[hardhat]

My question involves workers compensation law for the state of: Colorado

I am a long time construction worker. Due to continual use of my hands over the decades it has been determined already that the problems with my hands are work related. In the near future I will be seeing a hand specialist & eventually will need an operation in both hands to solve the problem. The operation being to replace a joint in both the lower basal thumbs.

Since this is considered temporary disability--I am a little concerned--as to what happens if I cannot return to work after the operation? If my hands do not heal properly & or it is determined that I will never be able to return to my licensed occupation, what happens next?

Thanks in advance for all replies.

[Mr. Knowitall]

You may be eligible for retraining benefits - so you can learn new job skills consistent with your physical condition. You may be eligible for partial wage loss benefits, up to a maximum number of weeks of benefits, for any wage differential between your old occupation and your new occupation or limited duty work available through your employer.

[hardhat]

You may be eligible for retraining benefits - so you can learn new job skills consistent with your physical condition. You may be eligible for partial wage loss benefits, up to a maximum number of weeks of benefits, for any wage differential between your old occupation and your new occupation or limited duty work available through your employer.

Thanks for your reply: I guess that's what I am concerned about. I have a professional license that took years of experience, plus state examinations, that permits me to work on all types of projects, & I just don't see how anyone could retrain me to make the same amount of income that I presently make. Also there would be no limited duty work available--because everything my occupation consists of is working with hands.

Is there a possiblity if the operation is not successful at full hand operation, that partial temporary disability goes to permanent disability. The reason why I ask, is apparently this operation has not been done much & one doctor told me that I may not recover with the same amount of strength in my hands as I had before.