A 20-year-old employee with a back injury is assessed to have permanent disability. What responsibilities does the employer have?

• A. Medical and temporary disability
• B. Medical, permanent disability with apportionment and temporary disability
• C. Medical, permanent disability, temporary disability and vocational rehabilitation if applicable
• D. Medical, temporary disability, permanent disability

Answer: (C)

The employer has several responsibilities toward an employee who has sustained a back injury resulting in permanent disability. In this case, the most comprehensive choice reflects those responsibilities accurately.

Medical care is a primary obligation, ensuring that the injured employee receives necessary treatment without financial burden. This includes covering medical expenses related to the injury as well as ongoing care that may be required due to the permanent nature of the disability.

In terms of disability payments, the employer is responsible for both permanent and temporary disability. Temporary disability benefits cover the period during which the employee is unable to work while recovering from the injury. Once assessed with a permanent disability, the employee would then be entitled to permanent disability benefits, which are calculated based on the severity of the injury and its impact on the employee’s ability to perform work.

Vocational rehabilitation is another critical responsibility, particularly if the injury affects the employee’s capacity to return to their previous job or perform any work at all. This service may include retraining or education to prepare the employee for new employment opportunities that accommodate their restrictions.

This combination of responsibilities – covering medical expenses, providing temporary and permanent disability benefits, and, when necessary, offering vocational rehabilitation services – is vital in supporting the employee's recovery and reintegration into the workforce. The inclusion of