You go to work every day to earn an honest living that allows you to support yourself and your family. You do not expect to become involved in an accident that will result in serious injuries. Unfortunately, workplace accidents happen in Burlington quite often. The good news is that, as throughout the rest of Vermont, individuals involved in a workplace accident in Burlington are protected by the workers’ compensation system.

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance employers must carry. Due to the fact that you must file a claim with an insurance company, it is easy to assume that obtaining the compensation you need will be relatively straightforward. However, that is not always the case. Insurance companies often try to minimize an accident victim’s injuries so they do not have to pay out the fair settlement workers deserve. If you have been hurt while on the job, our Burlington workers’ compensation lawyer can help you through the process so you obtain the full benefits you need.

The Workers’ Compensation System in Burlington

Every employer in Burlington, as throughout the rest of the state, is required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance to make sure their employees are protected. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, which means workers’ compensation insurance companies are required to provide benefits to injured workers even if they caused or partly contributed to the accident that caused injuries and other losses. Part of the no-fault system is that in most cases, employees cannot file a lawsuit against their employer, even if the employer caused the accident. One of very few exceptions to this rule is that when employers fail to carry the appropriate amount of workers’ compensation insurance, they can have a lawsuit filed against them.

To receive the full benefits you need, you must inform your employer of the injury so they can file a claim with their insurance company. If you are successful with your claim, you can receive the following benefits:

  • All reasonable medical expenses
  • A percentage of your lost income
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Financial compensation for permanent injuries or impairments

Obtaining the full and fair benefits you deserve after a workplace accident is not easy. A Burlington workers’ compensation lawyer can help you build a strong case that will ensure you are successful with your case.

Employer Notification

Although you can file a workers’ compensation claim to obtain the benefits you need, you must still follow certain laws to be successful with your claim. One of the most important laws to follow is the employer notification requirement. You must notify your employer of the accident that resulted in injury as soon as possible. State law does not place an exact time limit on employer notification, but it does state that there must not be an unreasonable delay.

After you have reported the accident to your employer, they only have 72 hours to file a claim with the insurance company who provides them with workers’ compensation insurance. Employers may also report the workplace accident to the Vermont Department of Labor. Regardless of who your employer reports the accident to, you should always ask for a copy of any file related to your claim.

The Importance of Seeing a Doctor After a Workplace Accident

Your safety and well-being is the most important priority after any accident, including those that happen on the job. To ensure you protect yourself, it is critical that you seek medical treatment after a workplace accident. In most cases, workers must leave work to seek emergency medical treatment, and you have the right to do so.

Many states place restrictions on the doctors that employees can see after being hurt on the job. Fortunately, these do not exist in Vermont. In Burlington, you can see any doctor of your choosing after sustaining a workplace injury. Your employer, or the insurance company covering them, may ask that you see a doctor from a specified list for your initial appointment. Although this is not against the law, your employer can only choose your doctor for the first visit, and not for any subsequent treatment. Choosing your own doctor after the first visit will not place your benefits in jeopardy.

Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Burlington Can Help You Through the Process

If you have been hurt in the workplace, it is critical to speak to Burlington workers’ compensation lawyers who can advise you of your legal rights. At Sabbeth Law, our seasoned attorneys can inform you of what those are, and make sure they are protected throughout every step of your claim. Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about your options.