What Options Do You Have if Your Boss Refuses To Report Your Injury?
Suffering an injury at work can be overwhelming. You may be left concerned about your recovery, income, and the impact of the injury or illness on your future. Fortunately, Vermont has a workers’ compensation system to ensure that employees receive the necessary medical treatment and financial support following a work-related injury without needing to sue the employer for compensation. But what happens if your employer refuses to report your injury to their insurer? No one expects to find themselves in such a situation, but if it happens to you, understanding your rights and the proper steps to take is essential. This is where seeking advice from a workers’ comp attorney in Vermont becomes invaluable.
Understanding Your Rights
In Vermont, most employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If you’re injured at work, your employer’s workers’ comp insurance covers you, regardless of who was at fault for the accident. You must also notify your employer about the injury immediately or as soon as possible. If the injury develops over time, rather than from a single incident, you should inform your employer as soon as you become aware of the issue. Unfortunately, some employers hesitate or refuse to report workplace injuries to their insurance provider. This could be because there is a dispute about how your injury occurred or because they are worried about potential increases in their insurance premiums. However, it’s important to remember that employers are legally obligated to report workplace injuries to their insurer within 72 hours of learning about an employee’s workplace injury or illness.
Steps To Take if Your Employer Refuses To Report Your Injury
If your employer refuses to report your injury, here’s what you can do to protect your rights:
- Document Everything
Ensure you document every detail about the accident, however minor. This includes the time, date, location, circumstances surrounding the incident, and the names of any witnesses. Also, remember to keep records of your medical treatment and expenses related to your injury. Detailed documentation can come in handy when pursuing your claim later.
- Seek Medical Attention
If you haven’t already done so, seek medical attention immediately. Immediate medical care ensures your health and well-being and is crucial in linking your injury to the workplace accident, hence supporting your claim. Ensure your healthcare provider knows that your injury or illness is work-related, as this will be crucial when filing your worker’s comp claim.
- Report the Injury Yourself
In Vermont, if your employer fails to take action after you report your injury, you have the right to report the incident directly to the Vermont Department of Labor. You can call the Vermont Department of Labor and request a Form 5, Employee’s Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation.
- Consult a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Navigating Vermont’s workers’ compensation system can be challenging, especially if your employer is uncooperative. It is in your best interest to hire an experienced workers’ comp lawyer to guide you throughout the process, help you file your claim accurately, and advocate for your rights to receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Get the Support You Deserve
Don’t let an uncooperative employer jeopardize your right to fair compensation. Contact our experienced Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000 to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
