Return to Work Services After a Career Ending Injury

Saturday, July 17, 2004 | 0

The following is an edited letter sent to, Jamie Charter, California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals (CARRP) Newsletter Editor, from retired Fire Captain, John Arriola, after his experience in the workers' compensation system. The editors felt that this contribution was significant to demonstrate that the struggle for reemployment following a career ending work injury can be successful and result in a gainful, productive return to society.

To: Jamie Charter
Subject: Vocational Rehabilitation/Return To Work Services
Date: May 27, 2004

I wanted to express my gratitude to you for helping me navigate through the Workers Compensation System. I have reflected on this experience since retiring from the fire service from an industrial disability after 31 years on December 30, 2003. Your professional assistance along with claims administrator [name withheld] from JT-2 Integrated Resources have made what I thought was going to be a very unpleasant experience into a model of what the Workers Compensation system should be about.

As you know, I underwent two cervical spine surgeries with associated physical therapy over a period of approximately fifteen months before being retired. I had been experiencing a loss of motor function control of my legs for several years prior to my surgery. My reluctance to file earlier for a disability evaluation was due to a horrific experience with the Workers Compensation system approximately twenty years ago when I had filed a claim. I was treated like a cash cow for the numerous doctors and lawyers involved in the system then. After they got through using me, I had to actually file suit to come back to work. The system managed to cut off my 4850 benefits as a Public Safety Officer and my right to return to work. The fear of undergoing that type of treatment again delayed my willingness to file a workers compensation claim and seek the medical treatment when I needed it.

Thus, I am now living with disabled motor function control of my legs. Luckily, the surgery should keep my condition from getting worse.

Making a career change after 31 years of doing work I truly loved was not an easy transition for me. You helped make it manageable and positive.

I participated in an in-depth initial interview with you, followed by a three-day vocational assessment at a testing center. My interest areas were identified tested and further clarified. You thoroughly assessed my transferable skills through subsequent research and counseling sessions. With my prior background as a California real estate agent while I worked as a Pubic Safety Officer, you assisted me in developing a vocational plan for real estate broker in Nevada. My Plan consisted of educational coursework, examination fees and costs, some tools of the trade and help with relocation. I have since moved to Nevada to be with family, my daughter and grandchild, where I can also benefit from a lower cost of living than the Monterey Peninsula.

My experience this time, as an unrepresented injured worker has been totally different and positive. You and the claims administrator displayed the professionalism and caring that this system so desperately needed. Your professional guidance, straightforward manners and interest regarding my situation were greatly appreciated. All paperwork submitted for reimbursement was always processed in a timely manner. You both kept me informed at all times, verbally and in writing and I came to regard you as friends helping friends in time of need.

I wanted to write this letter to express my gratitude to you and to encourage other injured workers to have the confidence to pursue the medical treatment and return to work services they need, knowing that there are professionals out there willing to help them through the process.

John Arriola
Retired Fire Captain
Note from Jamie Charter: John Arriola is in the process of successfully completing his Vocational rehabilitation plan for Real Estate Agent/Broker. He has relocated to Nevada, has obtained his real estate agent and broker licenses and is actively working in a leading real estate office. He is in the process of completing his first sale as of the submission of this article.

Submitted by Jamie Charter, Newsletter Editor of CARRP, the California Association of Rehabilitation and Reemployment Professionals, Keeping California Working since 1975; www.carrp.org.

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