What Is the Role of an Attorney in Your Workers’ Compensation Case?
In Vermont, the workers’ compensation system is designed to cover the expenses and losses you experience due to your work-related injury or illness, such as medical expenses and lost wages. However, before you can recover workers’ compensation benefits, there are several forms you must submit and processes you must comply with. Unfortunately, even a single mistake can result in your workers’ compensation claim getting denied.
An attorney plays a crucial role in a workers’ compensation case. Hiring a workers’ compensation attorney can increase your chances of recovering the benefits you deserve. Below, we discuss some of the things a workers’ compensation attorney can do for you.
Ensure You File the Necessary Forms on Time
As mentioned, filing a Vermont workers’ compensation claim entails submitting several forms. One of the most vital roles of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to help you submit these forms on time. Some of the forms you need to submit for your case include;
- Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation (Form 5)
- Medical records and bills
- Authorization for Release of Medical Records
After suffering a work-related injury or illness in Vermont, you must report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible. Your employer is then required to file a report with the Department of Labor within 72 hours. If your employer fails to do this, it is up to you to request a Form 5 to report the injury to the Department yourself. An attorney can help you get this form, fill it out, and submit it to the Department of Labor.
Gather Evidence That Supports Your Claim
Insufficient or weak evidence is one of the most common reasons workers’ compensation claims are denied. An attorney can help you gather enough strong evidence to support your case. Your attorney can help you develop solid medical evidence. They can do this by, among other things, gathering your medical records, obtaining medical opinions, and conducting deposition of medical experts. Other types of evidence that could support your case that an attorney can help you gather include vocational expert testimony, testimonies from friends and family members about how your daily life has changed, and evidence showing a history of poor workplace safety.
Negotiate a Settlement
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to reach a settlement. A skilled attorney can accurately calculate the value of your case and possesses negotiation skills. A workers’ compensation lawyer will structure and negotiate a good settlement agreement that favors you.
Represent You at Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing or Trial
While most workers’ compensation cases settle, some don’t. If you cannot reach an agreement with the insurance company, a skilled lawyer can represent you at your hearing or trial. At the hearing or during your trial, your attorney will, among other things, present opening and closing arguments, argue why you should get benefits, examine witnesses, and raise objections if the other side does something wrong.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
At Sluka Law PLC, our Vermont workers’ compensation attorneys have years of experience fighting for injured workers’ rights. From filing forms to collecting evidence to negotiating with the insurance company to representing you at your hearing or trial, we are with you each step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
