Are Road Construction Workers Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
One of the most dangerous jobs is that of a road construction worker. Road construction workers face numerous hazards while working on roads or highways. These dedicated professionals are constantly at risk of being involved in accidents that result in severe injuries and even death. If you were injured as a road construction worker, you may be wondering if you can recover workers’ compensation benefits.
So, are road construction workers covered by workers’ compensation? Generally, workers’ compensation covers road construction workers. If you are an employee and not an independent contractor and suffered your injury while performing job duties within the scope of your employment, you can recover workers’ compensation benefits. However, to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, a road construction worker must report their injury to their employer within the set time frame. In Vermont, you are required to report a work-related injury to your employer immediately.
If you suffered an injury as a road construction worker, it is best to consult a qualified workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation. They can help you understand any other legal options you may have.
Dangers Road Construction Workers Face
Road construction workers face a lot of dangers. Some of the risks road construction workers face include:
- Slip and falls
- Accidents involving heavy or malfunctioning machinery
- Overexertion
- Exposure to toxic substances
- Motor vehicle accidents
These can cause severe injuries, disabilities, and sometimes death. Some of the injuries road construction workers suffer include;
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Heat-related injuries
- Skin irritation
- Burns
- Internal injuries
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can Road Construction Workers Recover?
According to Vermont law, the following are some of the benefits road construction workers can recover;
- Medical benefits: Workers’ compensation covers any necessary medical treatment and expenses related to your injury, including surgeries, medication, and doctor visits.
- Temporary total disability benefits: If you cannot work for four or more days, you may be eligible to recover TTD benefits.
- Temporary partial disability benefits: If you return to work part-time, you can recover TPD benefits.
- Permanent partial disability benefits: If you recover from your injury and are able to return to work but still have a permanent impairment, you can receive PPD benefits.
- Permanent total disability benefits: These benefits are available to you if you are permanently unable to return to work.
Third-Party Lawsuits
Sometimes, road construction workers suffer injuries because of the negligence of third parties, such as drivers and manufacturers. A road construction worker who suffers an injury while on the job because of the negligence of a third party is eligible not only to file a workers’ compensation claim but also a personal injury claim. For example, if you were hit by a speeding or distracted driver, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim against the driver. A personal injury claim can help you obtain your total wage loss and noneconomic losses. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help determine if you have a valid third-party claim.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you suffered an injury as a road construction worker, contact our skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC. We can help you understand your legal options. Our attorneys can help you fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve and guide you on how to go about filing a personal injury claim (if you are eligible to file one).
