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Arranging compensation for accident
victims is not enough. Claimant solicitors are now expected
to help Claimants rebuild their lives as soon as possible
and insurance companies have agreed to pay for reasonable
rehabilitation services.
'The revised Rehabilitation Code' is
supported by all the main associations for insurers and
personal injury lawyers (including APIL & FOIL, it is
available for example on the APIL website www.APIL.com ).
The purpose of this document is to encourage both sides in a
dispute to consider how the Claimant can be helped to
rebuild their life, whether through early intervention,
medical treatment, rehabilitation and assessment of
employment needs.
The document sets out the role of the
'independent assessor' which is to determine rehabilitation
needs and recommendations. An 'independent assessor' can
determine what employment issues can be addressed for the
benefit of the Claimant. The Revised Rehabilitation Code
requires that the assessment is to be carried out by 'those
who have an appropriate qualification'. We believe that
occupational psychologists with experience of assisting
people with disabilities can act as an appropriate '
independent assessor'.
With a team of occupational
psychologists, and vocational rehabilitation professionals
we are well equipped to provide a comprehensive and helpful report.
The 'Revised Rehabilitation Code'
requires that the assessment is to be carried out by 'those
who have an appropriate qualification'. What issues would
such a report include:
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Occupational implications of the
medical advice/issues |
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Functional issues, e.g., mobility,
deterioration, side effects of medication, stamina and
fatigue, chronic pain and other health related
restrictions, |
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Emotional resilience (sufficient for
the work place?), |
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Drive, aspirations, attitude,
focus |
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Temperament, interests, |
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Self awareness of strengths/
development needs |
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Basic skills of literacy and numeracy, |
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Clarity of verbal and written
communication · Transferable skills &
qualifications, |
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Interpersonal / social skills,
Intellectual ability, e.g., concentration,
memory, |
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Re-training potential and learning
style. |
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Misc. individual factors such as
previous working pattern, criminal record. |
In addition, an:
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Accurate understanding of the needs
of employers and the changing nature of work, |
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Up-to-date occupational and careers
information, |
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Knowledge of the various statutory
and private rehabilitation services, |
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Understanding of the opportunities
and possibilities for job retention, for example,
through job re-design, or re-training of the Claimant? |
Some of these can be more objectively
assessed than others. However, a report that attempts to
consider each of the above factors, and makes appropriate
recommendations would be extremely useful for helping the
Claimant get back to work.
If you would
like further information on vocational rehabilitation and
the range of statutory services available to disabled
people, please get in touch |
