The top-rated workers compensation lawyer in Burlington, Vermont is Morgan & Morgan, rated 4.8 stars across 219 reviews. Other highly rated options include McVeigh Skiff Attorneys At Law, Gravel & Shea PC, Kaplan and Kaplan. This directory lists 18 workers compensation lawyers serving Burlington.
Comparison
| # | Name | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Morgan & Morgan | 106 Main St 2nd Office 7W | (802) 557-6300 |
| 2 | McVeigh Skiff Attorneys At Law | 30 Elmwood Ave | (802) 660-2466 |
| 3 | Gravel & Shea PC | 76 St Paul St 7th floor | (802) 658-0220 |
| 4 | Kaplan and Kaplan | 95 St Paul St #405 | (802) 651-0013 |
| 5 | Dickson Law Office, PLLC | 86 St Paul St suite 209 | (802) 999-7975 |
| 6 | MSK Attorneys | 275 College St | (802) 861-7000 |
| 7 | Brady / Donahue | 255 S Champlain St Suite 7B | (802) 885-2001 |
| 8 | Behrens Venman, PLLC | 30 Elmwood Ave | (802) 658-5900 |
| 9 | Brian J. Stark, Attorney at Law | 430 Shelburne Rd | (802) 200-4202 |
| 10 | Horn Wright, LLP | 106 Main St 2nd Floor, Suite 3E | (802) 328-9098 |
Morgan & Morgan serves the greater Burlington metro area, providing legal representation for serious workplace injury claims. The firm handles all aspects of workers compensation law to help injured employees secure necessary medical benefits and wage replacement payments. Navigating the complex Vermont workers compensation system can be challenging, and skilled case management is critical. In particular, this firm focuses on cases involving repetitive stress injuries and occupational disease claims, ensuring injured workers receive the full benefits they are entitled to under state law.
McVeigh Skiff Attorneys At Law handles claims and appeals in Workers Compensation cases for clients in Burlington, VT. The firm assists with medical benefit disputes, wage replacement negotiations, and temporary or permanent disability filings. Its process involves gathering medical records, completing required forms, and representing clients at hearings. Maintenance of open communication ensures case progress is tracked. Services extend to workers in construction, manufacturing, retail, healthcare, restaurants, and apartment or single-family property maintenance.
Gravel & Shea PC serves local employees injured on the job, providing legal representation in workers compensation claims and disputes over benefits. The firm assists clients with filing petitions, navigating denial appeals, and communicating with insurers to secure medical care and lost wage payments. It handles issues related to workplace injuries, occupational diseases, and disability determinations in the Burlington area. The practice also extends its services to clients in the surrounding Chittenden County communities.
Kaplan and Kaplan serves workers in Burlington, Vermont, and the surrounding communities of Chittenden County. It handles claims for workplace injuries, from medical cost disputes to lost-wage recovery. The firm navigates the state’s complex Department of Labor procedures to secure benefits for clients. For a typical job, it begins by gathering medical records and accident reports, then negotiates directly with insurance adjusters before any formal hearing occurs.
Dickson Law Office, PLLC provides legal services for both one-time consultations and ongoing representation in workers’ compensation cases. Their practice covers claims for workplace injuries and occupational illnesses in the Burlington area. They assist with filing initial claims, appealing denied benefits, and negotiating settlements with insurers. Service is available on both a one-time consultation and an as-needed basis for long-term case management.
MSK Attorneys concentrates its practice on representing injured workers. The Burlington firm guides clients through the complex filing of claims for medical benefits and lost wages. It handles disputes arising from denied coverage or disputed injury classifications. Its general service work includes negotiating settlements and litigating appeals before the Vermont Department of Labor. The office can assist individuals facing difficult seasonal challenges, such as proving a workplace injury occurred during harsh Vermont winter maintenance duties.
When winter ice in Burlington creates dangerous walking conditions, workplace slip-and-fall injuries become more common. Brady / Donahue assists injured workers with their claims for lost wages and medical expenses under Vermont law. They work closely with treating physicians to document injury severity and recovery timelines. The legal staff handles contested case filings before the Department of Labor when employers dispute liability. Your first consultation at their Burlington office includes a thorough review of your accident report.
Based in Burlington, Vermont, Behrens Venman, PLLC represents local residents in workers compensation legal matters. The firm also handles claims for commercial clients injured on the job throughout the region. They navigate medical and wage loss benefits with an office serving Chittenden County and surrounding areas for workers from all industries. During active cases or recovery periods, the firm remains available to adjust filings for ongoing medical treatment and revised earning statements between scheduled office visits.
Brian J. Stark, Attorney at Law provides legal representation for individuals injured on the job in the Burlington area. The firm handles workers compensation claims and related disputes with insurance carriers. It assists clients through all phases of the claims process, from initial filing to appeals. The practice serves employees injured in a variety of commercial settings, including offices, warehouses, and food service operations.
What Does a a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Burlington Cost?
The cost of hiring a workers compensation lawyer in Burlington, Vermont is generally structured as a contingency fee, meaning the lawyer receives a percentage of the benefits recovered on your behalf. Typical contingency fees in Vermont workers compensation cases range from 15% to 25% of the total benefits obtained, with 20% being a common rate. Some lawyers may charge a flat fee for specific services, such as representing you at a hearing, which can range from $500 to $2,500 depending on the complexity. Initial consultations are almost always free, and you will not pay any fees unless you receive benefits. Vermont law requires that all attorney fee arrangements be approved by the Vermont Department of Labor to ensure they are reasonable.
In addition to the lawyer's fee, you may be responsible for certain costs associated with your case, such as medical record retrieval fees, expert witness fees, and filing fees. These costs are typically separate from the contingency fee and may be advanced by the lawyer and deducted from your settlement or award. Some lawyers may charge a flat administrative fee of $100 to $300 for case-related expenses. It is important to discuss all potential costs and fee structures during your initial consultation. This information is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice; you should consult with a qualified legal professional regarding your specific situation.
About workers compensation lawyers in Burlington
Workers compensation law in Burlington, Vermont provides a critical safety net for employees who suffer injuries or illnesses arising out of and in the course of their employment. This no-fault system covers a broad range of conditions, including sudden on-the-job injuries such as falls from ladders on construction sites, machinery accidents in manufacturing facilities, and motor vehicle collisions for delivery drivers. It also extends to occupational diseases like asbestosis from long-term exposure in older buildings, repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome common among office workers and assembly line employees, and gradual injuries like hearing loss from prolonged noise exposure in industrial settings. Vermont law requires most employers to carry workers compensation insurance, ensuring that injured workers receive medical care and wage replacement without needing to prove fault on the part of the employer.
Vermont's workers compensation system is governed by Title 21 of the Vermont Statutes Annotated, specifically Chapter 9. Under Vermont law, any employer with one or more employees must carry workers compensation coverage, with narrow exceptions for certain agricultural workers and domestic servants. The benefit calculation formula is based on the employee's average weekly wage, typically calculated from the 26 weeks preceding the injury. Temporary total disability benefits are set at two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage, subject to a maximum weekly benefit that adjusts annually. As of 2024, the maximum weekly benefit for temporary total disability is $1,237.00, while the minimum is $309.00. The Vermont Department of Labor, specifically the Workers' Compensation Division, administers the system, and the Vermont Workers' Compensation and Safety Act provides the legal framework for all claims.
Injured workers in Burlington may be entitled to several distinct types of benefits. Temporary total disability benefits provide wage replacement when an employee cannot work at all due to the injury, paid at two-thirds of the average weekly wage up to the statutory maximum. Permanent partial disability benefits apply when the employee reaches maximum medical improvement but retains some permanent impairment, calculated using a schedule of specific body parts and percentages. Permanent total disability benefits are available for catastrophic injuries that render the employee unable to engage in any gainful employment, providing ongoing wage replacement at two-thirds of the average weekly wage. Medical benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury, including doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Vocational rehabilitation benefits may include job retraining, education, or job placement assistance if the employee cannot return to their previous occupation. Death benefits provide financial support to dependents of workers killed on the job, typically two-thirds of the deceased worker's average weekly wage for a specified period.
The claims process in Vermont begins with the employee reporting the injury to their employer as soon as possible. Vermont law requires the employee to provide written notice of the injury within 90 days, though prompt reporting is strongly recommended to avoid complications. The employer must file a First Report of Injury with their insurance carrier and the Vermont Department of Labor within 10 days of receiving notice. The insurance carrier then has 21 days to accept or deny the claim. During the claims process, the carrier may require the employee to attend an independent medical examination (IME) with a physician of the carrier's choosing to assess the nature and extent of the injury. Once the employee reaches maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning the condition has stabilized and further improvement is unlikely, the physician assigns a permanent impairment rating. Settlement options include lump sum payments, which provide a single cash payment to close the claim, or structured settlements, which spread payments over time. Vermont law requires Department of Labor approval for any settlement that includes future medical benefits.
Disputed claims are unfortunately common in Vermont workers compensation cases. An insurance carrier may deny a claim for various reasons, including failure to provide timely notice, lack of a causal connection between the injury and employment, pre-existing conditions, or allegations that the injury did not occur at work. When a claim is denied, the employee has the right to appeal through the Vermont Workers' Compensation Commission. The process begins with a formal hearing before a Department of Labor hearing officer, who reviews evidence including medical records, witness testimony, and expert opinions. If either party disagrees with the hearing officer's decision, they may appeal to the Vermont Workers' Compensation Board, a three-member panel that reviews the case de novo. Further appeals may go to the Vermont Supreme Court. The burden of proof rests with the employee to demonstrate by a preponderance of the evidence that the injury arose out of and in the course of employment.
In certain circumstances, injured workers in Burlington may pursue third-party claims in addition to workers compensation benefits. Workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against the employer, meaning you cannot sue your employer for negligence. However, if a third party caused or contributed to your injury, you may file a civil lawsuit against that party. Common examples include defective equipment manufactured by a company other than your employer, negligent drivers in work-related vehicle accidents, or property owners who fail to maintain safe premises. Vermont law allows the workers compensation carrier to assert a lien on any third-party recovery, seeking reimbursement for benefits paid. This means the carrier is entitled to recover the amount of benefits paid from any settlement or judgment you obtain from the third party. A skilled legal professional can help navigate the complex interaction between workers compensation benefits and third-party claims to maximize your overall recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the deadline to report a work injury to my employer in Burlington, Vermont?
Under Vermont law, you must provide written notice of your work injury to your employer within 90 days of the date the injury occurred or the date you discovered the injury. However, it is strongly recommended that you report the injury immediately, as delays can complicate your claim. If you fail to provide notice within 90 days, your claim may be denied unless you can show the employer had actual knowledge or that the delay was excusable.
How much does it cost to hire a workers compensation lawyer in Burlington, Vermont?
Most workers compensation lawyers in Vermont work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront and the fee is a percentage of the benefits you recover. Typical contingency fees range from 15% to 25% of the total benefits obtained, with 20% being common. Vermont law caps attorney fees in workers compensation cases, and all fee arrangements must be approved by the Vermont Department of Labor. Initial consultations are usually free, and you will not owe any fees if you do not receive benefits.
How long does the workers compensation claims process take in Vermont?
The timeline varies significantly based on the complexity of the case. After you report the injury, the insurance carrier has 21 days to accept or deny your claim. If accepted, temporary total disability benefits typically begin within 14 days of the first missed workday. Reaching maximum medical improvement can take months or even years, depending on the severity of the injury. If your claim is disputed, the hearing process before the Vermont Workers' Compensation Commission can take 6 to 12 months or longer, with appeals adding additional time.