Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Heat-Related Illness in Vermont?

Heat-related illnesses can strike without warning and have serious, sometimes fatal, consequences. These illnesses are especially likely among workers who work outdoors for long periods, although they can also affect those who work in hot indoor spaces. But if you suffer a heat-related illness in Vermont as an employee, can you seek workers’ compensation benefits? The answer to this question depends on the specifics of your situation. Generally, if your work or work environment caused your illness, you can seek workers’ compensation benefits. Read on to learn more!

Understanding Heat-Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses arise due to increased body temperature. Humans need to maintain their internal body temperature within a narrow range. When the body cannot get rid of excess heat and cool properly, heat illness may arise. Heat-related illnesses can occur due to exertion or environmental conditions.

Common types of heat illnesses include;

• Heat cramps: Painful muscle cramps in the legs, stomach, arms, or other body parts
• Heat exhaustion: Feelings of nausea, extreme weakness, and dizziness due to too much sweating.
• Heat stroke: A serious medical emergency that occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature anymore. If emergency medical treatment is not provided immediately, heat stroke can lead to death.

These illnesses often affect construction, agriculture, landscaping, manufacturing, and restaurant workers. However, they can also affect workers in hot or poorly ventilated workplaces, including office workers.

When Can You Recover Workers’ Compensation for a Heat-Related Illness?

According to Vermont workers’ compensation law (21 V.S.A. section 618), an employee may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits if their injury or illness arises out of and in the course of employment, or in other words, if it is work-related. This means that if your job duties or working conditions exposed you to extreme heat and that exposure led to your illness, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.

For instance, suppose you were working on a road construction project during extremely hot weather, and you ended up developing heat exhaustion or heat stroke. In such a case, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, if you become ill after work while sitting outside in the heat on your own time, your condition likely won’t qualify as work-related.

What Benefits Can You Recover?

If you file a workers’ compensation claim in Vermont after suffering a heat-related illness, you may be able to recover several benefits, including;

• All reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your illness
• Wage replacement benefits if you have to miss work while recovering
• Permanent disability benefits if you suffer lasting damage
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits if you can’t return to your old job and need help obtaining new employment

The good news is that the workers’ compensation system in Vermont is a no-fault one. This means you qualify for benefits even if your employer was not negligent or you did something that contributed to your illness.

Steps To Take After a Work-Related Heat Illness

If you’ve suffered a work-related heat illness, here are some of the key steps to take;

• Seek immediate medical attention
• Report your illness to your employer immediately
• Gather evidence
• File your claim if your employer fails to do so
• Consult a Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer

Contact Us for Legal Help

If you’ve suffered a work-related heat illness, contact our experienced Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for help pursuing the benefits you deserve.

Source:

legislature.vermont.gov/statutes/section/21/009/00618