Maximizing Your Workers’ Compensation Settlement
A work-related injury or illness can leave you with substantial expenses and losses. Fortunately, the Vermont workers’ compensation system is in place to help workers who suffer injuries or illnesses while on the job. And the good news is that the Vermont workers’ compensation system is a no-fault one. This means you can recover workers’ compensation benefits even if you are wholly or partially at fault for your injury or illness.
If you’ve recently suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may wonder, “How can I maximize my workers’ compensation settlement?” Below we share some tips for maximizing your Vermont workers’ compensation settlement.
Tip #1: Understand All the Benefits You Are Entitled to
The first thing you should do to increase your chances of recovering the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve is to understand all the benefits you are eligible for. Once you know all the benefits at your disposal, ensure you file for all of them. In Vermont, the following are the workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to;
- Medical expenses
- Temporary disability/Wage replacement benefits
- Permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
You are entitled to wage replacement or temporary disability benefits if you cannot work for some time or are placed on work restrictions. On the other hand, you are entitled to permanent disability benefits if you suffer a permanent disability that will affect you for the rest of your life. You may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits if your injury or illness prevents you from returning to your previous job.
Tip #2: Know How Disability Ratings Work
It is crucial that you understand how disability ratings work in workers’ compensation cases. Disability ratings are key in workers’ compensation cases as they determine eligibility and the amount of permanent disability benefits. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can explain how disability ratings work and help challenge an unfair disability rating.
Tip #3: Look Out for Common Insurance Company Tricks
You may know the benefits you are eligible for and how disability rating works. But if you are not aware of the common tricks insurance companies use to deny or devalue workers’ compensation claims, you may not be able to recover your deserved benefits. The following are some common insurance company tricks;
- The insurance company claims it needs more time to investigate your claim
- The insurance company argues your injury is not covered by workers’ compensation
- The insurance company insists your injuries are due to a pre-existing condition and unrelated to the work accident
- The insurance company argues your injury is not as severe as you claim
Tip #4: Appeal Your Claim if It Is Denied
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can appeal the denial with the help of a qualified attorney. Appealing a denied workers’ compensation claim can enable you to recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve suffered a work injury or illness, another thing you can do to maximize your workers’ compensation settlement is to hire a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. At Sluka Law PLC, our qualified Vermont workers’ compensation attorney can help you fight for your deserved benefits. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your case.
Source:
legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/chapter/21/009
