Workers Compensation in Rutland, VT
Workplace accidents and injuries can happen to anyone, even in seemingly safe environments. The aftermath can be confusing and stressful, filled with medical appointments, bills, and lost income.
How do you file a claim? What benefits are you eligible for? What if your claim is denied or disputed?
With these pressing questions and the nuance of state-specific laws, you might find yourself unsure how to proceed. Discover a path forward with us today.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Rutland, Vermont
The Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks the rate of workers injured in Vermont. According to recent data, 3.6 per 100 get sick or hurt on the job in cities like Rutland.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Rutland, Vermont?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
Almost all employers in Rutland carry workers’ compensation policies for medical expenses and wage replacement. Generally, the benefits must include provisions for healthcare and temporary and permanent disability. The state acknowledges mental injuries, but they can be challenging to claim without legal help.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Rutland, Vermont are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Rutland, Vermont healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
The clock ticks fast after you suffer a work-related illness or injury in Rutland. You must report it to your employer within 21 days to preserve your right to workers’ compensation. Then, the Vermont Department of Labor should receive your claim within six months.
Timeline and Other Information
The timeline for your workers’ compensation claim from Rutland depends on the details of your case. Typically, your insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny your claim.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Rutland, Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Rutland, Vermont, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or on your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Rutlandworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Rutland, Vermont
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Rutland, Vermont you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
