Gloucester Work Injury Lawyers

Workplace injuries and occupational diseases can lead to devastating losses for employees, but unfortunate circumstances cause more harm than you might expect. In its Annual Report for 2019, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) reported that there were more than 48,000 major injuries reported. Still, regardless of the level of bodily harm, any work-related injuries or illnesses can lead to serious consequences.

Virginia workers’ compensation laws protect those who suffer from workplace medical conditions, providing monetary benefits at the time when you need them most. You could encounter challenges in the legal process, however, which is where Gloucester work injury lawyers step in for assistance. Please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation, and read up on some statistics and useful information about workers’ comp claims.

Virginia Workplace Injury and Accident Statistics

VWCC data and information from other sources indicates some of the dangers and risk factors behind work-related medical conditions.

• The top three types of incidents that cause injuries and days away from work are falls, slips, and trips, muscle strains, and being struck by an object. Combined, these factors make up 64% of all worker injuries by the event.
• More than two-thirds of injuries to workers involve trauma to the upper and lower extremities, including arms, hands, fingers, ankles, and feet.
• On average, employees suffering from a workplace injury or ailment were away from work for five days.
• Men and women are equally affected by work-related medical conditions, at 51% and 49% respectively. 

Seeking Workers’ Comp Benefits

Virginia’s workers’ compensation system is based upon no-fault principles, which means you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent in causing your injuries or occupational illness. Covered employees who suffer harm because of on-the-job conditions file an insurance claim since employers are required to carry a policy to cover worker losses. You need to give written notice of your ailment within 30 days after the accident or diagnosis and meet other qualification rules. If eligible, you can recover:

• Costs of medical treatment, including surgery, hospitalization, long-term care, and related services;
• Wage replacement for the time you are away from work or earn less because of your physical limitations;
• Permanent disability for partial disability, such as bodily disfigurement, amputation, or other complications;
• Permanent disability benefits total disability, including the loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs, or eyes; and,
• Death benefits, if you are the surviving family member of a worker who was killed in an accident or succumbed to a work-related disease.

Call a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Discuss Your Claim

This information may be useful as an overview of your rights as an injured employee, but it is essential to trust an experienced attorney for help with the process. Issues with your claim mean delays in getting benefits, and every day counts when you need financial support. Our Virginia workers’ comp lawyers can help, so please call Hampton Injury Law to set up a no-cost case evaluation for more information.