A serious workplace injury doesn’t just affect your health—it can disrupt your entire way of life. At The Law Office of Stephen C. Gaubert, we’ve helped injured workers across Louisiana understand and protect their rights after an on-the-job injury. One of the most important—and often misunderstood—aspects of the workers’ compensation system is vocational rehabilitation.
If you can’t return to your old job due to your injury, vocational rehab may be your path to a new career, a steady income, and a more secure future.
What Is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation refers to services that help injured workers return to the workforce when they’re unable to resume their previous duties. This may include:
- Job search assistance and placement
- Retraining or new skill development
- Career counseling or vocational assessments
- On-the-job training
- Educational support, if needed
The goal is to get you back into suitable employment—a job that fits your physical limitations and is appropriate for your background, skills, and experience.
How It Works in Louisiana
Under Louisiana law (La. R.S. 23:1226), if you can’t return to your previous position, your employer (or their insurance company) is required to provide vocational rehabilitation services. The typical process involves:
- Initial Assessment: A vocational rehabilitation counselor evaluates your capabilities and work history.
- Plan Creation: A return-to-work plan is developed, which could involve retraining or job placement.
- Implementation: You begin job searching or training under the counselor’s guidance.
- Job Offer (When Possible): Sometimes your employer may offer you a modified or alternative job that meets your restrictions.
Know Your Rights
While you’re required to participate in the vocational rehab process, that doesn’t mean you have to accept a plan that’s unfair or unreasonable. We’ve seen insurance companies push injured workers toward jobs that are far below their skill level—or worse, physically inappropriate—just to cut costs.
If that happens, you have the right to push back, and we can help you do it the right way.
Why Legal Help Matters
Vocational rehabilitation often becomes a battleground in workers’ comp claims. At The Law Office of Stephen C. Gaubert, we help clients throughout Lafayette and the surrounding areas protect their rights during every stage of the process. We advocate for fair rehabilitation plans, appropriate job placements, and, when necessary, fight back against attempts to limit or cut off your benefits.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured at work and are unsure about your vocational rehab plan—or if something about the process just doesn’t feel right—let’s talk. We offer free consultations and are here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call us at (337) 354-3000
💻 Visit www.GaubertLaw.com
📍 Serving Lafayette, Acadiana, and workers across Louisiana
