Norfolk Construction Accident Attorney
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 4,700 workers were injured in non-fatal construction accidents in Virginia in 2017. Victims face many challenges with returning to work, but qualifying employees may be entitled to monetary benefits to provide financial support at this stressful time.
Norfolk construction accident attorney Mr. Hoen is dedicated to helping you pursue the benefits you deserve under Virginia’s workers’ compensation law. For more information on your rights, please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation today.
Overview of Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws for Construction Accidents
Virginia law requires employers with two or more employees to carry workers’ comp insurance, which pays out benefits for workers who are hurt in the workplace. The program is an advantage over traditional personal injury lawsuits because you do not need to show that your employer was at fault. If you qualify, you can receive amounts for medical costs, disability, wage replacement, and death benefits.
However, there is a caveat: In most cases, filing for workers’ comp benefits is your sole remedy in a construction accident. The only exceptions which allow you to sue your employer in civil court are:
- Your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance as required by law;
- You were hurt because of intentional misconduct by your employer; or,
- You were injured due to the negligent conduct of an unrelated party, such as an independent contractor or vendor that was present at the construction site.
A Norfolk Construction Accident Attorney can Assist with Your Claim
Though you do not need to prove fault, there are strict eligibility rules for workers’ compensation benefits. To qualify:
- You must be an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor;
- Your employer must be required by law to carry insurance, which is the case for construction companies with three or more employees;
- You must suffer from a medical condition that is directly related to your employment, such as:
- An injury that occurred in the workplace or while performing work-related tasks;
- Bodily harm that was caused by a specific work activity; or,
- An injury that happened suddenly, such as a workplace accident.
Time Limitations
There are critical deadlines you must be aware of under Virginia workers’ compensation laws to preserve your rights. You must give your employer written notice of the workplace within 30 days, including the time, location, and cause of the incident, and the details surrounding your injuries.
In addition, another deadline applies if you have trouble getting the benefits you deserve from your employer’s insurance company. You may need to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, and you have two years from the date of the accident to do so.
Contact a Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Discuss Your Rights
If you were injured in an accident and want to know more about your remedies under Virginia workers’ comp laws, please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a no-cost case evaluation with Mr. Hoen. You can call our office or visit our website to speak with an experienced Norfolk construction accident attorney.
