Springfield Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The workers’ compensation system in Vermont protects employees who have been injured while on the job. Most employers in Vermont are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance so benefits are available to injured employees. Workplace injuries are very stressful, though. Afterwards, you may not understand what benefits are available to you, or how the process works. Our Springfield workers’ compensation lawyer can provide the legal advice you need to obtain the benefits you deserve.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits are Available?
If you have been injured in the workplace, there are many different benefits that may be available to you. The benefits you are eligible for will depend on the nature and extent of your injuries. They include the following:
- Medical benefits: All of your reasonable and necessary medical services and treatment are covered under the workers’ compensation system.
- Temporary total disability benefits: Commonly known as TTD, these benefits provide two-thirds of your weekly wage if you are unable to return to work at all due to your injuries. These benefits are usually provided up to 104 weeks after the workplace injury.
- Permanent total disability benefits: Known as PTD, these benefits provide two-thirds of your weekly wages for a minimum of 330 weeks if you are permanently disabled and cannot work at all due to your injury.
- Temporary partial disability benefits: If you can return to work but must perform only light duties, TPD benefits cover two-thirds of the difference in your weekly wages before and after your accident.
- Permanent partial disability benefits: If you must perform light duties only for a significant period of time after the accident, you can obtain PPD benefits. Calculating these benefits is very complicated, so you should always speak to a Springfield workers’ compensation lawyer.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: If you cannot return to your current job, but can still work in some capacity, vocational rehabilitation benefits cover the additional training you need to obtain gainful employment.
- Death benefits: These benefits are available to surviving family members if an employee loses their life in a workplace accident. They cover funeral and burial expenses.
How to Obtain Workers’ Compensation Benefits
There are many steps to follow when claiming workers’ compensation. They include:
- Report the injury to your employer immediately and seek medical attention.
- Your employer should report the injury to the Vermont Department of Labor in 72 hours, or you can report it yourself.
- The insurance company will conduct an investigation within 21 days of receiving your claim.
- You will receive benefits or a letter of denial.
- A hearing may be held to determine the benefits you deserve.
- If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision.
Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Springfield Can Help You Navigate the Process
After a workplace injury, you may be eligible for benefits but they are not easy to obtain. At Sluka Law, PLC, our Springfield workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process and ensure no mistakes are made so your benefits are not in jeopardy. Call us now at 802-457-1000 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal advice you need.
