
Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injured at work in Vermont? Larson & Gallivan Law represents injured workers seeking the benefits they deserve, starting with a free consultation.
Our Vermont workers’ compensation lawyers represent injured workers statewide from our Rutland office. Vermont-licensed attorneys Tristan Larson, Erin Gallivan, and Elijah Bergman are here to handle your disputed or denied workers’ compensation claim.




Do You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation in Vermont?
Vermont workers’ compensation eligibility generally depends on your employment status and whether you suffered an injury arising out of and in the course of your work.
What Injuries and Conditions May Be Covered?
Work-related injuries take many forms. Larson & Gallivan Law reviews the circumstances surrounding the injury and its connection to your employment. Depending on the circumstances, your claim could involve:
- Slips, falls, and other sudden injuries
- Machinery or equipment accidents
- Repetitive-stress injuries
- Back and lifting injuries
- Occupational diseases
- Mental health conditions related to workplace trauma
Do You Have to Prove Your Employer Was at Fault?
Vermont’s workers’ compensation system generally provides benefits for qualifying work-related injuries without requiring an injured worker to prove employer negligence. This differs from a typical personal injury claim, where establishing fault often plays a central role.
Workers’ compensation generally serves as the exclusive remedy for a covered injury, subject to exceptions under Vermont law. In some cases, you may have separate claims against responsible third parties. When the same injury gives rise to both workers’ compensation and personal injury claims, Larson & Gallivan Law can represent you in both.
Not sure whether your situation qualifies? Contact Larson & Gallivan Law for a free case review.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Vermont?
Vermont workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits depending on the injury and its effect on your health and ability to work.
| Benefit | What It May Cover |
|---|---|
| Medical Benefits | Reasonable treatment related to a qualifying work injury |
| Temporary Disability | Wage-replacement benefits while a qualifying injury prevents or limits work |
| Permanent Disability/Impairment | Benefits for qualifying permanent impairment or disability |
| Vocational Rehabilitation | Assistance when an injury affects your ability to return to suitable employment |
| Death/Dependency Benefits | Benefits that may apply after a fatal qualifying workplace injury |
How Much of Your Lost Wages Does Workers’ Comp Pay?
For total disability, 21 V.S.A. § 642 generally provides weekly compensation equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, subject to statutory minimums and maximums. Your total weekly wage-replacement benefits cannot exceed 90% of your average weekly wage, and waiting-period rules also apply.
For a more detailed breakdown, see our guide on how Vermont workers’ comp benefits are calculated.
What Doesn’t Vermont Workers’ Compensation Pay For?
Workers’ compensation generally does not provide pain and suffering or other non-economic damages available in a personal injury case. If a negligent third party contributed to the injury, a separate personal injury claim could provide additional compensation. Larson & Gallivan Law will review these details during your free consultation.
What Should You Do After a Workplace Injury in Vermont?
Take these steps after a workplace injury to protect your health and document your claim:
- Report the injury: Tell your employer as soon as possible.
- Get medical care: Tell your provider that the injury happened at work.
- Document the injury: Keep medical records, incident reports, photos, and witness information.
- Confirm the claim was reported: Your employer ordinarily reports the claim. If not, Vermont provides Form 5 for employees to report an injury.
- Speak with an attorney: Consider legal guidance if your claim involves a serious injury, dispute, denial, or proposed settlement.
Use Larson & Gallivan Law’s Vermont workers’ compensation process flowchart for a visual overview of the claim process.
How Does a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Claim Work?
A Vermont workers’ compensation claim generally moves from reporting the injury to insurer review, then to acceptance or denial, followed by benefits or dispute resolution. The Vermont Department of Labor oversees the workers’ compensation system, while the insurance company evaluates the claim in its own best interest.
What If Your Vermont Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
A denial does not necessarily end your claim. You can challenge disputed benefits through the Vermont Department of Labor’s workers’ compensation process with representation from Larson & Gallivan Law.
Why Are Workers’ Compensation Claims Denied?
Insurers dispute claims over whether an injury qualifies, its connection to work, benefit calculations, medical treatment, or impairment. Your employer may also dispute your claim and give a different account of the injury to protect their interests over yours.
How Do You Challenge a Workers’ Comp Denial in Vermont?
The dispute process begins with a Notice and Application for Hearing (Form 6) or comparable written notice, followed by an informal conference and further proceedings when necessary. If your claim was denied, contact Larson & Gallivan Law before the applicable deadline passes.
Can You Settle a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Yes. Vermont law allows certain workers’ compensation benefits and disputed claims to resolve through lump-sum payments, subject to applicable requirements and Commissioner involvement.
What Can a Workers’ Comp Settlement Include?
Settlement terms depend on the benefits and whether you have a permanent impairment, future medical needs, or disputed benefits. Before accepting an offer, learn how it affects your rights by having a Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer at Larson & Gallivan Law review the agreement.
When Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Consider consulting with a Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer if your claim gets denied or delayed, your employer disputes the injury, you face a serious or permanent injury, or you receive a settlement offer. Contact Larson & Gallivan Law if you experience signs of workers’ comp retaliation or face a dispute over your employment status.
How Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
From our Rutland office, Larson & Gallivan Law represents injured workers across Vermont. The firm gathers medical evidence, handles insurer negotiations, challenges misclassification, represents clients at hearings, and reviews settlements.
How Much Does a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
At Larson & Gallivan Law, we use a contingency-fee structure, meaning you pay no upfront attorney fees. Your initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we recover benefits for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Why Choose Larson & Gallivan Law for Your Workers’ Comp Claim?
- Local Vermont representation: Larson & Gallivan Law serves injured workers across Vermont from its Rutland office.
- Workers’ compensation experience: The firm represents workers facing disputed and denied claims.
- Direct communication: You work with a Vermont-based legal team throughout your claim.
- Free consultation: Discuss your workplace injury and next steps at no upfront cost.
Talk to a Vermont Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Vermont Workers’ Compensation FAQs
How long do I have to file a workers’ compensation claim in Vermont?
Vermont law sets multiple deadlines for reporting an injury, making a claim, and starting proceedings. Contact Larson & Gallivan Law promptly to determine which deadline applies to your case.
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Vermont?
If you face termination, demotion, harassment, or another adverse action after filing, speak with an attorney about your rights. You may be experiencing workplace retaliation.
What if my employer says I was an independent contractor?
A contractor label does not necessarily determine your status under Vermont workers’ compensation law. Larson & Gallivan Law can review your working relationship and whether you qualify as an employee.
Does workers’ comp cover injuries that happen on the way to work?
Coverage depends on where, why, and under what circumstances the injury occurred. Our guide to workers’ comp injuries while driving to work discusses this in greater detail.
How long can I receive workers’ compensation benefits in Vermont?
The duration depends on the type of benefit and the circumstances of your injury. Review our guide on how long workers’ comp benefits last for a detailed breakdown.
Worker's Compensation Areas
Get Started — Free Workers’ Compensation Consultation
Speak with a Vermont workers’ compensation lawyer who cares about your rights and recovery. Larson & Gallivan Law offers a free case review with no upfront cost.
Call Larson & Gallivan Law — Free Consultation
128 Merchants Row, Suite 506, Rutland, Vermont 05701
(802) 692-7025
