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Last Modified on Aug 15, 2026
Having a work injury can be difficult. Beyond dealing with the physical pain associated with an accident and the recovery process, serious injuries can make it difficult or impossible to return to work. Fortunately, North Carolina’s workers’ compensation law provides guidance regarding career-ending work injuries and vocational rehabilitation in North Carolina.
In Charlotte, workers sustaining career-ending injuries include construction workers in Uptown Charlotte, warehouse employees along I-85, transportation workers around Charlotte Douglas International Airport, and workers in industrial areas around I-77. A qualified work injury attorney can explain vocational rehabilitation options that can help qualified injured employees identify a road to suitable work.
Examples of Career-Ending Injuries
While a career-ending injury does not always mean the injured worker may never be able to work again, injuries sometimes create permanent restrictions that make it impossible for the employee to return to the job he or she was performing at the time of the accident.
In North Carolina, the Industrial Commission recognizes that permanent restrictions may impact an employee’s ability to perform prior work and that vocational rehabilitation may assist in identifying work that is suitable based upon the worker’s physical abilities, education, skills, and experience. Accidents resulting in the following injuries may make it impossible to return to a previous career:
- Serious back injuries or spinal cord injuries. Permanent restrictions on lifting, standing, bending, or mobility may prevent construction workers, warehouse employees, healthcare workers and others from returning to jobs that require heavy labor.
- Amputations and loss of use of limbs. Injuries that result in the loss of a hand, arm, foot, leg or permanent loss of substantial use of any may make it impossible for employees to drive commercially, operate machinery, perform skilled trade work, or complete other physical job tasks.
- Traumatic brain injuries. Challenges with focus, recollection, speaking, equilibrium, or any array of mental or bodily functions can make some jobs hazardous or unfeasible. Severe brain injuries or head injuries can even qualify as permanent total disabilities in North Carolina under the right circumstances.
- Serious burns. Deep burns can cause permanent nerve damage and issues with mobility. Some serious burns are specifically recognized by North Carolina law as among injuries that may qualify injured workers for permanent total disability benefits.
If permanent restrictions prevent a worker from performing his or her longtime job, vocational rehabilitation services may focus on finding employment with a new company or, when necessary, education and training to enter a different field.
What Qualifies as Vocational Rehabilitation?
Vocational rehabilitation workers’ comp services in North Carolina are governed by North Carolina General Statutes § 97-32.2.
Should a North Carolina work injury claim be compensable, either the worker or employer can pursue vocational rehabilitation at any point, even before maximum medical improvement is achieved. Services provided by a vocational rehabilitation professional do not simply include sending the injured worker a sheet of paper with job listings. Vocational rehabilitation can include the types of options listed below:
- Vocational assessments
- Job placement services
- Transferable skill analysis
- Actual vocational testing
- Job modification
- On-the-job training
- Counseling
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 64,200 nonfatal workplace illnesses and injuries were reported by private businesses in North Carolina in 2024. Of those cases, 35,700 entailed days off work, job transfers, or occupational restrictions. This indicates that roughly 56% of incidents that were reported were severe enough to interfere with the employee’s regular duties in one of these ways.
A request for vocational rehabilitation may be made by an injured worker who has not returned to appropriate employment or has returned to work but is receiving lower wages due to partial disability and is receiving benefits under N. C. Gen. Stat.§ 97-30.
Why Choose Us?
The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers help injured workers throughout North Carolina and South Carolina. We have over 45 years of combined experience. Vernon Sumwalt has tried more than 300 workers’ compensation hearings and hundreds of cases that settled without a hearing.
Christa Sumwalt has tried over 125 jury trials and previously worked as a prosecutor. During a free consultation, we can explain your rights and responsibilities under North Carolina workers’ compensation law.
FAQs
Can Vocational Rehab Place You in a Job?
Yes, vocational rehab can place you in a job. Vocational rehabilitation benefits in North Carolina workers’ comp cases can include job development and placement services. Vocational rehabilitation professionals can assist an injured worker in obtaining employment both with their current employer and a new employer. Referrals should be made toward suitable employment.
Can I File a Claim for Pain and Suffering After Workers’ Comp Settlement?
You may be able to file a claim for pain and suffering after a workers’ comp settlement. While workers’ compensation does not generally allow for damages based on pain and suffering, injuries caused by someone other than your employer may allow you to file a third-party claim. If so, you may be able to recover additional damages. A work injury attorney can help you file your claim.
Can You Be Terminated While on Workers’ Comp in NC?
Yes, you can be terminated while on workers’ comp in NC for legitimate business reasons, but you cannot be terminated solely for filing a workers’ comp claim. An accepted claim typically continues even if you’re no longer employed, meaning you could still be eligible for medical and disability support. Hire a work injury lawyer to help you with your claim.
What Is the NC Vocational Rehabilitation Program?
Vocational rehabilitation benefits under North Carolina workers’ compensation are intended to help injured employees return to suitable work. Services may include vocational testing, job placement services, transferable skills analysis, career counseling, job modification, and retraining. Vocational rehabilitation may also include education at a North Carolina community college or university if the education is likely to increase your ability to earn wages.
Hire a Work Injury Lawyer With Local Experience
Just because a workplace injury bars you from returning to a long-time job does not mean you have no employment choices. Ideally, the plan takes into consideration the employee’s medical restrictions, current skills, education, and realistic job prospects.
Should you decide to retain a work injury lawyer because an injury prevents you from going back to your former career, The Sumwalt Group Workers’ Comp and Trial Lawyers can evaluate your claim and vocational rehabilitation options and advise accordingly. Contact us for more information if you’d like to start building your vocational rehabilitation workers’ comp case.
