Signs Your Employer May Be Mishandling Your Workers’ Comp Claim
In Vermont, when a worker gets hurt or becomes sick while on the job, their employer is required to provide them with workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation program offers medical benefits, wage replacement benefits, and disability benefits, among other benefits. Unfortunately, while employers are legally obligated to provide these benefits, not all claims proceed smoothly. In fact, it is not unheard of for an employer to mishandle an employee’s workers’ comp claim.
If you are concerned that your employer may be mishandling your claim, it is vital to be aware of the warning signs to watch out for. Below are some of the common signs that your Vermont employer may be mishandling your workers ‘ compensation claim.
- Delays in Reporting Your Injury
After suffering a work injury or illness in Vermont, you must inform your employer immediately or as soon as possible. After receiving your report, your employer is required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier promptly. One of the most common signs your employer is mishandling your workers’ comp claim is if they are slow to file the necessary paperwork or give excuses for the delay.
- Discouragement From Filing
Suppose after you reported your injury or illness to your employer, they tried to discourage you from filing a workers’ compensation claim. In that case, you are justified in feeling concerned about your claim being mishandled. After all, your employer didn’t want you to file the claim. In Vermont, workers’ compensation is designed to protect you, and an employer cannot punish you for filing a claim.
- Lack of Communication
Employers should be transparent about the claims process. They should keep you updated on your claim’s status, share necessary forms, and answer your questions to the best of their ability. If your employer is not being forthcoming with information, it can be a sign that they are mishandling your claim.
- Retaliation Since You Filed Your Claim
You might have been demoted or have had your working hours increased since you filed your workers’ compensation claim. This might be a case of retaliation. In Vermont, it is against the law for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
- Disputing Your Claim
Another thing that might be a sign your employer is mishandling your claim is if they try to avoid responsibility by disputing how your injury happened or its severity. Your employer might argue that your injury did not occur in the course of employment or that your injuries are not as severe as you claim. While it is normal for disputes to arise during the claims process, an employer who refuses to acknowledge obvious work-related injuries may be acting in bad faith.
The workers’ compensation system exists to make recovering from a job-related injury less stressful. Unfortunately, some employers make the process more complicated. If you believe your employer is mishandling your workers’ compensation claim, do not ignore it. Act fast and speak to an attorney. A skilled attorney can help you protect your rights and secure your deserved benefits.
Contact Us for Legal Help
If you suspect your employer is mishandling your claim, contact our skilled Vermont workers’ comp lawyer at Sluka Law PLC for help determining if legal action is necessary.
