Workers who are injured on the job are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries. A worker might be able to receive benefits such as medical care, temporary disability, permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. When a worker has been injured, they should report the injuries to a supervisor immediately.
An injured worker needs to complete an Employer First Report of Injury form, which is Form 1, and contact a Workers Compensation Attorney in Burlington VT. When that is complete, they should complete an Employee’s Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation, known as Form 5. If an employee does not complete and submits these forms, they will not be eligible to receive workers’ compensation coverage.
Medical Coverage
An injured worker is entitled to receive reasonable medical care to cure or provide relief for a work-related injury. The medical care could include a doctor, nurse, hospital, medicine, or any other medical treatment that is ordered by a doctor. Chiropractors, acupuncturists, dentists, surgeons, and psychologists are a short list of the types of doctors included under the workers’ compensation law.
Travel
When an injured worker travels to and from their doctor’s appointments, it can cost a lot of money in gas and tolls. A Vermont worker is entitled to receive reimbursement for transportation costs that are related to their medical treatment. The reimbursement rate changes on a yearly basis, and an injured worker should check with their Workers Compensation Attorney in Burlington VT about the current rate.
Doctors
Although an employer will suggest or assign a doctor to see after an injury, a worker has the right to choose their doctor for their treatment. When a doctor is contracted by the employer, this can be a conflict of interest in the case. An injured worker should always visit a doctor who they feel comfortable with.
The workers’ compensation law can be very complicated to understand. Employers will often try to force a worker back to their regular position before they are physically able to. If you have been injured on the job, contact McVeigh Skiff LLP and let them protect your rights as an injured worker.
