Can I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits if I am a Part-Time or Temporary Worker in Vermont?

There are different types of workers. There are full-time, temporary, and part-time workers. A full-time employee works the maximum weekly hours, whereas a part-time worker performs tasks on a reduced schedule compared to a full-time worker. Temporary workers are people employers contract to do a job for a limited period. Most, if not all, full-time workers know that they are eligible for workers’ compensation. On the other hand, for part-time and temporary workers, it may not be clear if they are eligible for workers’ compensation.

So, can you receive workers’ compensation benefits if you are a part-time or temporary worker? Generally, in Vermont, as long as a part-time or temporary worker meets certain criteria, they can recover workers’ compensation benefits. If you are a part-time or temporary worker in Vermont and have suffered an injury or illness, contact a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help determine your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.

General Eligibility Criteria for Receiving Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Vermont

To be eligible for workers’ compensation in Vermont, certain criteria must be met. The following is the general criterion that workers in Vermont must meet to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits:

• Employment status: For a worker to be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Vermont, they must be an employee and not an independent contractor. In Vermont, workers’ compensation generally does not cover independent contractors. You are an employee if an employer controls and directs how you do your work, you only perform work that is within the course of the business for which you render service, and you don’t customarily engage in an independently established business, profession, occupation, or trade.
• Job-related injury: To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Vermont, the injury or illness must have arisen in the course of employment. This means the injury or illness occurred while you were performing job duties, even if you were not at your workplace. Even if the injury or illness occurred over time, it is covered as long as it occurred due to work conditions.
• Notification: According to Vermont law, for you to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must report your injury or illness to your employer immediately or as soon as possible. For an injury or illness that occurs over time, you must report it as soon as you are aware of it.

Steps To Take After Suffering an Injury as a Part-Time or Temporary Worker

The following are some of the steps to take after suffering a work-related injury as a part-time or temporary employee:

• Notify your employer: Report your injury or illness to your employer immediately or as soon as possible. Do not delay reporting your injury. Waiting to report your injury may impact your chances of recovering workers’ compensation benefits.
• Seek prompt medical attention: Ensure you seek prompt medical attention after suffering a work injury or illness. In Vermont, your employer can choose which doctor you go to for your first visit. After your first visit, you can decide which doctor you want to see.
• Document everything: Maintain thorough documentation of all the details surrounding your situation, such as medical expenses and correspondences between you and your employer.

Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you suffered an injury or illness while working as a temporary or part-time employee, our Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.