What Happens if You Can’t Return to Work After Injury in Los Angeles?

Suffering a serious injury can be life-changing, especially if it prevents you from returning to work. In Los Angeles, injured workers have legal options to secure financial support and compensation when they are unable to resume their job due to long-term disabilities or permanent impairments. 

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

One of the most important milestones in a workers’ compensation case is Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI).

• What is MMI? – MMI means that your doctor has determined that your condition has stabilized and will not improve further, even with additional medical treatment.
• What Happens After Reaching MMI? – Once you reach MMI, your doctor will evaluate whether you have a permanent disability that affects your ability to work.
• Permanent Disability Rating – If you have lasting impairments, the doctor assigns a permanent disability rating, which determines the benefits you may receive.

If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or any job, you may qualify for long-term disability benefits or a workers’ compensation settlement.                

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits

If you cannot return to your previous job but are still capable of working in a different role, you may be eligible for Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB).

• What is SJDB? – This benefit provides vouchers for job retraining, allowing injured workers to develop new skills and find alternative employment.
• Who Qualifies? – To receive SJDB benefits, your employer must not offer you alternative, modified, or light-duty work that you can perform.
• How Much is the Voucher Worth? – Workers may receive up to $6,000 in vouchers for education, job training, and other employment-related expenses.

This program helps injured workers transition into new careers if they are unable to perform their previous duties.                

Understanding Your Options

If you cannot return to work after an injury, you still have legal options to secure financial stability. These include:

Permanent Disability Benefits

If a doctor determines that you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) but still cannot return to work, you may qualify for permanent disability benefits. These benefits provide ongoing payments based on the severity of your impairment, your ability to perform any type of work, and your age and occupation. Your disability rating determines how much compensation you receive. The higher the percentage of disability, the more benefits you are entitled to.

Workers’ Compensation Settlements

Some injured workers choose to negotiate a lump-sum settlement instead of receiving ongoing benefits. However, ensure your settlement offer is carefully reviewed by an attorney to ensure it covers future medical expenses and lost wages.

Social Security Disability (SSD) Benefits

If your injury prevents you from working in any capacity, you may qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. These federal benefits provide monthly income for workers with long-term disabilities.

Filing a Third-Party Lawsuit

If a third party (such as a negligent driver or equipment manufacturer) contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit for additional compensation.

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be challenging, especially when dealing with long-term injuries and disability benefits. Contact a Los Angeles work injury lawyer today for a free consultation and discuss your legal options.