Hampton Workers’ Comp Attorney
While you may believe that your work environment is safe and you have sufficient protection against accidents, data compiled by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on Virginia contradicts this assumption. In 2018, there were 43,300 recorded cases of nonfatal injuries at Virginia workplaces, including both private and public sector jobs. For many victims, the initial concern is how to pay medical bills for treatment. Eventually, however, employees realize the full impact of a work-related injury when they are losing wages and suffer from temporary or permanent disability.
Fortunately, many of these losses are covered by Virginia workers’ compensation laws. The problem is that there is nothing automatic about getting the monetary benefits you deserve, and you may find yourself fighting an insurance company. Instead of taking time away from your recovery, trust a Hampton workers’ compensation attorney to advocate on your behalf. An overview of the workers’ comp system may also help.
How Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws Work
There was a time when the only way injured employees could recover compensation for their losses was to file a personal injury lawsuit. The process required proof of employer negligence, and it could take months or years to resolve.
Workers’ compensation laws were enacted to ease the burden on employees. The system requires employers to purchase insurance to cover the losses when workers are hurt and cannot work. You do not need to go through the litigation process; instead, you need to file an insurance claim. If you qualify, you can recover a range of benefits depending on your circumstances.
Eligibility and Available Benefits
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, you must be an employee who was hurt while performing job-related tasks for your employer. It is also necessary to provide written notice of your injuries within 30 days after an accident. In a workers’ comp claim, you can obtain monetary benefits for:
- The costs of medical care;
- Wage replacement for time off due to your injuries;
- Total or partial disability, either on a temporary or permanent basis; and,
- Death benefits, if a family member died in a work-related accident.
Why Your Workers’ Compensation Claim May Be Denied
If you do not qualify under Virginia workers’ comp laws, your employer’s insurance company may rightfully deny your claim. However, insurers sometimes withhold approval for questionable reasons, such as:
- Disputing that you were injured while working;
- Contesting the nature and severity of your injuries;
- Asserting that you are not an employee, but rather an independent contractor who is not eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits.
Under the circumstances, you can see that it is essential to get it right the first time when filing your claim. A lawyer can help with the claims process, and will assist in taking the next steps after a denial.
Consult With a Hampton Workers’ Comp Attorney About Your Claim
If you were hurt in a workplace accident, retaining legal representation should be your first priority after getting medical attention. A skilled lawyer can assist with filing the necessary documents and will advocate on your behalf throughout the claims process. To learn more, please call Hampton Injury Law to set up your free case evaluation today.
