Vocational Rehabilitation and Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Florida

Some work injuries and occupational illnesses in Florida prevent a return to gainful employment. In other cases, workers can return to different jobs, that pay less, because of their injuries. What many Florida workers don’t know is that part of workers’ compensation benefits in Florida offer help with employment transition.

At Flaxman Law Group, we help injured workers seek their rightful vocational rehabilitation and workers’ compensation benefits in Florida. Our father-son attorney team and our family law firm have over 60 years of combined experience helping individuals like you. If you’ve been injured in workplace incident or have been diagnosed with an occupational illness, contact us for a free accident consultation with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer. Our offices in Miami, Homestead, and Hollywood are here for you.

Before 2011, injured workers could turn to the Bureau of Rehabilitation and Re-employment Services to get help if they couldn’t return to their previous job due to an injury. In 2012, however, Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a bill that abolished this support.

Instead, injured workers who need help entering the workforce or getting a new type of employment can now turn to the Re-employment Services Program, which is part of the Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation (itself a division of the Department of Financial Services).

To apply for these benefits, injured workers apply online. Staff at the Reemployment Services Program then complete a vocational assessment with the worker to determine what supports the worker may qualify for. A fuller vocational evaluation may also be required.

Once staff have the information they need, they determine a plan to help the injured worker return to gainful re-employment. Depending on the injury and the specific situation, the following services may be offered through the program:

• Vocational counseling, which can help workers develop a plan for re-entering the workforce or changing careers, depending on their skills and abilities
• Skills training and education, which can give a worker the qualifications they need for a new job
• Help with resume writing, to help individuals stand out among applicants in the job market
• Job search assistance, including suggestions on where and how to look for a new job
• Ongoing counseling, education, training and other services, as needed

Many injured workers don’t even know vocational rehabilitation services are available in Florida. In addition, many workers aren’t sure what benefits they may qualify for or how much they should get for their injury. This can put them at a disadvantage when it’s time to apply for benefits and negotiate with insurance companies.

For all these reasons, it can be a good idea to speak with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer. An attorney can explain what workers’ compensation benefits you qualify for, how much your benefits should be, and may be able to negotiate with insurers and seek the best benefits for you.

At Flaxman Law Group, we understand that many injured workers are hesitant to reach out to a lawyer. That’s why we offer a free, confidential, no obligation consultation to every injured worker. If you’re injured, just call 866-352-9626 or contact us online for your no-cost, no obligation consultation with a Florida workers’ compensation lawyer at our offices in Miami, Homestead, or Hollywood.

Being injured at work is scary enough. It’s even more intimidating to realize you need to find a new job or career because of your injury. Luckily, you don’t have to go through this alone. Contact Flaxman Law Group to talk about what benefits you may qualify for.