If the aircraft is badly damaged enough that it can't land vertically and is still flyable then it would be diverted to somewhere where a conventional landing is possible. Or the pilot would have to ditch the aircraft same as any other aircraft.
The 'can we have our ball back' scenario could be quite interesting in some areas of potential conflict.
At least a jet that isn't mandated to land vertically on a carrier has an extra choice as to where it might land - somewhere with repair and maintenance facilities, rather than ditch or divert.