When someone’s been injured on the job, they can receive Workers Compensation in Vermont for medical care, temporary disability, permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation and death benefits. If an injury occurs on the job, it should be reported to a supervisor immediately. Failure to report an injury to a supervisor or seek medical treatment could result in a denial of a claim. Even if these procedures are followed, an employer will attempt to deny benefits that should be paid to an employee in order to keep their workers’ compensation insurance rates low. They may also try to force an employee back to before they’re released from the doctor or able to be working again.
Under the law, an employee is entitled to reasonable medical care to correct any problems from a work-related injury. The medical care can include visits to doctors, treatment by a nurse, hospital visits, medical equipment, medicine and any other necessary or reasonable medical treatment that is required by a doctor. Reimbursement can include travel expenses to and from the place of treatment if it’s further than a worker’s commute to work. Mileage rates can change each year and should be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement.
Unlike other states, when an employee is injured on the job, a Vermont work can choose what physician they want to see. The employer may try to assign a doctor, but the employee on Workers Compensation in Vermont has the right to change health care providers without an explanation after they’ve had their first appointment. Form 8 must be completed at the time of the change. Employers often try to force an employee to see one of their doctors for treatment. These doctors are hired and paid for by the insurance company or employer and don’t give an unbiased medical opinion on the employee’s condition. They are not interested in the employee’s well-being and are only concerned about saving money for the insurance company.
If you’ve been injured on the job, don’t try to travel through the workers’ compensation program alone. Important deadlines must be met, and an employer is not going to be your friend by giving honest answers about your coverage. For more information about protecting your rights as an injured employee, please visit McVeigh Skiff LLP.
