What is the primary goal of rehabilitation benefits under workers' compensation?

The primary goal of rehabilitation benefits under workers' compensation is to help workers regain skills and find new jobs. This focus on rehabilitation is crucial because it aims to facilitate the injured worker’s return to the workforce in a capacity that matches their abilities post-injury. Rehabilitation services can include vocational training, job placement assistance, and counseling aimed at enhancing employability, thereby supporting a smoother transition back into productive employment and reducing dependency on workers' compensation.

While financial assistance and coverage of medical expenses are important aspects of workers’ compensation, they are more about supporting the injured worker during their recovery rather than facilitating their eventual return to work. Extended leave from work may also be a component of workers’ compensation programs, but it does not directly relate to the rehabilitation aspect which prioritizes skill rebuilding and job acquisition. Ultimately, the aim is to empower the worker to achieve a level of independence and integration back into the job market.