jobs after injury

[Lilly]

Maw,
Voc Rehab will teach you to NOT dwell on your injury or pain during an interview. Most of my interviews, I have found the employer watching me closely & kinda beating around the bush trying to figure out what my problem is. I told them after seeing their reactions, that I was on permanent work restrictions if I thought it was a job that I couldn't do. You learn to ask the right questions about what the job involves before you disclose any info on your injury....and never mention WC ... at least not until after they hire you.
Lilly

[piedmontmountain]

Lilly,
From my limited experience you are entirely correct as far as telling them regarding the WC-I went for 1 of the 2 interviews I have had and mentioned that I had trouble sitting for long periods of time and would need to get up and walk around, change positions, etc. They said that it would not be a problem in the office-but might present a difficulty while in training-said that it was more structured and would possibly create a distraction. I never heard from them again, I also never mentioned my meds or anything like that. I had known as Undercover Angel said not to mention comp until after I was offered a job-but never got that far. Voc Rehab has never been suggested for me, although I have been told that they really do not care if you return to your former line of work-JUST that you return to work.

[1171]

Here is a study california did on Return to work rates
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/ReturnToWorkRa...kRates.htm
http://www.dir.ca.gov/chswc/ReturntoWorkPage1.html

many states as well as national organizations regularly do studies on work comp and return to work outcomes

these may require a subscription
http://www.wcrinet.org/result/rtw_4states_result.html
http://www.wcrinet.org/cgi-bin/test.asp?...rreturn_WI

[Lilly]

1171,
Verrrry interesting. Thanks
Lilly

[Needmyhands]

During my interview for the job I have now, they did not ask me questions about Workers Comp, prior injuries, etc. and I did not offer any info. When asked why I was no longer working for my previous employer - I simply stated - "After 30 years of doing medical transcription, it is time for a change - I am looking for a job where I do not sit and type on a computer all day". I didn't lie about why I was changing jobs - I just stated it in a way that would not cause red flags to go up. I wasn't given any forms to sign other than for a police background check. They gave me a "Job Description" document and asked me if I would be able to perform the duties required in the job, which I answered, "yes". A week later, I was offered the job - which I accepted. However, during the completion of all my "new employee" paperwork, there were questions on the forms regarding prior injuries and whether I had ever filed a WC claim, etc. I gave them all the info about my WC claim for bilateral carpal tunnel. I also gave them a copy of my permanent work restrictions and they have worked with me to stay within my restrictions.

I did find out later at my new job that my former employer (the one who terminated me) would not respond to phone calls placed to them for references - and my new employer said that happens all the time and they weren't concerned because a lot of former employers do not respond to requests for references.