Workers who suffer workplace injuries should receive compensation for wages they’ve lost as well as the mental and physical anguish their injuries cause. The employee may have questions before they apply for Workers Compensation in Vermont. It’s important they have all the facts before applying.
Which industries do workers compensation laws apply to?
Most employers must carry workers compensation insurance. The only ones that don’t need to obtain it are those that hire domestic and agricultural workers.
What kind of injuries do workers compensation laws cover?
Workers’ compensation laws cover both physical and mental injuries. Mental injuries covered include those that occur because of physical injuries (mental-physical) and any mental injuries that occur because of some kind of mental stimulation (mental-mental).
What benefits does Vermont offer?
Workers compensation laws in Vermont law help workers out in three areas, including:
• medical care
• replacing lost wages
• receiving training for a new job through vocational rehabilitation.
The worker’s wage replacement benefit amount depends on the extent of the worker’s disability and how long it lasts.
Can employees select their doctor?
The employer may select a doctor in the beginning. After the first treatment, employees can change doctors. They need to tell their employer the reason for switching and give the name and address of the chosen doctor.
What if their injury prevents them from going back to their previous line of work?
If the employee’s injuries make it impossible for them to do the type of work they were doing, they qualify for vocational rehabilitation benefits so they can receive training in a new field.
What can the employee do if their application is denied?
If their claim is denied and the employee believes it’s valid, they would complete a Notice and Application for Hearing. The process starts with an informal review of the case. If that process doesn’t resolve the dispute, it may move to a formal investigation. There, the employee’s attorney presents evidence supporting their position. Workers can also use mediation to resolve the dispute.
These are the most important questions employees may have about Workers Compensation in Vermont. When filing a dispute, employees should choose the best lawyer available, including McVeigh Skiff LLP.
