An unfortunate work-related injury in Castleton can leave you with unexpected losses and a financial mess. Thankfully, the workers’ compensation system is here to help injured worked and help them get back to work without delay. Your employer pays for workers’ compensation insurance, and following your injury or diagnosis of a work-related medical condition, you can claim compensation from the insurance company. Working with a workers compensation lawyer in Castleton VT, can help in many ways, especially because the legal aspects related to the entire process can be complex.
The basics explained
The workers’ compensation system has been designed to ensure that employees have the resources and financial support to recover from their injuries. This is not a fault-based system, which means you don’t need to prove that your injuries were a result of your employer’s fault or negligence. However, you are required to demonstrate two key things. Firstly, you need to qualify for workers’ compensation insurance as an employee, which means that you have to prove that the injury happened at work. Secondly, you must prove that the injury is related to the job you do. For instance, if you suffered a heart attack during the lunch break, it may not qualify for the benefits.
What do workers’ comp benefits include?
In general, workers’ comp benefits cover your medical care costs, including costs related to hospitalization, surgery, therapy, and rehabilitative care required for your treatment. If you have a temporary disability, you could also claim wage replacement, and in some cases, you could also be entitled to permanent disability benefits. Other benefits include vocational rehabilitation, which could be necessary if the injured worker needs to switch operations. Death benefits are available to the survivors of the injured worker, depending on circumstances.
Seeking legal help
Getting workers’ comp benefits is more complicated than you think, especially if yours is a diagnosis of a disease related to the work. An attorney can help you throughout the process and ensure that you have sufficient evidence and relevant medical records to support your claim. Insurance companies are eventually paying the benefits, and the claims adjusters are not going to be kind to you, which is something you need to keep in mind. If the claims adjuster denies your claim and doesn’t pay the total amount you deserve, your attorney can take legal action.
Talk to an attorney to know more.