Bennington Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
No one expects to become hurt on the job. Unfortunately, workplace accidents are extremely common and can result in some of the worst injuries. All employers in Vermont are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance that will protect employees who are injured in the workplace. Neither employers nor the insurance companies that cover them like receiving workers’ compensation claims. They are both more interested in protecting their profits and bottom line. To do this, employers do not always report the injury in a timely manner, and insurance companies deny claims.
If your workers’ compensation has been denied, you are likely confused as to the reason for it. Below, our Bennington workers’ compensation lawyer explains what these benefits can provide, and what to do if you have been denied.
Benefits Available Under Workers’ Compensation
Workplace accidents result in very serious injuries and you deserve compensation for yours. Under the workers’ compensation law in Bennington, and throughout Vermont, you may be eligible for the following:
- Medical benefits for reasonable and necessary expenses,
- Temporary total disability benefits, if you are unable to return to work for a short period of time,
- Permanent total disability benefits, if you cannot return to work for an extended period of time,
- Temporary partial disability benefits, if you can only perform light duty for a short period of time,
- Permanent partial disability benefits, if you can only perform light duty for an extended period of time,
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits, if you require additional training to return to gainful employment, and
- Death benefits, for funeral and burial expenses.
Common Reasons for Workers’ Compensation Denials
Insurance providers of workers’ compensation use many strategies when denying workers’ compensation claims. Denials are sometimes legitimate but often, they are not. Some of the most common reasons insurance companies use for denying workers’ compensation claims are as follows:
- You did not report the injury in a timely manner: You should report any workplace injury to your employer as soon as it happens. Additionally, if you do not file your claim within six months, you can be denied benefits.
- Incomplete application: There is a lot of paperwork involved in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. If any part of your application is incomplete, it gives the insurance company reason to deny you benefits.
- The injury is not work-related: Workers’ compensation only covers injuries suffered on the job. Even if you did become hurt during a workplace accident, the insurance company may argue that you were not, or that your injuries were pre-existing.
- You are not really hurt: Perhaps the most insulting reason for a workers’ compensation claim denial, the insurance company may argue that you are not hurt at all.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Bennington Can Help After a Denial
It is frustrating to become injured while at work. It is even more upsetting when the insurance company will not provide you with the benefits you deserve. At Sluka Law, PLC, our Bennington workers’ compensation lawyer can help you appeal the decision so you obtain the coverage you need. Call us today at 802-457-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.
