A few things in life are as worse as getting injured on the job. Employers in Virginia are required to ensure workplace safety, but mishaps are common and happen every now and then. All employees, barring a few exceptions like independent contractors, are covered under the workers’ compensation system, which is intended to provide financial support to those injured at work. If you have a claim, you can click here to talk to an attorney. For your help, we have enlisted top facts worth knowing about workers’ compensation claims in Virginia.
- Notifying your employer is a must: You must report the accident and your injury to the supervisor or HR within 30 days. The sooner you do it, the better it is, and if you don’t adhere to the basic rule, your workers’ compensation case could be in jeopardy.
- You have to see a doctor: If you don’t see a doctor immediately after a work injury, you may have a hard time recovering the benefits. Seeking medical care and prompt treatment is your right, and you should follow the advice of your doctor.
- File the workers’ compensation form: Ask your employer to give you the claims form to get workers’ compensation benefits. If the company doesn’t cooperate, don’t wait too long and talk to an attorney specializing in employment law in Virginia. Note that workers’ compensation claims are subject to a two-year deadline according to the state’s statute of limitations.
- It is a no-fault system: The workers’ compensation system is based on injury and not fault. As long as your injury or illness is related to the work, you don’t have to blame your employer for the mishap. In other words, you don’t have to prove the negligence of the company to claim benefits.
- The system covers many things: Your workers’ compensation benefits should ideally cover the cost of medical care and treatment related to the work injury. Secondly, you are also entitled to wage loss compensation for the time that you have to be away from work due to the accident. If you have sustained a severe injury, you might be entitled to partial disability/total disability pension benefits.
- You may have a third-party claim: One of the key reasons to talk to an attorney is to check whether another party is liable for your injuries and if you can file a personal injury claim, which may mean additional financial recovery.
Call a workers’ compensation lawyer now!
