Most workers go through an entire career without a work-related injury or accident. Few are aware of the procedures to follow, the type and amount of compensation available and the rights of the injured employee in those cases where injuries are severe enough to require medical treatment and continued care, and which cause time lost from work. Many times needed benefits are either paid out of pocket by the injured or not claimed due to a lack of knowledge with respect to their availability.
No one expects to have an accident or to be injured on the job. Consequently, it is only after the debilitating event that most seek legal assistance. As individual states have slightly differing procedures and rules, local help is usually best. For instance, a Workers Compensation Attorney in Vermont should be consulted in that state, while in other states their knowledge might be limited. Some of the employee rights in Vermont include:
Choosing one’s own doctor, even if the insurance company or employer has furnished a list from which to choose
Reasonable medical care as determined by a doctor
Physical therapy and/or vocational rehabilitation
Mileage reimbursement to and from all treatments and pharmacies
Temporary or permanent disability
Most employers and insurance companies will suggest a doctor, or will furnish a list of doctors approved by the insurance company. There is nothing wrong with that — in fact, the list will almost certainly contain medical personnel familiar with the type injury likely to occur in any given industry or situation. The choice to remain under the care of the recommended doctor or to choose a personal one is a matter of individual comfort, not an indication of a conflict of interest. Most of the time, the initial consult with a Workers Compensation Attorney in Vermont will cover such issues as this and others, and will ensure that the needs of the employee remain foremost throughout the treatment, recovery and rehabilitation following the event.
One firm which has been serving workers in Vermont for more than 40 years is McVeigh Skiff LLP. Each of its attorneys is fully versed in the intricacies of Vermont workers compensation laws and procedures. McVeigh Skiff only represents the worker, not the employer or the insurance company.
