Employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment for employees. When someone is hurt at work due to the company’s negligence, that worker is entitled to certain benefits. Injured workers should not have to pay any of their medical expenses resulting from a work-related injury out of their own pockets. Unfortunately, some employers make it difficult for their workers to get the benefits they need to recover and get back to work. People who encounter obstacles to workers compensation benefits should contact a Work Injury Lawyer in Burlington VT to help them assert their rights.
Medical Rights
One little-known fact about Workers Compensation benefits in Vermont is that injured workers have the right to choose their own doctor. Employers and their insurance companies prefer that people who were hurt at work see company doctors. Some employers go so far as to give employees a list of doctors they can use. Workers who aren’t aware of their rights may assume these are the only doctors they have to choose from when, in fact, they can see any doctor of their choice. Instead of using a medical provider recommended by the employer or insurance company, injured workers should always find a doctor without any conflict of interest.
Mileage Reimbursement
Driving to and from doctor appointments, therapy, and the pharmacy after a serious work-related injury can cause a lot of wear and tear on a person’s vehicle. A Work Injury Lawyer in Burlington VT may help a client get reimbursed for their mileage. It’s important for workers to keep track of the miles they drive from medical purposes so they can file a claim for reimbursement. Reimbursement may be available for travel to and from appointments with treating physicians, chiropractors, psychologists, acupuncturists, and dentists as long as the treatment is related to the work injury.
Some injured workers get everything they entitled to on their own. Those who struggle to get the benefits the state says they are entitled to need to contact McVeigh Skiff LLP as soon as possible. Having an advocate fighting on their behalf could make a huge difference in the benefits an injured worker receives.
