Retraining: When To Shift The Goal Posts?

During the recovery period, the patient, doctor, employer, insurer and rehabilitation provider need to agree on a rehabilitation goal. That is, to determine whether the patient is likely to return to their previous occupation or whether, as a result of the injury, there may be some permanent restrictions, which would prevent them from returning to that occupation. In the setting of permanent restrictions, a decision may be made that retraining for an alternative occupation is required. There are avenues to access funding for retraining through the workers’ compensation scheme.

You are best positioned to understand what jobs you would like to be doing in the longer term and what positions would provide you with satisfaction and the salary you require. Many people fail to realise that there is no barrier to looking for a new job while you have an active workers’ compensation claim.  Your claim remains open even if you find appropriate alternative employment for yourself.

Throughout the entire claim management period, remember that one of your top priorities is to have a meaningful job to go back to at the end of your recovery.