A Guide for Navigating Vermont’s Workers’ Compensation System (For 2024)
In Vermont, the workers’ compensation system is designed to provide a safety net for employees who suffer work-related injuries and illnesses. The Vermont workers’ compensation system is in place to ensure injured employees recover the benefits they deserve. Understanding Vermont’s workers’ compensation system is vital for employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. When job-related injuries or illnesses occur, understanding Vermont’s workers’ compensation system is crucial in ensuring the workers receive the benefits they deserve. In this guide, we discuss the key aspects of Vermont’s workers’ compensation system.
- Notifying the Employer of the Injury
After suffering a work-related injury, the first step you should take is reporting your injury to your employer. According to Vermont law, you must notify your employer about your injury immediately. In the case of an injury that occurs over a period of time, you should notify your employer as soon as you are aware of your injury. If you delay to notify your employer, the delay may affect your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
- Seeking Medical Treatment
After reporting your injury to your employer, you should seek prompt medical treatment. In Vermont, injured workers have the right to choose their treating physicians. According to Vermont law, your employer may direct you to a company doctor for your first visit. But after that, you can choose your treating doctor. However, you need to notify the insurance company adjuster by filing a Form 8.
- Employer Should Report Your Injury
After you notify your employer of your injury, they have 72 hours to report your injury to the Vermont Department of Labor if that injury results in an absence of work or medical care. The First Report of Injury initiates the worker’s compensation claims process. After your employer reports your injury to the Department of Labor, they should provide you with a copy of the report.
If your employer does not initiate the workers’ compensation claims process, you can report the injury yourself by filing a Notice of Injury (Form 5).
- Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Are Eligible To Recover
After suffering a work-related injury or illness in Vermont, the following are the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to recover;
- Medical benefits
- Wage replacement benefits (Temporary total disability and temporary partial disability benefits)
- Permanent partial disability benefits
- Permanent total disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
If an employee dies from a job-related injury or illness, their surviving loved ones may be entitled to death benefits.
- Resuming Work
Before returning to work, you must obtain medical clearance from your treating physician. Once your doctor has cleared you to return to work, create a return-to-work plan with your employer. This plan may involve modifications to your job duties and reasonable accommodations.
- Appealing a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim
You have the right to appeal a denied workers’ compensation claim. Seek legal help if your claim is denied, as appealing a denied workers’ compensation claim is a complex process.
- Legal Help
You are not legally required to be represented by a workers’ compensation attorney. However, having an attorney is highly beneficial. An attorney can guide you through the claims process and ensure your rights are protected.
Contact Us for Legal Help
Our Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC are experienced in helping injured workers recover the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
