Return-to-work, return-to-play, and return-to-learn are all terms used to describe returning to your life after a concussion. They are terms that your doctors, your employers and/or your educators will use to describe your concussion recovery and management. This episode we wanted to talk about how to return to work successfully, what kind of strategy might be needed and reached out to some experts.  James Cameron and the folks at Raven Law have been a great resource for the team at Concussion Central so we brought them on the show.  

David and James walk us through James’ own experience helping people with concussions return to work or enter long-term disability; he outlines the problems and mistakes he’s seen and explains how some well-timed legal advice can set up positive outcomes.  

Returning to work shouldn’t be a frightening or frustrating process and there are lots of ways to do it but it’s important to consult ahead of time. Even with the clearance from your treating physician, there are times when you might need help explaining your concussion to your employer.  It can be hard negotiating some accommodations when your symptoms are almost invisible to others. A coherent strategy can help people living through concussion get the right kind of workplace accommodation they need or even help to navigate through the long-term disability application process. 

James Cameron is a partner at Raven Law and has been in practice for over twenty-five years.  He’s provided sound advice, effective negotiation strategies, and able representation to clients with respect to labour relations, employment law, long term disability claims, and human rights matters.

Concussion Central would like to emphasize that choosing a lawyer is up to you. Mr. Cameron has some good advice, which is to find a lawyer who specializes in employment law and ideally with concussion experience. Ask your friends or family members who they would recommend. 

Disclaimer

The Concussion Central Podcast is a convenient source of information about concussions and living with concussion. All resources, medical and legal resources, and our content are provided for information only. This podcast is not intended to provide medical advice to any individual or organization and should not be relied upon for that purpose. Individuals should always contact a licensed healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and advice.

For more information on the work of Concussion Central, please visit our website at concussioncentral.ca

Concussion Central is hosted and produced by David McGuffin of Explore Podcast Productions.

Our theme music, Jazzy Sunshine, is by Jonathan Boyle.