manager:
Not all injured workers get assigned a vocational counselor.
You already have the challenge of trying to heal from your injury. It’s easy to see how a worker’s comp case can add complications to your life.
At Bothwell & Hamill, we don’t charge anything for you to talk to us about your case so we can figure out what’s best for you.
Get all the information you need to make the best decisions about your health — and your future.
Vocational benefits may include retraining, possibly including covering costs for additional schooling or a technical program.
But workers’ comp benefits, including vocational benefits, are NOT guaranteed.
Injured workers often are denied benefits or get less than they should.
You have the right to protest decisions L&I makes regarding your employability or your vocational plan.
An attorney from Bothwell & Hamill can explain the state’s workers’ comp system and its requirements to you, including the deadlines you must meet to protest decisions.
Tim Hamill works hard for his clients. And he treats them with dignity and respect
He knows how important this can be for you and your family.
Get Help Now! »You might have a lot of questions. Bothwell & Hamill has answers.
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Tim Hamill has been my attorney for about five years. His staff and assistant Rebecca have made it possible for me to be eligible for retraining and pursue a goal that interests me.”
