Hartford Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Experienced Hartford Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Every year, workers across Vermont are hurt on the job. Some recover quickly and return to work. Others face long recoveries or permanent limits. A serious work injury can change your life and your family’s finances.

At Sabbeth Law, our injured clients come first. We guide you through Vermont’s workers’ compensation system so you can focus on healing and keep supporting your family. We help injured workers in Hartford, including White River Junction, Quechee, West Hartford, and Wilder, whether they work for a small local business or a large employer. Our office is at 201 Dewitt Drive in White River Junction.

Call us today. Vermont: (802) 457-1112. New Hampshire: (603) 298-6117.

How Workers Get Hurt

Any worker in Hartford can be hurt on the job, either in a single accident or because of unsafe conditions over time. We help workers hurt in situations such as:

• Construction accidents
• Delivery and driving accidents
• Exposure to toxic chemicals or substances
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Workplace violence
• Unsafe conditions or equipment
• Safety lapses by an employer
• It is important to note that when injuries are not the result of any workplace negligence, they are still most often covered, as Vermont Workers’ Compensation does not require any negligence on the part of any party. It is no-fault, as discussed below 

Injuries range from problems that need a few weeks of rest to permanent disabilities. Some workers die from workplace accidents or work-related illnesses.

Your Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Vermont

Vermont’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault. It does not matter who caused the accident. You do not have to sue your employer or prove they did something wrong to receive benefits. That gets help to injured workers faster than a lawsuit would.

You must be hurt while doing your job to qualify. That does not always mean being at the workplace. If you travel for work or run errands for your boss, you may still qualify.

Under Vermont law (21 V.S.A. Chapter 9), an injured worker may be entitled to:

• Medical care that is reasonably needed, such as surgery, hospital stays, prescriptions, and rehabilitation.
• Wage replacement while you cannot work. For temporary total disability, the weekly rate is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, within limits set by the state.
• Vocational rehabilitation, which helps you return to work if you cannot go back to your old job.
• Payment for permanent impairment caused by the injury.
• Death benefits for surviving family members if a worker dies from a work injury.

Workers’ compensation is generally your only claim against your employer for a work injury. If someone other than your employer caused it, such as a negligent driver or an equipment maker, you may also have a separate claim against them. Employers often do not explain these rights, so talk to a Hartford workers’ compensation attorney.

Myths about Workers’ Compensation Benefits

• “You can’t choose your doctor.” Not entirely true. Your employer may pick the treating provider at the start, though this is typically uncommon. After that, you can switch to a doctor of your choice by giving your employer written notice of your reasons and the name and address of the new provider. We handle this for our clients when necessary. 
• “Everyone is approved.” No. Insurers deny legitimate claims all the time, and some employers want claims denied to protect their insurance costs. Fighting a denial can mean a formal hearing before the Vermont Department of Labor, which our attorneys regularly handle. 
• “You don’t need a lawyer.” If any part of your claim is denied, delayed, or confusing, a lawyer can help. It is reassuring to have an experienced White River Junction workers’ compensation lawyer on your side while you are hurt and stressed.
• “Your employer is looking out for you.” Some employers support their workers. Others fight claims. Assume you need your own team protecting your interests.

We offer a free consultation to talk through your rights.

What to Do After an Accident

1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can. Vermont requires notice as soon as practicable after the injury, and delay can hurt your claim.
2. Get medical care and tell the provider your injury happened at work.
3. Make sure the claim is filed. Your employer must file an Employee Claim and Employer’s First Report of Injury (Form 1) with the Vermont Department of Labor within 72 hours of learning of an injury that needs medical care or causes lost time. If your employer does not file, you can file the claim yourself.
4. Watch the deadlines. A claim for compensation must generally be made within six months of the injury (21 V.S.A. § 656). A proceeding must generally begin within three years of the injury (21 V.S.A. § 660). Work-related diseases follow different timing rules.
5. Keep records. Save medical records, pay records, and every letter from the insurer.

Contact a Hartford Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you were hurt on the job, act quickly. Sabbeth Law understands how stressful the process is for injured workers. We handle your claim so you can focus on healing.

We work to make sure you get the medical care you need and the benefits you are owed under Vermont’s workers’ compensation law. We have helped workers with everything from construction injuries to repetitive stress injuries. We gather the evidence, deal with the insurance company, and represent you at a hearing if your claim is denied.

Call for a free consultation. Vermont: (802) 457-1112. New Hampshire: (603) 298-6117. Our office is at 201 Dewitt Drive, Suite 1, White River Junction, VT 05001.