When you get hurt at work in Los Angeles, it can change your life. A bad injury might stop you from doing your old job. You may worry about paying bills or finding new work. That’s where a vocational evaluation comes in. It’s a process used in workers’ compensation claims to figure out what kind of work you can still do. This blog post explains what a vocational evaluation is, how it works, and why it matters for your claim. We’ll also talk about why having a lawyer can help you through this.
What Is a Vocational Evaluation?
A vocational evaluation is a test to see how your injury affects your ability to work. It looks at your skills, education, and physical or mental limits. The goal is to find out if you can go back to your old job or if you need a new kind of work. It also checks your “earning capacity,” which means how much money you can make after your injury compared to before. For example, if you were a construction worker but can’t lift heavy things anymore, the evaluation might suggest a desk job.
Vocational experts do these evaluations. They’re trained people who know about jobs and disabilities. Sometimes, insurance companies hire them to try to pay less on your claim. Other times, your lawyer might hire one to make sure your side is heard. These evaluations are important because they can decide how much money you get from workers’ compensation.
What Happens During a Vocational Evaluation?
A vocational evaluation has a few steps. First, the expert talks to you. They ask about your job history, like what you did before and what skills you have. They might ask about your education, too. For instance, if you have a high school diploma or took college classes, they’ll want to know. They also ask about your injury, like how it feels and what you can’t do anymore.
Next, the expert looks at your medical records. These show what your doctor says about your injury and any treatments, like surgery or physical therapy. They might check what medicines you take, too. Sometimes, they use tests to see what you can do physically or mentally. For example, they might test how much weight you can lift or how long you can focus on a task.
The expert then writes a report. This report says what jobs you might be able to do and how much you could earn. It’s shared with the insurance company, your lawyer, and sometimes a judge. Anything you say or do during the evaluation can affect your claim, so it’s smart to be honest but careful.
What Happens After a Vocational Evaluation?
After the evaluation, the expert’s report can change your workers’ compensation claim. If it says you can work in a new job, you might get a vocational rehabilitation plan. This plan could include training for a new career, like learning to use computers if you can’t do physical work anymore. If the report says you can’t work at all, you might get more benefits, like permanent disability payments.
But the report can also hurt your claim. Insurance companies might use it to say you can work when you really can’t. That’s why it’s important to follow your doctor’s orders, like going to appointments and taking your medicine. If you skip these, the insurance company might say you’re not trying to get better, which can lower your benefits.
In California, you have rights. You can ask another expert to review the evaluation if you think it’s wrong. The report isn’t private, so everyone involved in your claim can see it. That’s another reason to have a lawyer who can check the report and fight for you if it’s not fair.
Why Should You Get a Lawyer for a Vocational Evaluation?
Going through a vocational evaluation can be confusing. The expert might seem friendly, but they often work for the insurance company. Their job is to save the company money, not to help you. A lawyer can make sure your rights are protected. They can prepare you for the evaluation, like telling you what to say or avoid. They can also challenge a report that’s unfair or wrong.
For example, if the report says you can do a job that’s too hard for your injury, a lawyer can argue against it. They might bring in their own expert to do another evaluation. Having a lawyer also shows the insurance company you’re serious about getting the benefits you deserve. This can make them more likely to offer a fair settlement.
A vocational evaluation can decide how much money you get to cover your bills and support your family. Without a lawyer, you might miss out on benefits you’re owed. A good lawyer knows California workers’ compensation laws and can guide you every step of the way.
Call Hinden & Breslavsky for Help Today
If you’re hurt at work and facing a vocational evaluation, don’t go through it alone. The process can be tricky, and insurance companies often try to pay less than you deserve. Our workers’ comp attorneys at Hinden & Breslavsky in Los Angeles, we’re here to fight for your rights. Call us at (323) 954-1800 to talk about your case. We’ll help you understand your options and work to get you the benefits you need to move forward. Don’t wait, reach out today!