When Does Workers’ Comp Start Paying?
When you get an injury or illness at work, you may be off the job for days or weeks. This may get you wondering when workers’ comp will begin paying for your lost wages and medical expenses, among other benefits. While you take time off work to heal, you may have to wait for a certain period before you can get benefits. Let’s explore how workers comp works in Vermont and when you can expect it to start paying.
Vermont Workers’ Comp Basics
Vermont workers’ compensation benefits employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits typically include:
- Medical expenses
- Wage replacement
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Disability benefits
- Ongoing care costs
Most employers in Vermont are required to carry workers’ comp insurance, ensuring that employees are covered in the event of work-related injuries or illnesses. The system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning employees are eligible for benefits regardless of who was at fault for the injury. These weekly wage replacement benefits are called Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits. However, if you can work part-time, you receive Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits.
When Does Workers’ Comp Begin Covering Medical Expenses?
Workers’ compensation in Vermont starts covering medical expenses once your claim is approved. If your claim is accepted, your medical care payments begin immediately. To ensure your medical bills are processed, you must complete and return the Medical Authorization (VDOL Form 7) to the Vermont Department of Labor.
The Waiting Period for Workers’ Comp in Vermont
The time workers’ comp starts paying depends on several factors, including prompt reporting. You are typically expected to notify your employer of your workplace injury immediately. Your employer must notify their insurer within 72 hours of finding out about the injury. The insurance company has 21 days to determine if your injury is covered. If your claim is accepted, you will wait three days before workers’ comp benefits kick in. However, the wait could be four days if the employee receives full wages on the day the accident occurs.
How Much Will You Receive?
TTD benefits in Vermont are determined as 66.67% of your average weekly wage (AWW) before taxes, based on your earnings over the previous 26 weeks. The amount you receive must, however, fall within the minimum and maximum limits established annually by the state. If you are out of work for more than 10 calendar days, Vermont law requires that you be compensated for the initial three-day waiting period.
Steps To Ensure Timely Payments
Below are some tips to ensure timely payments:
- Report the injury promptly: Notify your employer immediately after the injury occurs
- File a claim quickly: Your employer must submit a First Report of Injury form to their workers’ compensation insurer within 72 hours of learning about your injury. Follow up with them to ensure this is done promptly.
- Provide necessary documentation: Furnish your employer, the insurer, and healthcare providers with any requested medical reports or documents.
- Engage a workers’ comp lawyer: An experienced workers’ comp attorney can guide you on when your workers’ comp payments should begin and the amount you are entitled to and help present your claim effectively to ensure you receive your benefits promptly.
Contact Sluka Law Plc Today
If you have a workers’ comp claim, contact our skilled Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC at 802-457-1000 for expert legal guidance and support.
Source:
labor.vermont.gov/sites/labor/files/doc_library/Appendix%201-time-frames-adjusters-manual.pdf
