Was your workers’ compensation claim denied? Have your benefits been reduced? Are you frustrated with your doctor’s care?

You don't have to tolerate poor treatment after an injury on-the-job. As a Vermont worker, you have rights - and that includes respectful treatment and care following a work accident.


The Vermont Department of Labor requires employers and their worker's compensation insurers to fairly compensate workers who have been injured on the job. Following a work accident, you have the right to:
  • A timely response to your phone calls.
  • A timely payment of available benefits.
  • Medical treatment paid for by your employer's insurer.
  • Partial wages while out of work on disability.
  • Job re-training options reviewed if out of work for more than 90 days.
  • Partial disability benefits even after returning to work.
  • Permanent disability if unable to return to work.

You also have the right to hire an attorney to fight for you if you feel any of these rights are being neglected. Are you ready to talk to a dedicated Vermont worker's compensation lawyer who can inform you of your rights? Call White River Junction attorney Charles "Chip" Powell today at 802-295-7773. The law office of Charles Powell concentrates in legal representation of injured workers throughout Vermont.

What should I expect after a workplace injury?


A traumatic event is the cause of most Vermont work injuries. On-the-job accidents often affect the spine, back, joints, limbs or the nervous system, including a nerve disorder known as Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome.

Many disabling injuries can have a snowball effect, leading to further physical damage and, sometimes, mental depression or anxiety. A "major league" injury, or one that has caused permanent damage, may keep you on disability for years. You may be unable to work and support your family, and your medical bills may be piling up.

Your employer's insurer must pay for all medical costs related to the accident. This includes any resulting injuries or conditions. If you have suffered permanent injuries, they are required to pay for treatment for the rest of your life.

Because money is at stake, the insurer may be reluctant to accept your physician's recommendation for necessary care. They may ask you to see an "independent doctor."

Following your accident and approved workers' compensation claim, the insurer is responsible to pay for:
  • Your medical bills
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medications
  • Partial reimbursement for driving to and from your appointments
  • Wage benefit checks while you are unable to work
  • Job retraining (in some cases)

The insurer can pay your medical bills directly to the doctor or pharmacy, and your benefits paychecks must arrive in a timely manner each week.

What can a workers' comp lawyer do for me?


A quick glance through Vermont workers' compensation laws and Department of Labor rules may seem overwhelming. The legal jargon and complicated formulas can make it difficult to find out what benefits you should be receiving and what to do if you're not.

The insurance companies know you are unfamiliar with the system, and they may try to take advantage of your inexperience. Some may even accuse you of exaggerating your pain. Some insurers may tell you they don't think your requested treatments are reasonable.

You don't have to put up with their power play. An experienced Vermont personal injury attorney can help you determine which rules and benefits affect your situation and how to use them to your advantage.

Chip Powell concentrates in Vermont workers' comp cases. He will fight for your rights and benefits.

If you suspect that your insurance adjuster is not treating you fairly, or if you are unsure what benefits you can claim or should be receiving, call Chip today for more information at 802-295-7773.


Charles L. Powell represents injured workers throughout Vermont and is available to speak with injured workers in all Vermont counties and towns including:
Windsor County - Andover, Baltimore, Barnard, Bethel, Bridgewater, Cavendish, Chester, Chester Depot, Hartford, White River Junction, Wilder, Hartland, Ludlow, Ludlow Village, Norwich, Plymouth, Pomfret, Reading, Rochester, Royalton, Sharon, Springfield, Stockbridge, Weathersfield, Perkinsville, West Windsor, Weston, Windsor, Woodstock and Woodstock Village
Windham County - Athens, Brattleboro, West Brattleboro, Brookline, Dover, Dummerston, Grafton, Guilford, Algiers, Halifax, Jamaica, Londonderry, Marlboro, Newfane, Newfane Village, Putney, Rockingham, Bellows Falls, Saxtons River, Somerset, Stratton, Townshend, Harmonyville, West Townshend, Vernon, Wardsboro, Westminster, North Westminster, Whitingham, Jacksonville, Wilmington, Windham and South Windham
Orange County - Bradford, Braintree, Brookfield, Chelsea, Corinth, Fairlee, Newbury, Orange, Randolph, Strafford, Thetford, Topsham, Tunbridge, Vershire, Washington, West Fairlee and Williamstown
Washington County - Barre, Websterville, Berlin, Cabot, Cabot Village, Calais, Duxbury, East Montpelier, Fayston, Marshfield, Marshfield Village, Middlesex, Montpelier, Moretown, Northfield, Northfield Village, Plainfield, Roxbury, Waitsfield, Warren, Waterbury, Waterbury Village, Woodbury and Worcester
Caledonia County - Barnet, Burke, West Burke, Danville, Groton, Hardwick, East Hardwick, Mackville, Kirby, Lyndon, Lyndonville, Lyndon Center, East Lyndon, Newark, Peacham, Ryegate, South Ryegate, East Ryegate, Center Ryegate, Sheffield, St. Johnsbury, St. Johnsbury Center, Stannard, Sutton, Walden, Waterford and Wheelock
Chittenden County - Bolton, Burlington, Charlotte, Colchester, Essex, Essex Junction, Hinesburg, Huntington, Jericho, Milton, Richmond, Shelburne, South Burlington, St. George, Underhill, Westford, Williston and Winooski.


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White River Junction Office

Gates-Briggs Building, Suite 312
5 South Main Street
White River Junction, VT 05001 Get Directions

Testimonials

  • Thank you Charles , so much for helping me through the hardest time in my life . I had no fight in me and you did it for me while being patient, compassionate and looking out for me , for my benefit .
    I'm in such a better place now , Thanks to you and your staff . Your staff are so wonderful , a joy to work with , just really GREAT PEOPLE !!

    I Thank You , to all of you . THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EVERYTHING .

    Thank you , Tammy Kemp
  • I can go on and on regarding how great this place is. Chip and his associates made this whole workers’ compensation time in my life a lot easier... (Joseph Scroggins)
  • I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your staff for the superb representation and moral support I received during my case.
  • I retained the legal services of Charles Powell to represent myself when it came to workman’s compensation and issues that I had to deal with during my recovery.

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