What if I can never return to work because of my injury?

If you can not go back to work because of the injuries you suffered at work, your employer’s insurer should pay for the cost of your receipt of vocational rehabilitation therapy. If vocational rehabilitation therapy does not result in your return to work, you may have a right to receive permanent disability benefits.

In the event you are unable to completely recover from your injury or illness, you may have to accept “light duty” or diminished responsibilities at your prior workplace. In this scenario, workers’ compensation benefits should compensate you for some of the difference between the pay of your new job and your previous position. If you are never able to return to work, you should receive permanent total disability wage-replacement benefits.