How Does Work Injury Rehabilitation Work?

If you have been injured at work, the process of getting better can seem complicated. Where do you start? What costs can be covered? How long will recovery take? These are all questions that depend on your injury and your company’s compensation options, but we can get you started and help you decide how to proceed.

Worker’s compensation is a type of insurance that covers employee care after an illness or injury that arises from the job itself. The program is mandated by the state and therefore varies based on the rules established by each individual state requiring an employer to acquire this type of insurance. Those rules determine whether an employee receives medical care and wages while they are unable to work. Employees may also receive benefits if they are permanently disabled.

The benefits available to you after a work-related injury depend on the nature of the injury, state requirements, and the benefits provided by your employer’s policy. In many cases, worker’s compensation includes vocational rehabilitation and physical therapy. States vary how providers are assigned to the case, so you need to check with your employer to determine if you can choose your own provider or if you must make a formal request to choose for yourself.

In order to receive worker’s compensation, you must report your injury to your employer, and you may need to submit a specific form. You must do this within a certain period of time or you may lose your right to benefits. Likewise, your employer is required to provide fact sheets or other material that explains your benefits and rights. Once you have read all the materials and filled out the appropriate paperwork, the claim will be sent to the insurer and will be either approved or denied.

Once your claim has been approved, you can begin your rehabilitation program. You are required to notify your employer and the insurer when you have fully recovered and return to work. Some programs will continue to pay disability compensation depending on the nature and severity of the injury.

If you have been injured on the job, our team at Move Better has the experience to help you understand your benefits and design a therapy program that will get you back to work as quickly as possible. Contact Move Better Physical Therapy or call us at 434-817-0980 to find out if we can help you!