When a worker is injured on the job, it is their right to seek worker’s compensation benefits from their employer’s self-funded account or their insurance company. There are a few different steps in the process, and it is not always easy to seek a fair outcome. It is important an injured victim guards their rights and does all they can to ensure they are able to receive the benefits they deserve. With this information, injured workers will know how to proceed with filing a claim for Workers Compensation in Vermont.
* The first step an injured worker needs to take is to seek medical care if their injury is a serious one. It is important a person informs their doctor they were injured on the job. They also need to obtain a written doctor’s note stating they are unable to work due to their injuries.
* It is vital an injured worker informs their employer they were injured as soon as possible. Waiting too long could end up causing a person to experience delays in the process and could cause them to forfeit their right to pursue compensation.
* Once an employer has been informed of their employee’s injury, they will have 72 hours to report the injury to the Vermont Department of Labor. If the employer does not report the injury to the department, the injured worker can file a Form 5, so the process of pursuing their claim can begin.
* An employer can require an injured worker to be seen by their approved doctor for the first visit. After this time, a worker has the right to choose their own doctor by filling out a Form 8.
* The insurance company of the employer has 21 days to make a decision on an injury claim. During this time period, the insurance company will investigate the claim and determine whether or not the injured worker will be approved for benefits.
If an injured worker is denied their claim for Workers Compensation in Vermont, they have the right to file an appeal so a hearing can take place. Injured workers have the right to hire a lawyer to help them in their pursuit. For more information, contact McVeigh Skiff LLP.
