Jamestown Workers’ Comp Attorney
You may not think too much about getting hurt in a job-related accident right away, but you will certainly feel the financial strain once you are off work for an extended period of time. According to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) Annual Report for 2017, you could be among the 58,094 employees who suffered major workplace injuries. On average, you would lose around four days and incur significant medical bills while you are out of work.
Fortunately, Virginia’s workers’ compensation system is intended to provide the financial support you need at this critical time. The claims process can be complicated, however, so it is important to retain a skilled Jamestown workers’ comp attorney to assist with your case. Please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation today, and read on for some helpful information about how these claims work.
Overview of Virginia Workers’ Comp Claims
When you are injured at work, it is likely that your claim is covered by the state workers’ compensation system. The laws allow you to recover monetary benefits without having to show that your employer was at fault. Instead, you must notify your employer of your medical condition and file a claim with your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company.
The caveat in a no-fault workers’ comp claim is that your only remedy is through the insurer. You cannot file a civil lawsuit in court, and you cannot recover compensation for your pain and suffering. There are some exceptions to this rule, so discuss your circumstances with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer.
Eligible Employees Are Entitled to Monetary Benefits
If you qualify through the specifics of your employment and the details regarding your work-related injuries, you can obtain various benefits. Virginia workers’ comp benefits are available for:
- Your medical costs, including those you may incur in the future;
- Lost income, through the wage replacement program; and,
- Death benefits, for qualifying family members who lost a loved one in a fatal work-related incident.
Factors That Complicate Workers’ Comp Claims
You may not need to prove fault in a Virginia workers’ comp matter, but that does not mean the claims process is easy. In dealing with the insurance company, you may face numerous challenges. Examples include:
- The insurance company may dispute the nature of your injuries and whether you suffered them at work.
- An insurer may contest whether you really need to take time off work.
- Your employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider may try to misclassify you by stating you are an independent contractor instead of an employee. As a result of unlawful misclassification, you could be improperly denied monetary benefits that you are entitled to recover by law.
Contact a Jamestown Workers’ Comp Attorney to Discuss Your Claim
If you were hurt in a work-related accident and need advice on your legal options, please call Hampton Injury Law. We can schedule a no-cost case evaluation with a Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer, who can guide you through the claims process and help you overcome the challenges that prevent you from getting the monetary benefits you deserve.
