Returning to Work After a Spinal Injury Slideshare

Find out from the team at JMW how solicitors and case managers can help you with your return to work following a spinal injury.

1. Helping You Return to Work
After a Spinal Injury

2. After you have completed your rehabilitation following a spinal injury, you might feel
prepared to rejoin the workforce. In this guide, we offer advice on what to take into account
and how to ensure your return is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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As part of your legal case, your solicitor may recruit a case manager to support you(case

managers are often experienced former SCI clinicians whose job is to manage your
rehabilitation team, work with you to set goals and help organise your rehab) and ensure
you receive comprehensive support throughout your recovery, including a potential return
to work.

4. Your case manager will help you prepare for your return to work, accessing the support that
is available to disabled people entering or returning to the workplace. The Access to Work
scheme can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or
disability. Through Access to Work, you can apply for:

e A grant to help pay for practical support with your work
e Support with managing your mental health at work

5. Access to Work could give you a grant to help pay for things like:

e Specialist equipment and assistive software e Adaptations to your vehicle so you can get to

« Support workers, like a British Sign Language work
interpreter, a job coach or a travel buddy e Physical changes to your workplace

Costs of travelling to work, if you cannot use « A tailored plan to help you get or stay in work
public transport

One-to-one sessions with a mental health Your workplace can include your home if you
professional work from there some or all of the time.

6. Your case manager can also help you talk to your workplace about how you will return to
work and at what capacity. This may mean that your case manager helps you communicate
the need for a phased return, or that you work from home more days than you are In the
office. Your case manager Is here to make sure that your needs are met and that your return
to work is safe and successful.

7. When considering a return to work, you may find that your spinal injury makes it difficult to
do your job in the same way you used to. This does not mean that you are unable to do the
job, but may mean that you require adjustments in your workplace. By law, your employer
will need to support you to accommodate your needs. This includes improving access to
your work premises, being flexible about working hours and providing modified equipment.

8. You are not required to share the exact details of your spinal injury with your employer;
nevertheless, discussing its possible effects on your work performance and identifying any
needed adjustments can be advantageous. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers are
legally obligated to make reasonable adaptations to the workplace.

9. Evaluate your physical and mental preparedness:
before rejoining the workforce, make sure you are both
physically and mentally ready to tackle any challenges
that may arise. Consult with healthcare professionals to
assess your overall health and determine your readiness

to take on professional duties. Your spinal injury may
mean things take longer; ensure you're well-versed in
getting ready in the morning in time to leave for work.

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Maintain open dialogue with your employer:
it is crucial to have ongoing, transparent
communication with your employer about your injury,
recovery journey, and any required workplace
adjustments. Work together to develop a
comprehensive plan for your return, addressing
concerns and accommodating your needs. This may
include applying to the government's access to work
scheme for help in providing practical support and
financial assistance to overcome work-related

obstacles.

10. Be aware of your rights:
familiarise yourself with the Equality Act 2010, which
mandates that employers make reasonable adjustments
in the workplace for employees with disabilities.
Understanding your rights will enable you to advocate
effectively for the support you require.

Contemplate a gradual return:
it may be advantageous to ease back into your role
progressively. A phased return lets you incrementally
increase your working hours and responsibilities,
assisting you in adapting and managing your energy
levels more efficiently.

11. Seek assistance from colleagues:
informing your colleagues about
your spinal injury and the
difficulties you encounter can foster
a supportive and understanding
work atmosphere. They can provide
help, motivation, and compassion,
resulting in a more favourable
return experience.

Assess your work-life equilibrium:
maintaining a healthy balance
between your career and personal
life is crucial for overall wellbeing.
Set boundaries and give priority to
self-care to guarantee a sustainable
and gratifying work-life balance.

Track your progress:
regularly evaluate your physical and
mental well-being as you re-enter
the workplace. Be ready to make
necessary adjustments and
maintain open communication with
your employer and healthcare
professionals to ensure your
ongoing health and well-being.

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You are likely to have been out of
work for a considerable amount of
time and now need to get used to a
new routine before returning to
work. There are things you can do
to help you prepare.

These could include...

13. Replicate the timings of a working day at home. Practise small exercises and stretches that you will be
Practise getting yourself ready in the morning and plan able to perform in your workplace in order to stay
your commute. comfortable throughout the working day.

Try to replicate your workplace environment. If your Make sure your workplace is ready for your return and
job is desk-based, sit at a desk and work out what let your employer know that they may have to carry
working position feels comfortable for you. out an occupational health assessment.

14. Returning to work can be a positive step in your recovery and will help you
put your life back together after your injury.

Make sure you are fully prepared so you can make the most of it.

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At JMW, our spinal injury solicitors are committed to providing
comprehensive legal support, tailored to the unique needs of each
individual. Our goal is to secure not only compensation but also the

best possible outcomes in terms of rehabilitation and quality of life. If
you require legal assistance following a spinal injury, we can help you.

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Cathy Leech

Partner and Head of Catastrophic Injury
[email protected]

JMW Solicitors
1 Byrom Place
Manchester

M3 3HG

0345 872 6666