Can You Get Workers’ Compensation for a Hernia in Vermont?
Many workers in Vermont end up with hernia injuries from lifting, pushing, or twisting during their physical jobs. If you believe you have suffered a hernia due to your work, you may be wondering about your eligibility for workers’ compensation. So, can you get workers’ compensation for a hernia in Vermont? Simply put, yes. Hernia injuries are usually covered by Vermont workers’ compensation laws as long as they are work-related. However, it can sometimes be hard to prove that your hernia occurred due to your work and not because of something else. Below, we discuss how Vermont’s workers’ compensation system handles hernia claims and the steps you can take after your injury to protect your rights.
What Is a Hernia?
A hernia arises when an internal part of your body, such as your intestines, bulges through a weakness or opening in the muscle or tissue containing it. Often, these injuries happen in the groin, abdominal cavity, upper thigh, and belly button areas. According to research, over five million people in the United States will suffer from a hernia at some point in their lives.
There are different types of hernias, each relating to its location. Common types include;
- Inguinal hernia: Located in the groin. It arises when abdominal tissue bulges through an opening in the lower abdominal wall.
- Hiatal hernia: Occurs when part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.
- Umbilical hernia: Occurs near the belly button or navel.
- Femoral hernia: A bulge in the upper part of the thigh close to the groin
- Incisional hernia: Can appear at or near the site of a previous surgical incision
All the above types of hernias can happen in the workplace.
Causes of Hernia Injuries in the Workplace
In the workplace, hernias can be caused by several things, including;
- Heavy lifting
- Sudden strain
- Repetitive motion
- Poor ergonomics
Hernias are especially common among construction workers, warehouse staff, truck drivers, factory employees, and landscapers. However, any worker can suffer a hernia injury if they lift improperly or repetitively strain themselves.
Can You Get Workers’ Compensation for a Hernia in Vermont?
In Vermont, if your hernia was caused by your job duties or if your work duties aggravated an existing hernia, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, if your hernia was caused by or aggravated by activities outside your job, you cannot seek workers’ comp benefits.
However, while you can get workers’ compensation benefits for a hernia in Vermont, these claims sometimes face extra scrutiny from employers or insurance companies. Your employer or their workers’ compensation insurer may argue that your hernia was preexisting or is unrelated to your work. That is why reporting the injury immediately, seeking prompt medical attention, gathering evidence, and consulting an attorney is vital. Taking these steps can help you prove that your hernia is work-related.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Vermont?
If your workers’ compensation claim is approved, you may be entitled to the following benefits;
- Medical benefits. For all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your hernia
- Wage replacement benefits, if your injury prevents you from working
- Permanent disability benefits, if your injury causes long-term complications
- Vocational rehabilitation
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve suffered a hernia due to your work, contact a skilled Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for help navigating the process, dealing with your employer and their insurance company, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
