Is a Heart Attack Covered Under Vermont Workers’ Compensation?
Getting a heart attack can be a scary experience. Unfortunately, sometimes, heart attacks strike suddenly without warning. A heart attack can happen anywhere, even at work. After suffering a heart attack while working in Vermont, you may wonder if heart attacks are covered under workers’ compensation.
In Vermont, when a workplace accident happens and causes an employee to suffer an injury, that injury is covered under workers’ compensation, with limited exceptions. Most, if not all, employees know this. Vermont workers’ compensation laws also cover occupational illnesses. However, many employees are unsure whether heart attacks are covered under workers’ compensation. Many employees are unsure if they can recover workers’ compensation benefits after suffering a heart attack while on the job.
So, is a heart attack covered under Vermont workers’ compensation? In Vermont, workers’ compensation covers injuries and illnesses that occur due to job-related activities or conditions. So, a heart attack may be covered under Vermont workers’ compensation if it happens because of job-related activities or conditions. If you suffered a heart attack in Vermont and some aspect of your employment contributed to the heart attack, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim and recover benefits.
Your Heart Attack Does Not Have To Have Happened at Work or During Your Work Hours
It is vital to note that your heart attack may be covered by workers’ compensation even if it did not occur at work or during your work hours. You may have started experiencing symptoms while at work, only for you to suffer a heart attack at home. Also, if you received a stress-inducing work-related phone call while at home that led to your heart attack, you may be eligible to recover workers’ compensation benefits.
Types of Work-Related Heart Attacks
There are several categories of work-related heart attacks for which workers’ compensation benefits may be available. First, workers’ compensation benefits may be available if a heart attack is caused by environmental factors such as exposure to hazardous chemicals. If dangerous chemicals result in a respiratory disease, such a disease can strain the heart, resulting in a heart attack. Exposure to heat can also increase the risk of a heart attack.
Second, workers’ compensation benefits may be available if a heart attack is caused by physical activity. For example, an employee may suffer a heart attack after lifting a heavy object due to the physical exertion. An employee may also be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if a heart attack occurs over a prolonged period due to the worker performing a physically demanding job for long hours at a time.
The third type of work-related heart attack for which workers’ compensation may be available is a heart attack that occurs due to emotional factors. For instance, suppose a worker witnesses a tragedy while at work and then suffers a heart attack. Such an injury may be compensable.
Determining your rights after a heart attack can be challenging as a worker. It is best that you consult a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer. Also, proving a heart attack is work-related can be difficult. It may require working with an experienced attorney.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you’ve suffered a heart attack and need help determining if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, contact our qualified Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys at Sluka Law PLC.
Source:
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20373106
