Why You Should File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Quickly
It can be devastating when you are injured on the job. Unfortunately, work-related injuries and illnesses are a reality that many employees face. A work injury or illness can happen regardless of the industry and the employee’s position. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the number of nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector alone in 2021 was 2.6 million. On the other hand, the number of fatal work-related injuries in all industries in the same year was over 5,000. Fortunately, there are laws in place to protect workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses while on the job. After suffering a work injury or illness, you can file a workers’ compensation claim and recover workers’ compensation benefits.
Regardless of how you suffered your work-related injury or illness, there are some crucial things you need to remember. For example, seeking prompt medical attention after a work injury or disease is paramount. It is also vital that you file your workers’ compensation claim quickly. The following are some of the reasons why it is important to file a workers’ compensation claim quickly;
#1: Beat Deadlines
The first main reason to file your workers’ compensation claim quickly is because the workers’ compensation system gives you a limited amount of time to file your claim. If you wait too long to file your workers’ compensation claim, your claim will be barred, and you will not be able to seek compensation. Vermont workers’ compensation law states that you have three years to file your workers’ compensation claim after realizing you are injured or ill.
#2: Evidence Preservation
While you have up to three years to file your workers’ compensation claim in Vermont, it is best to file your claim quickly to ensure evidence preservation. Evidence may be altered or destroyed if you wait to file your claim. The sooner you file your claim, the fresher the details will be in your and witnesses’ minds. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, contact a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible so they can investigate your case and gather evidence to support your claim.
#3: Proof of Causation
You want to ensure you file your workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible so your employer’s insurance company does not argue that you suffered your injury or illness under different circumstances. In other words, filing your claim sooner rather than later can help you establish causation. This is the link between your injury or illness and work. It can be challenging to prove this link if you wait to file your workers’ compensation claim.
#4: Receive Benefits Early
The sooner you file your workers’ compensation claim, the sooner you can receive benefits. By filing your claim early, you can ensure you recover benefits when you most need them. Waiting to file your workers’ compensation claim can result in overwhelming financial stress, which can cause other issues, such as sleep difficulties, depression, and anxiety.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness and need help filing your workers’ compensation claim, contact a skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC today to schedule a free consultation.
