What If I Can’t Return to My Old Job After a Work Injury?
Suffering a work-related injury can turn your life upside down—not just physically, but financially and emotionally, too. And one of the most common concerns injured workers face is this:
“What happens if I can’t go back to my old job?”
The good news is that California’s workers’ compensation system includes options and benefits for injured workers who are permanently or temporarily unable to return to their previous roles.
Here’s what you need to know if your injury has made it impossible to resume your old duties.
Modified or Alternative Work
If your doctor determines that you can’t return to your previous position, your employer may offer you modified or alternative work that fits within your medical restrictions.
To qualify, the new job must:
- Last at least 12 months
- Pay at least 85% of your old wages
- Be within reasonable commuting distance
If your employer offers you a suitable modified job and you refuse it, you may lose your right to certain workers’ comp benefits. Always talk with your doctor and your attorney before making this decision.
Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB)
If your employer doesn’t offer suitable modified work, you may be eligible for the Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit—also known as a vocational retraining voucher.
Here’s what it includes:
- A $6,000 voucher you can use for training or education at approved schools
- Funds for tools, books, testing fees, and even computer equipment
- A $500 additional payment (Return-to-Work Supplement Program) for eligible injured workers
This benefit is meant to help you train for a new career or develop new skills so you can re-enter the workforce in a different role.
Permanent Disability & Settlements
If your injury results in a permanent disability, and you can’t return to your previous type of work, the insurance company may owe you long-term compensation.
Depending on your case, you may:
- Receive permanent disability payments
- Be offered a settlement, which could include future medical care or a lump sum
Never accept a settlement without understanding what it covers and what you may be giving up. Some settlements close your right to future care—others do not. This is where a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can make all the difference.
What If My Employer Let Me Go?
California law prohibits employers from firing you just because you filed a workers’ compensation claim—but that doesn’t mean they have to hold your job indefinitely.
If your employer cannot accommodate your restrictions and terminates your employment, you may:
- Still qualify for workers’ comp benefits
- Be entitled to retraining support
- Have grounds for a wrongful termination or disability discrimination claim
Bottom Line
If you’re recovering from a work injury and can’t return to your previous job, you’re not out of options. California law provides medical support, retraining opportunities, and financial compensation—but the system is complex, and deadlines are strict.
If you’re unsure of your rights or what to do next, speaking with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help protect your future and ensure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to.
Need legal help? In California, navigating legal challenges, whether they involve personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense or civil litigation, can be overwhelming. Khoury Law Group is here to provide the critical legal support you need. As a leading advocate for individuals facing legal battles, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of the legal system and are committed to fighting for your best interests. With personalized legal strategies and compassionate support, we are dedicated to achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.
CONTACT US FOR HELP. Call us at (888) 354-6879 or fill out the form on our Contact page.
