Some Crucial Workers’ Comp Forms You Need To Know in Vermont
After sustaining a work injury in Vermont, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be daunting. One crucial thing to do to protect your legal rights is to familiarize yourself with the important forms involved in the claims process. The Vermont workers’ comp claims process involves several legal documents, each playing a different role. Understanding these documents is crucial for protecting your right to critical benefits like medical expenses, wage replacement, and vocational rehabilitation. In this article, we share some of the most important workers’ compensation forms you need to know about in Vermont.
- Employee’s First Report of Injury
After sustaining an injury while on the job, the first thing you need to do is to notify your employer. You should do this immediately or as soon as possible after your injury to protect your rights. While Vermont Law may not require you to download an official form and fill it out, your workplace might use an Employee’s First Report of Injury form to document the incident. Ensure you fill out the form as required. If your workplace doesn’t use such a form, write a simple letter or email to your supervisor or HR department informing them of your injury. Ensure you keep a copy of your report for your records.
- Employer’s First Report of Injury (Form 1)
After you have reported your injury, your employer is required to complete the Employer’s First Report of Injury, also called Form 1. This is an official document that your employer is supposed to file with the Vermont Department of Labor (DOL) within 72 hours of receiving your report of injury. Form 1 is meant to notify the department of your injury and the beginning of the workers’ compensation process.
The Employer’s First Report of Injury contains several details, including;
- Your details
- The type of injury you sustained
- The date and place of the incident
- Your specific job and wages
It is crucial to confirm the accuracy of the details in this form before your employer files it, as mistakes can significantly affect your benefits.
- Employee’s Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation (Form 5)
While employers are required to file Form 1 after receiving notice of a worker’s injury, sometimes they don’t file this form. For instance, an employer might fail to file Form 1 if they dispute the cause of the injury. If your employer fails to file Form 1 after you’ve notified them of your injury, you can file the Employee’s Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation (Form 5) with the DOL to initiate the claims process.
- Notice of Intent to Change Healthcare Provider (Form 8)
In Vermont, you are generally required to see the doctor your employer chooses for the initial visit. However, you have the right to request a change after the first visit. To change healthcare providers, you need to file a Notice of Intent to Change Healthcare Provider (Form 8). If your request is denied, you can file a petition with the DOL.
- Medical Authorization (Form 7)
Form 7 or Medical Authorization allows the insurance company to access your medical records that are relevant to your work injury. While signing this form is voluntary, it’s vital to note that failure to do so may delay the processing of your claim.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve been injured while on the job, our Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC can help you navigate the complex legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
