Vermont Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026

Tell the employer immediately and preserve a written record

The Department instructs workers to report an accident immediately, or an injury that develops over time as soon as they recognize its work connection. Record the date, time, location, mechanism, witnesses, body parts affected, and the person notified. Delayed symptoms should be added promptly rather than silently omitted.

An employer must report an injury to the Department within 72 hours after notice when it results in medical care or absence from work, and should give the worker a copy. If the employer does not report, the worker can contact the Division and request Form 5, Employee’s Notice of Injury and Claim for Compensation. Form 5 requires supporting evidence, so retain medical records and witness information.

Get care and obtain written work restrictions

Tell every provider the condition is work-related. The employer may direct the first medical visit to a company doctor. After that first visit, the worker may select another provider by filing Form 8, Change of Health Care Provider. Necessary and reasonable care can include hospital and physician services, therapy, medication, chiropractic care, psychological treatment, and other covered supplies.

If the injury prevents work or limits hours or duties, obtain a written medical note. Keep the insurer informed of appointments and changes in address, telephone, work status, or restrictions. A release to light duty should be compared carefully with the actual job offered.

Available benefits depend on medical and wage evidence

AWW generally uses qualifying gross wages during the 26 weeks before injury and may include overtime, bonuses, tips, concurrent covered employment, and the value of certain benefits. Form 25 documents the wage calculation; Form 10 documents dependents and concurrent employment.

The insurer generally has 21 days to investigate

The Department states that the carrier has 21 days from the employer’s receipt of notice to investigate and decide coverage. Cooperate with focused requests for claim information and return a properly limited Form 7 medical authorization promptly. Keep copies of everything sent and received.

When temporary benefits are owed, the carrier and worker use Form 32, Agreement for Temporary Compensation, supported by Form 25 and Form 10. Read the wage statement and compensation rate before signing. An approved agreement is binding absent grounds such as fraud or material mistake.

Form 6 starts the dispute-resolution process

Disputes may concern claim acceptance, wage calculations, medical treatment, permanency, vocational rehabilitation, or discontinuance. A carrier seeking to stop benefits must file a supported Form 27. The worker may challenge the decision by filing Form 6, Notice and Application for Hearing.

The process normally begins with informal resolution, often through a telephone conference and document review. If unresolved, the matter can proceed to a recorded formal hearing with testimony and cross-examination. The Department does not collect evidence or represent either side; each party must assemble the medical, wage, witness, and legal material relied upon.