Workers’ Compensation “Reform” and Vocational Rehabilitation

Recent news articles suggest that several states are in the throes of workers’ compensation reform, with legislators attempting to create a business-friendly environment in their state—on the backs of injured workers.

The main focus of any workers’ compensation system should be to restore the earning capacity that a worker held before suffering a work injury.

One victim of these efforts at workers’ compensation reform is the reduction or evisceration of vocational rehabilitation.

The main focus of any workers’ compensation system should be to restore the earning capacity that a worker held before suffering a work injury. As a public policy, the hope is that an injured worker – after reaching their healing plateau – can return to their time of injury employer, earning similar wages. Continue reading »

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