reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
21 V.S.A. § 663a
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 663a. Workers' compensation dispute mediation

§ 663a. Workers' compensation dispute mediation|(a) The Commissioner shall require mediation in certain workers' compensation disputes. In each case, after a request for formal hearing has been filed, in accordance with the rule, the Commissioner may determine whether the disputed issue and the parties are appropriate for mediation prior to a formal hearing and whether mediation would speed resolution of the dispute without the time and expense of a hearing. If the Commissioner determines that mediation is appropriate, the Commissioner shall order the parties to attend at least one mediation session prior to a scheduled hearing. Referring a case to mediation shall not cause a delay in setting a date for the formal hearing. The Commissioner shall, by rule, determine the procedures by which cases are selected and scheduled for mediation.(b) The costs of mediation shall be divided evenly between the claimant and the employer, unless the parties agree otherwise. The cost of the mediation, up to the amount set by rule, shall be a cost recoverable by the claimant pursuant to section 678 of this title.(c) The Commissioner shall select or make available a list of qualified individuals to act as mediators, which may include nonattorneys, provided they are experienced in workers' compensation, including former Department employees and insurance adjusters. The mediators shall be compensated at rates set by rule of the Commissioner.(d) Prior to implementing this section, the Commissioner shall consult with the Department of Labor Advisory Council established by section 1306 of this title, the workers' compensation committees of the Vermont Bar Association and the Vermont Trial Lawyers' Association, representatives of insurers who provide workers' compensation coverage in Vermont, and with other appropriate parties. (Added 2007, No. 208 (Adj. Sess.), § 10.)
21 V.S.A. § 663b
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 663b. Fraud

§ 663b. Fraud|(a) Any claims of fraud submitted to the Department shall require action by the Commissioner to determine if further investigation is warranted. The Commissioner shall order the insurer to investigate specific allegations of claimant fraud and submit a written report to the Department. Once the insurer's report is received, the Commissioner shall afford the claimant an opportunity to respond in person or in writing within 30 days. The Commissioner may order additional information to be provided to the Department from the insurer or the claimant. The Department shall issue a determination on the fraud allegation, including penalties and any reimbursement as provided under section 708 of this title. The party may appeal the decision of the Commissioner as provided under 3 V.S.A. chapter 25.(b) An employee found to have committed fraud in order to receive compensation under this chapter shall be ordered to repay all compensation fraudulently received in addition to other administrative penalties ordered by the Department. These payments shall not be charged to the employer for purposes of calculating its experience rating. (Added 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 63, eff. June 24, 2014.)
21 V.S.A. § 664
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 664. Trial and award

§ 664. Trial and award|Within 60 days after a hearing is held, the Commissioner shall make an award supported by findings of fact and the applicable law and shall send a copy of the award to the parties. If the employee prevails at the hearing, the Commissioner's findings shall include the date on which the employer's obligation to pay compensation under this chapter began. The award shall include interest at the statutory rate computed from that date on the total amount of unpaid compensation. (Amended 1997, No. 19, § 4.)
21 V.S.A. § 666
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 666. Manner of giving notice of hearing

§ 666. Manner of giving notice of hearing|Notices of hearings under the provisions of this chapter shall be given to the employee, employer, and to the insurance carrier. Such notice shall be given by delivering it or by sending it by mail, addressed to the employee, employer, and to such insurance company at his, her, or its last known residence or place of business. The foregoing provisions shall apply alike to individuals, partnerships, and corporations.
21 V.S.A. § 668
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 668. Modification of awards

§ 668. Modification of awards|Upon the Commissioner's own motion or upon the application of any party in interest upon the ground of a change in the conditions, or whenever doubts have arisen as to the jurisdiction of the Commissioner at the time the petition was presented, the Commissioner may at any time within six years of the date of award review any award by giving at least six days' notice thereof to the parties personally, or to the attorneys appearing in the cause. On such review, the Commissioner may make an order ending, diminishing, or increasing the compensation previously awarded, subject to the maximum or minimum provided in this chapter. If it appears that the petition for hearing was presented without previous authority or that for other reason the Commissioner did not have jurisdiction in the cause, the Commissioner may make an order striking off the award, and shall state conclusions of fact and rulings of law and immediately send to the parties a copy of the award. Such a review shall not affect any money already paid. (Amended 1993, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 13.)
21 V.S.A. § 669
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 669. Finality of award

§ 669. Finality of award|An award of the Commissioner shall, in the absence of fraud, be conclusive between the parties except as provided in section 668 of this title, unless an appeal is taken therefrom as hereinafter provided.
21 V.S.A. § 670
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 670. Appeals to Superior Court

§ 670. Appeals to Superior Court|Within 30 days after copies of an award have been sent as provided by this chapter, either party may appeal to the Superior Court of a county wherein a civil action between the parties would be triable. Either party shall be entitled to a trial by jury. (Amended 1963, No. 134, § 5, eff. June 6, 1963; 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 194, eff. March 29, 1972; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
21 V.S.A. § 671
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 671. Jurisdiction; findings for new award

§ 671. Jurisdiction; findings for new award|The jurisdiction of such court shall be limited to a review of questions of fact or questions of fact and law certified to it by the Commissioner and upon completion of the case in Superior Court, either after trial or upon remand from the Supreme Court, the clerk shall certify the findings of the court to the Commissioner who shall thereupon make a new order in accordance therewith and shall forthwith send to each of the parties a copy of such order. Such new order shall have all the force and effect of an award made pursuant to the provisions of sections 663 and 664 of this title and shall supersede the award previously made by the Commissioner. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 2017, No. 74, § 42.)
21 V.S.A. § 672
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 672. Appeals to the Supreme Court

§ 672. Appeals to the Supreme Court|If an appeal is not taken under the provisions of section 670 of this title within the time limited therefor, either party may transfer such cause to the Supreme Court. The jurisdiction of the Court shall be limited to a review of questions of law certified to it by the Commissioner. On such appeal or on an appeal taken as provided in sections 670 and 671 of this title and coming to the Supreme Court on appeal from Superior Court, the Supreme Court may render final judgment and award execution, or may remand the cause to the Superior Court or to the Commissioner for further findings or for new order by him or her in accordance with the mandate of the Court. The Court shall, by general rules, prescribe the procedure to be followed in case of such appeals. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
21 V.S.A. § 673
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 673. Appeal in case of fraud, accident, or mistake

§ 673. Appeal in case of fraud, accident, or mistake|On petition and proof and in its discretion, the Supreme or Superior Court may grant leave to enter an appeal from an order of the Commissioner of Labor in cases where the petitioner has been prevented by fraud, accident or mistake from taking or entering an appeal within the time allowed by law. On granting the same, the court shall order such petitioner to give sufficient security to prosecute such appeal to effect and pay such costs as are awarded against him or her. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006.)
21 V.S.A. § 674
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 674. Service of petition

§ 674. Service of petition|Such petition shall not be sustained unless served on the adverse party within 21 days from the date thereof and within two years after the last date upon which such appeal might have been entered in court.
21 V.S.A. § 675
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 675. Enforcement of award

§ 675. Enforcement of award|(a) If an award is made under the provisions of this chapter, including interim orders, issued pursuant to sections 643a and 662 of this title, or an agreement is approved by the Commissioner, and the employer or insurance carrier fails to comply with the award or agreement, the employee, subject to the stay provisions of subsection (b) of this section, may proceed to collect all or any part of past due installments in any court of law having jurisdiction of the amount involved. If the employee prevails, interest, reasonable attorney's fees, and costs shall be allowed.(b) Any award or order of the Commissioner shall be of full effect from issuance unless stayed by the Commissioner, any appeal notwithstanding. Any request for a stay shall be filed with the Commissioner at the time of filing a notice of appeal. The Commissioner, after allowing the prevailing party 10 days within which to be heard in writing on the request, shall respond within 15 days to the request for stay. The response of the Commissioner shall detail his or her reasons for granting, denying, or modifying the request and shall be a part of the record on appeal. No stay shall exist unless granted pursuant to this subsection.(c) An employer who fails to make payment due to an employee under this chapter pursuant to an executed agreement under sections 642, 644, 646, or 648 of this title or pursuant to an interim order of the Commissioner within 15 days after the payment is due shall also pay the employee interest on the unpaid compensation at the statutory rate. (Amended 1985, No. 194 (Adj. Sess.), § 7; 1997, No. 19, § 5.)
21 V.S.A. § 676
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 676. Revision of decrees

§ 676. Revision of decrees|Upon the filing with it of a certified copy of a decision of the Commissioner ending, diminishing, or increasing compensation previously awarded, a Superior Court which has rendered judgment as provided by this chapter shall revoke or modify its prior judgment so that it will conform to such decision. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
21 V.S.A. § 677
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 677. New hearings; when granted; procedure

§ 677. New hearings; when granted; procedure|The Commissioner may grant a new hearing in a cause determined by him or her on the ground of newly discovered evidence when a petition, setting forth the substance of such evidence, verified by the oath of the petitioner, is presented. His or her decision in granting or denying such hearing shall be final and conclusive. If a party petitions the Commissioner for a new hearing, he or she shall give the adverse party notice of such petition by a citation signed by the Commissioner served like a summons at least 12 days before the date of such hearing. A new hearing shall not be granted on a petition unless the citation to the adverse party is served within six months after the date of the order of the Commissioner.
21 V.S.A. § 678
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 678. Costs; attorney's fees

§ 678. Costs; attorney's fees|(a) Necessary costs of proceedings under this chapter, including deposition expenses, subpoena fees, and expert witness fees, shall be assessed by the Commissioner against the employer or its workers' compensation carrier when the claimant prevails. The Commissioner may allow the claimant to recover reasonable attorney's fees when the claimant prevails. Costs shall not be taxed or allowed either party except as provided in this section.(b) In appeals to the Superior or Supreme Court, if the claimant prevails, he or she shall be entitled to reasonable attorney's fees as approved by the court, necessary costs, including deposition expenses, subpoena fees, and expert witness fees, and interest at the rate of 12 percent per annum on that portion of any award the payment of which is contested. Interest shall be computed from the date of the award of the Commissioner.(c) By January 1, 1999, and at least every five years thereafter, the Commissioner shall amend existing rules regarding reasonable attorney's fees awarded under subsection (a) of this section. In amending these rules, the Commissioner shall consider accessibility to legal services, appropriate inflation factors, and any other related factors consistent with the purposes of this chapter. In the event the Commissioner proposes no change in the rules in any five-year period, the Commissioner shall provide a written report to the Legislative Committee on Administrative Rules of the General Assembly explaining the reasons for not changing the rules.(d) In cases for which a formal hearing is requested and the case is resolved prior to formal hearing, the Commissioner may award reasonable attorney's fees if the claimant retained an attorney in response to an actual or effective denial of a claim and thereafter payments were made to the claimant as a result of the attorney's efforts.(e) An attorney representing a claimant shall submit a claim for attorney's fees and costs within 30 days following a decision in which the claimant prevails. (Amended 1961, No. 90; 1969, No. 237 (Adj. Sess.), eff. May 1, 1970; 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974; 1981, No. 165 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 1981, No. 204 (Adj. Sess.), § 10; 1997, No. 140 (Adj. Sess.), § 1; 2007, No. 208 (Adj. Sess.), § 16, eff. June 11, 2008; 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 66, eff. June 24, 2014.)
21 V.S.A. § 679
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 679. Fees of sheriffs and witnesses

§ 679. Fees of sheriffs and witnesses|Sheriffs and witnesses shall receive the same fees for the service of process and attendance before the Commissioner as are paid sheriffs and witnesses in Superior Court. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)
21 V.S.A. § 680
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 680. Preferences

§ 680. Preferences|All rights of compensation granted by the provisions of this chapter shall have the same preference or priority against the assets of the employer or the property of any persons described in subsection 687(b) of this title as is allowed by 9 V.S.A. § 1972. (Amended 1997, No. 19, § 6.)
21 V.S.A. § 681
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 681. Claims not assignable

§ 681. Claims not assignable|Claims for compensation under the provisions of this chapter shall not be assignable. Compensation and claims therefor shall be exempt from all claims of creditors, except as provided in section 682 of this title.
21 V.S.A. § 682
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 682. Liens against compensation

§ 682. Liens against compensation|Claims of physicians and hospitals for services rendered under the provisions of this chapter and claims of attorneys for services rendered an employee in prosecuting a claim under the provisions of this chapter shall be approved by the Commissioner. When so approved they may be enforced against compensation awards in such manner as the Commissioner may direct.
21 V.S.A. § 688
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 688. Administrative penalties; insurance company's license suspended

§ 688. Administrative penalties; insurance company's license suspended|(a) The Commissioner, after notice and opportunity for a hearing, may assess administrative penalties of not more than $5,000.00 against any employer, insurance company, or their agents that the Commissioner finds has refused or neglected to comply with the reasonable rules and regulations of the Commissioner or any orders issued by the Commissioner, or to adjust and pay compensation and medical bills in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.(b) The notice and opportunity for a hearing under this section shall be in accordance with 3 V.S.A. chapter 25. The Commissioner shall adopt rules regarding the amount and imposition of penalties.(c) In addition to assessing administrative penalties, the Commissioner may refer to the Commissioner of Financial Regulation any insurance company authorized to transact workers' compensation insurance in this State which refuses or neglects to comply with the reasonable rules and regulations of the Commissioner or which neglects or refuses to properly and promptly adjust and pay compensation and medical bills in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. If, after hearing, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation finds that the insurance company has failed to comply with the rules and regulations or orders issued by the Commissioner of Labor or has failed to properly and promptly pay compensation and medical bills as provided by this chapter, the Commissioner of Financial Regulation may take appropriate action against the insurance company as provided in Title 8. (Amended 1989, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 25(b); 1993, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 15; 1995, No. 180 (Adj. Sess.), § 38(a); 2005, No. 103 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 5, 2006; 2011, No. 78 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. April 2, 2012.)
21 V.S.A. § 689
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 689. Employer compelled to insure

§ 689. Employer compelled to insure|If an employer who secures the payment of compensation under the provisions of subdivision 687(3) of this title neglects or refuses to comply with the reasonable rules and regulations of the Commissioner or neglects and refuses to promptly adjust and pay all compensation and medical bills as required by law, the Commissioner may cite in the employer. If on hearing it is found that such neglect or refusal is willful, the Commissioner may revoke the permission granted to such employer to secure the payment of compensation under such subdivision and compel the employer to take out insurance in an insurance company authorized to transact compensation insurance in the State in addition to penalties assessed under section 688 of this title. (Amended 1993, No. 225 (Adj. Sess.), § 16.)
21 V.S.A. § 691
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 691. Posting of notice of compliance

§ 691. Posting of notice of compliance|An employer who has complied with the provisions of this chapter relating to securing the payment of compensation to his or her employees and their dependents shall post and maintain, in a conspicuous place in and about each of his or her places of business, typewritten or printed notices in form prescribed by the Commissioner stating that fact.
21 V.S.A. § 691a
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 691a. Posting of safety records

§ 691a. Posting of safety records|(a) In support of the State's fundamental interest in ensuring the well-being of employees and employers, it is the intent of the General Assembly to improve the safety experience in the workplace.(b) An employer subject to the provisions of this chapter shall post a notice in the employer's place of business to advise employees of where they may review the employer's record of workplace safety, including workplace injury and illness data, in accordance with rules adopted by the Commissioner. The employer's record of workplace safety, including workplace injury and illness data, shall be available for review by employees at the employer's place of business and the Commissioner, but shall not otherwise be public information. The posting shall be in a format approved by the Commissioner. The posting may be in a format provided by the Commissioner. (Added 2013, No. 199 (Adj. Sess.), § 55.)
21 V.S.A. § 693
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 693. The insurance contract

§ 693. The insurance contract|Every policy of insurance and every guarantee contract covering the liability of an employer for compensation shall cover the entire liability of such employer to his or her employees covered by such policy or contract and also shall contain a provision setting forth the right of the employees to enforce, in their own names, the liability of the insurance carrier in whole or in part for the payment of such compensation, either by filing a separate claim at any time or by making at any time the insurance carrier a party to the original claim. However, the payment in whole or in part of such compensation by either the employer or the insurance carrier shall, to the extent thereof, be a bar to the recovery against the other of the amount so paid.
21 V.S.A. § 694
2021 Vermont Statutes|Title 21 - Labor|Chapter 9 - Employer's Liability and Workers' Compensation|§ 694. Knowledge of employer to affect insurance carrier

§ 694. Knowledge of employer to affect insurance carrier|Such policies and contracts shall contain a provision that, as between the employee and the insurance carrier, notice to or knowledge of the occurrence of an injury on the part of the employer shall be deemed notice or knowledge, as the case may be on the part of the insurance carrier; that jurisdiction of the employer shall, for the purpose of this chapter, be jurisdiction of the insurance carrier; and that the insurance carrier shall in all things be bound by and subject to the orders, findings, decisions, or awards rendered against the employer for the payment of compensation under the provisions of this chapter.