Norfolk Workers’ Comp Attorney
Work-related injuries and occupational diseases are common across all industries in Virginia, and statistics from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) 2019 Annual Report reveal the extent of the problem. There were 48,294 major workplace injuries reported for the year, leading to an average of five days away from work per claim; many other employees were forced to work with job restrictions or a transfer. For victims and their families, the losses are overwhelming. Not only are you losing wages due to work disruptions, but you may incur astronomical medical bills and suffer disability.
Fortunately, workers’ comp benefits are available as financial support during the difficult times that follow an on-the-job accident. Our lawyers at Hampton Injury Law can assist with the claims process, so please contact our firm to set up a free case evaluation with a Norfolk workers’ comp attorney. You might also benefit from reviewing a summary of the relevant legal concepts.
Overview of Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws
State workers’ comp statutes create a no-fault system through which eligible employees can recover benefits for work-related medical conditions. You do not need to prove that your employer was responsible for causing your injuries or ailment; however, you can only obtain benefits if you meet certain criteria:
- You must work for an employer with at least three employees, which triggers the obligation to carry workers’ comp insurance;
- You must have been injured in a work-related accident or suffer from an occupational disease you contracted through workplace conditions; and,
- You must be an actual employee, as opposed to an independent contractor.
To obtain your benefits, you file a claim with your employer’s insurance company. If approved, you can receive monthly payments as described below; it may also be possible to work out a settlement with the insurer, often for a lump sum payment.
Benefits for Injured Employees
There is a wide range of benefits available for eligible employees under Virginia’s workers’ comp system, including:
- Medical Treatment: You can obtain amounts for your medical care, both for your current needs and future treatment related to your work-related condition.
- Wage Replacement: If you lose wages because of missing work, you can recover a portion of your average weekly wages.
- Disability: For injuries or ailments that lead to a total or partial disability, you can obtain disability benefits on a permanent or temporary basis.
- Death Benefits: Qualifying family members can file a claim to receive death benefits if a loved one passes away in a fatal workplace accident or due to a terminal occupational disease.
Note that you are not eligible to obtain monetary damages for pain and suffering, which are only available in a personal injury case.
Contact a Norfolk Workers’ Comp Lawyer to Discuss Your Options
This overview should help you understand the basic legal issues involved with Virginia workers’ compensation claims, but there are many other details and pitfalls you may encounter in the process. Our team can help you overcome challenges, so please call Hampton Injury Law to set up a no-cost case evaluation with a Norfolk workers’ comp attorney today.
