Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Broken Wrist in Vermont?
A fractured wrist can significantly impact your ability to work and perform various daily activities. Unfortunately, such injuries are far too common in the workplace. Luckily, in Vermont, workers’ compensation benefits are available to employees who sustain work-related injuries, including broken wrists. If you have suffered a fractured wrist at work in Vermont, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and how the claims process works to ensure you get the support you need.
Common Causes of Work-Related Broken Wrists
Here are some of the most common causes of work-related broken wrists;
- Slips and falls: If an employee falls on, for example, a wet floor or cluttered work areas and uses their hand to break the fall, it can result in a wrist fracture.
- Falls from heights: Falling from a ladder or another elevated platform can result in a broken wrist.
- Accidents with machinery: Machines like conveyor belts can trap employees’ hands or wrists, causing fractures.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Truck drivers, delivery drivers, or employees operating company vehicles may suffer broken wrists when an accident happens.
- Impact from falling objects: Heavy items can fall onto an employee’s hand or wrist, causing a fracture.
- Workplace assault or violence: Assaults or physical altercations at work can result in broken wrists, particularly if a worker uses their hand to defend themselves.
Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation in Vermont
In Vermont, all employers are required to have workers’ compensation. This insurance program provides medical care and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault-based system, so you don’t have to prove negligence to recover compensation.
However, to seek workers’ compensation benefits for a broken wrist in Vermont, you still have to meet specific requirements. Generally;
- You must be an employee. Independent contractors are not covered.
- You must have suffered an injury in the course of employment
- You must report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
Steps To Take After a Work-Related Broken Wrist
If you have broken your wrist due to your work, here are the steps to take to protect your legal rights;
- Inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible: This is vital for establishing a clear link between your injury and your job.
- Seek prompt medical attention: Vermont law allows you to choose your treating physician, though your employer has the right to designate the healthcare provider for your initial treatment.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions: This is vital for strengthening your claim.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: If your employer doesn’t file a First Report of Injury with the Vermont Department of Labor to initiate the claim, you can file the claim yourself by submitting Form 5.
- Contact a workers’ compensation attorney: A skilled attorney can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to.
Benefits You May Receive for a Work-Related Broken Wrist
If your claim is successful, you may receive the following benefits;
- Medical benefits
- Temporary disability benefits if you cannot work
- Permanent disability benefits if you suffer a permanent impairment
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits, which are meant to help you re-enter the workforce
Contact Sluka Law
If you’ve suffered a broken wrist while on the job, contact a Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for help recovering the benefits you deserve.
