When you process a successful worker's compensation claim, rehabilitation benefits should be part of your benefits package. Rehabilitation benefits are meant to get you ready for work and help you find the best job you can do despite your injury. This is necessary because your recovery may not be one-hundred percent; your injuries may leave some lingering problems. Here are some of the rehabilitation benefits to expect.

Transferable Skills Analysis

Transferable skills analysis (TSA) involves scrutinizing a person's skills and level of functioning to identify jobs they can do with no training or with just a little training. An injured employee with transferable skills is likely to start earning much sooner than a comparable employee who needs full retraining before they can do any other job.

For example, if you are an injured driver with many years experience, driving isn't the only thing you can do. You may just need a little training to become a driving instructor if you have a high-school diploma (prerequisite for driver's instructor training and licensure).  

Wage-Assessment Evaluation

Just like the title suggests, this vocational rehabilitation service involves the determination of an injured worker's current wage-earning capacity. The determination takes into account different factors, such as your level of education, professional qualifications, licenses, and experience. That way, you get to know how much you can earn if you try your hand at any of the jobs available in your area. Your benefits are then adjusted taking into consideration your pre-injury earnings and how much you can earn now. Your wage-replacement benefits are likely to be reduced in line with your wage-earning capacity.

Ergonomics Assessment

This involves analyzing an injured worker's workstation to ensure they can perform at an optimal level without further injuries and at maximum productivity. The assessment is carried out by professionals such as physiotherapists and occupational therapists. They analyze your posture, work demands, workplace design, lighting, and any other factors that may have a bearing on your work.

For example, if you used to work standing up, and you hurt your leg in an accident, you may find it difficult to continue with your pre-injury routine. If an ergonomic assessment confirms that, you are entitled to a redesigned workplace (if it's possible), which will accommodate your working while sitting.

Therefore, don't just content yourself with the conventional benefits such as wage replacement and medical benefits. Pursue your rehabilitation benefits aggressively; your life may depend on them in the long run. Engage a worker's compensation benefits attorney, such as one from the Law Offices of Terry Katz & Associates, to help you.