Free Vermont Workers' Compensation FAQs | Workers' Compensation Frequently Asked Questions

How Long After An Injury Do I Have To Report It To My Employer?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:51:22 GMT

You should notify your employer as soon as possible after you have been injured on the job. Your employer then has 72 hours to report it to the Workers` Compensation Division. At the same time, your employer`s insurance adjuster is notified and has 21 days to investigate and to decide whether or not to accept your claim.

How Do I Know If My Employer Is Covered By Workers' Compensation?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Generally, unless your employer has been approved to selfinsure by the Department of Labor and Industry, they must buy worker`s compensation insurance if they hire one or more employees on a full or part time basis in Vermont, or they hire employees outside the state but they work for you in Vermont. Some exceptions to this are the following:

Farmers with less than $2,000 annual payroll.
Elected Officials
Unincorporated soleproprietors/partners
Corporate Officers w

What Workers' Compensation Benefits Am I Entitled To?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

You may be entitled to receive all reasonable and necessary medical treatment, benefits for lost wages, benefits for specific injuries resulting in permanent disabilities such as loss of use and/or disfigurement (scars). You may also qualify to participate in certain physical and vocational rehabilitation programs. If the injury causes the death of an injured worker, burial expenses are covered and the dependents of the deceased worker are entitled to certain benefits.

If I Am Injured On The Job Can I Choose The Doctor Who Treats Me?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Your employer can pick a company doctor for your first medical visit. After that visit you can pick your own doctor by filing a Form 8, which is on the reverse side of your First Report (the form you file when you are first injured). You need to give your reasons for wanting a new doctor.

When Will My Benefits Begin And How Much Will They Be?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

Workers` compensation provides coverage for all reasonably necessary medical services and supplies related to an onthejob injury or occupational disease. While recovering from a workrelated injury, a worker may be entitled to either temporary total disability compensation or temporary partial disability compensation. Generally benefits are paid at a rate of 66 2/3 of your average weekly wages up to the maximum allowed by law.

If I Am Unable To Return To The Type Of Work I Did Before I Was Injured, What Happens?

Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:51:22 GMT

If your doctor releases you to parttime work or light duty work while you are recovering, then you may be entitled to temporary, partial disability compensation. You may also be entitled to vocational rehabilitation assistance to help you find suitable alternative employment. The goal of this assistance is to ensure that you return to work in a job that is both safe, given your physical capacities, and appropriate to your educational and employment background.

My Employer Has Denied My Claim, What Do I Do?

Tue, 29 May 2007 20:19:00 GMT

If your employer`s insurance adjuster notifies you that it has denied your claim or that it disputes your right to further compensation or medical benefits, you have a right to contest that decision before the Workers` Compensation Division.

Specialists work closely with the insurance claims adjuster and claimant. They will see that the adjuster completes the necessary paperwork and insure that medical examinations are performed as required. These specialists may also serve as mediators, helpi