Vermont annually reports thousands of work-related accidents. Vermont was one of twenty states where the incidence rate of total recordable cases was significantly higher than the national average of 2.7%. You may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits if you were injured at work or are suffering from a chronic illness or injury due to working conditions. However, approval of your claim is not guaranteed, and the actual process of obtaining benefits can be difficult to navigate. In the following article, we will explain how to file a workers' compensation claim in the state of Vermont.

How the Workers' Compensation System in Vermont Works

Employers in Vermont are required by law to provide workers' compensation insurance coverage for their employees. However, independent contractors are not covered under Vermont's workers' compensation system. In many states, including Vermont, workers' compensation is a no-fault system, which means that any employee injured in a workplace accident will receive benefits regardless of who caused it. In addition to injuries, workers can obtain compensation for occupational illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome and repeated stress injuries.

Injured workers receive numerous forms of benefits through workers' compensation. These benefits include medical benefits, which cover hospital and medical expenses incurred as a result of the employee's injury or illness, as well as a portion of the employee's lost wages during his or her inability to work.

Depending on the severity of the injury or illness, workers' compensation benefits may be temporary or permanent and may include the full benefit amount or a partial amount.

Sadly, tragic workplace accidents occur in Vermont. The state's workers' compensation rules allow a worker's spouse and/or dependent family members to claim death benefits if they pass away in a work-related accident.

How to File a Vermont Workers' Compensation Claim

Follow these steps to file a claim for workers' compensation in Vermont. Your claim could be denied if you miss a deadline or fail to follow the proper process.

Report Your Injury/Injuries

It is very important that you report your injuries to your employer as soon as possible after the injury or as soon as you develop symptoms. Many employers have processes for reporting injuries to your supervisor or the appropriate role within your HE or safety department.

If you do not file a workers' compensation claim for your job injuries in a timely fashion, you risk missing out on benefits.

After receiving notice of your injuries, your employer has 72 hours to file a claim with their insurance provider or notify the Vermont Department of Labor. Always remember to request copies of any submitted forms in your case.

If your employer doesn't report your injuries to the Department of Labor, you can do so yourself. Form 5, "Employee's Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation," may be used for this purpose.

Your employer's insurance provider has 21 days to approve or deny your claim after it is submitted. If the insurance company provides you with additional documentation to fill out, make sure to do so as soon as possible, or your claim could be denied.

If your claim is approved, you will begin receiving weekly payments for temporary disability benefits. In addition, all medical bills and expenses will also be covered by the insurance company.

Seek Medical Attention

If you have suffered a serious injury or are severely ill, get emergency medical attention immediately. Regardless of the severity, seek medical attention. Your medical record could be used to demonstrate the progression of a chronic illness or injury in support of your claim.

In Vermont, you are free to choose the physician who will treat you for a workplace accident.

However, your company may require you to arrange your initial appointment with a specific physician. According to Vermont law, your employer may only select your initial appointment.

Contact an Workers Compensation Attorney in Vermont

There are several reasons why you may want to consult with a Vermont workers' compensation attorney about your case. First, if your claim is denied in whole or in part, you should consult an attorney to review your case. Vermont has a procedure for resolving disputes between employers and employees about workers' compensation benefits. Having a professional, experienced attorney on your side can have a significant impact on the outcome of your case.

If you have suffered a severe injury, you may be offered the choice between a lump sum payment and a settlement. It is essential to consult an attorney in order to guarantee that the settlement offer is fair and maximized. Once you have agreed to a settlement, there is no going back if you later discover you will require more medical care or time away from work than initially anticipated.

Get Assistance With Your Workers Compensation Claim

The experts at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, have dedicated their lives to assisting clients with injury or workers' compensation cases. We have the resources and expertise necessary to resolve your case favorably.

Never go unprepared into a legal matter. We will be by your side the whole time, so that you won't have to confront this issue on your own. To help you move forward with your life, we want to get you the money to which you are legally entitled.

Contact us immediately for a free consultation where we will discuss your workplace accident, review your options, and determine the next steps.