Meet Attorney Dave Berman

We asked Dave:

1)        How do you explain VR to your clients when discussing a new referral? 

I focus on VR as being potentially one of the most critical benefits to which a client may be entitled to under Vermont law.  Vermont can be a tough labor market, especially for individuals who were earning a high wage doing heavy duty work.  The fact is if that individual has ongoing limitations due to the work injury that precludes them from doing that work, they are going to need tools in order be able to return to that type of wage doing work that is not so physically demanding.  

2)        What are your reasons and considerations when discussing VR8 “change of counselor” as an option with your clients?  

My considerations are based a lot on personal experience having worked in this industry for both employers and injured workers.  I do always want to ensure there is a strong Vermont connection so the counselor is more tuned into the local labor market and also have just seen more success with certain companies and individual counselors.

3)        What do you consider when referring to a Vermont vocational counselor to your clients? 

I consider personalities that should mesh, as well as geographical considerations and sometimes the type of work/industries involved to make sure it all seems like a good match.

4)        Have you experienced your clients RTW as a direct result of support received from the VR counselor? 

Yes, many times now I have seen very positive and rewarding outcomes for clients based very much on the experience and input of a vocational rehabilitation counselor who works to help the client engage in a very productive way in the process leading to success returning to the workforce.

5)        Do you have any additional recommendations for successful collaboration with stakeholders during the RTW and VR process? 

I do think the collaborative approach that the Department of Labor has attempted to focus on and encourage to the parties is critical.  In the cases involving the best outcomes of a successful return to work leading to VR closure both parties have actively engaged in the process and while disagreements arise, compromise and a focus on the same goal is what always seems to work best.