What can I expect when I meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: At the initial interview, the vocational rehabilitation counselor gathers information about you: your prior work history, prior work skills and education, criminal history, and your general interests. Thereafter, you generally meet at a public place such as a library or restaurant. The counselor will put a resume together for you and give you five …
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What Happens After Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
Once you reach Maximum medical improvement ,your doctor will likely recommend a FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) to establish permanent restrictions. Sometimes, the permanent restrictions can mean a change in employment status. The FCE is a very important test and you need to understand what it is and to be prepared for it. This test can determine necessary impairment ratings, …
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What is a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: A Functional Capacity Evaluation (also referred to as “FCE”) is a detailed series of tests performed by a licensed physical therapist to determine if you have any physical limitations as a result of your injury. The test is quite lengthy, often lasting up to four hours. You will be performing activities and doing tests …
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Can You Get a Cost of Living Adjustment
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: Yes. However, there are two requirements. First, you must be under an open award for temporary total disability benefits with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission on or before July 1 of the year you are seeking the Cost of Living Adjustment, also known as COLA. Second, you must provide documentation from the Social Security …
What if I get paid less after my injury?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: If you have work restrictions of some kind that prevent you from doing the job you were doing before you were hurt and you find that you are earning less than you were earning before your injury (as a result of less hours, a reduced hourly rate, or both) you may be entitled to …
Who is supposed to pay me when I can’t work because of an injury on the job?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: The benefits, including lost wages, are actually paid by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier-not the employer. In some cases, the employer can be self-insured, which means that your employer is paying the benefits. In that situation, the money may be paid by the employer directly or by a company the employer has hired to …
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How do I report my injury?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: There are three ways to report your injury. First, you need to report your injury to your employer. Even if your injury was witnessed by other employees, including your direct supervisor, it is YOUR responsibility to immediately (as soon as you are able) contact your employer to advise them of your work injury and …
How long do I have to report my work injury to my employer?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: You have thirty (30) days after a work injury to notify your employer of the injury. If you have sustained a work injury, it is important to inform your supervisor right away. By waiting, you are putting your worker’s compensation claim or potential workers’ compensation claim and injury(ies) at risk – especially if you need …
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What are my Rights and Responsibilities to pursue a workers’ compensation claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: Under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act, an injured employee is entitled to a potential 500 weeks of lost wages, including temporary total, temporary partial, and permanent partial disability benefits, and payment of medical treatment for as long as the need for the medical treatment is necessary and related to the work injury. In some …
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What is the first step that I should take after a work injury?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
A: You should immediately notify your supervisor about the accident. Even if you do not think you need medical attention, you should still report your injury. Next, you should file a workers’ compensation claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. You can get a copy of the form on this website. After you have reported …
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