Gloucester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Accidents in the workplace are common, and they can lead to devastating losses for victims and their families. According to data compiled by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 60,200 workplace accidents in Virginia in 2017. In 32,000 of these cases, the injured employee missed work, was transferred, or could only work with restrictions.
If you were hurt in an on-the-job incident, you may be entitled to receive benefits under Virginia’s workers’ compensation program. For more information on your rights, please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation with a Gloucester workers’ compensation lawyer.
Overview of Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law
The workers’ comp system in Virginia is designed to provide financial benefits to workers who get hurt on the job, with a goal of helping them return to work as quickly as possible after an accident. You do not have to prove that your employer was at fault in causing your injuries, and you can start receiving benefits shortly after establishing eligibility.
Keep in mind that filing for workers’ compensation may be your sole remedy after suffering work-related injuries. You cannot sue your employer in a civil lawsuit unless:
- Your employer does not carry workers’ comp insurance, a requirement that applies to all organizations with two or more employees;
- Your employer acted intentionally in causing your injuries; or,
- A third party caused your injuries, such as a contractor, vendor, or other entity that was present at the work site.
A Gloucester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer can Assist with Eligibility
As mentioned, you need to meet strict requirements to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Virginia. They include:
- You must work for an employer with at least two employees;
- You need to be a covered employee, as opposed to an independent contractor or exempt worker;
- Your injuries must be caused by work-related circumstances or an accident that occurred while you were performing duties within the scope of your employment.
Plus, you should be aware of certain deadlines imposed by the workers’ compensation system. For one, you need to provide written notice to your employer about your injuries within 30 days after you are hurt. You will need to provide details regarding the incident, including date, time, and cause of the injuries. Another deadline applies if your claim is not resolved by your employer’s workers’ comp insurer. You have to years to file paperwork with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Injured Employees
The details regarding your monetary benefits will vary according to your situation and extent of your injuries, but you may qualify for:
- Coverage for ongoing medical treatment for your work-related injuries;
- Wage Loss Replacement for your lost wages;
- Disability benefits; and,
- Death benefits, if you are a surviving family member of someone who sustained fatal injuries as a result of a workplace accident.
Set Up a Consultation with a Gloucester Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Though Virginia law does protect injured employees, the process of filing a claim can be complicated. For more information on your rights and remedies as the victim of a workplace accident, please call Hampton Injury Law to speak with a Gloucester workers’ compensation attorney.
