One of the benefits that is offered to injured workers in Minnesota is the assistance of a QRC or a qualified rehabilitation consultant. The job of a QRC is to help the injured worker in getting them back to work with the date of injury employer, either in their original job or in a new position within the employer. If the employee cannot go back to work with the same employer, and they are allowed to return to work, job placement services may be initiated to help the worker look for work.
How do I go about getting a QRC?
An injured worker has the right to choose their own QRC. Often times, if an employee does not choose one- whether they know they can or not – the workers’ compensation insurance company may assign one. What I always tell my clients is that if you allow the insurance company to choose a “bad” QRC it is like having that strange uncle who comes to family functions that you can never get rid of. The same is true with a bad QRC. In most cases, it is not until much later on in the case do you realize that the QRC is not looking out for your best interests. Unfortunately, only in extreme circumstances can a different QRC be put on the file. This typically requires an Order from the court. Consequently, it is important to choose the right QRC from the beginning.
Even if the QRC has been put on the file, the injured worker has 60 days to select a new QRC if they so desire. Unfortunately, the telltales of a bad QRC don’t typically come to light until well beyond the 60-day period. Therefore, it is important to talk to knowledgeable people including attorneys, friends or family about whether a certain QRC is right for you.
If you have questions about vocational rehabilitation services, your QRC, or your workers’ compensation case, feel free to contact the lawyers at the Law Office of Thomas D. Mottaz at 763-421-8226. We provide free consultations and can help you by providing fair and honest advice.
