Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 2.9 million workplace injuries and illnesses in 2016. These numbers prove that, despite the efforts of employers to maintain a safe workplace, many employees are at still at risk of injury.
Attorney Jan Hoen is a Virginia workers’ compensation who is committed to helping injured workers obtain the benefits they are entitled to recover under state law. He can assist with the complicated claims process and is prepared to fight for your rights against and insurers who attempt to avoid their legal obligations. Please contact Hampton Injury Law in Norfolk, VA to schedule a free consultation today, and read on for some important information about these types of claims.
Virginia Workers’ Compensation Laws
Workers’ compensation laws in Virginia protect employees injured in work-related accidents by requiring employers to carry insurance that pays monetary benefits to victims. Employees can avoid time-consuming, expensive personal injury litigation, and file a claim for benefits directly with the employer’s insurance company.
Though you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent, there are eligibility requirements that often lead to disputes among you, your employer, and the insurance company. The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission handles claims and potential disputes to ensure proper application of workers’ comp laws.
Qualifying for Workers’ Comp Benefits
Under state workers’ compensation laws, your claim must meet three rules on eligibility:
- You must be a covered employee: The definition of “employee” is quite broad, so it includes certain contractors, family members, undocumented workers, corporate executives, and volunteers.
- Your employer must have a legal obligation regarding workers’ comp insurance: Only those companies with two or more part- or full-time employees are required to carry a policy.
- Your claim must involve a work-related incident: Your injuries must have occurred while you were at work, performing work tasks. You must also have been hurt due to a sudden, specific event; medical conditions that happen over time do not qualify.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Eligible workers may receive lifetime benefits for medical costs related to treating their injuries. You may also qualify to recover wage replacement benefits to provide you with financial support for a designated amount of time, such as:
- Temporary Total Disability Benefits;
- Temporary Partial Disability Benefits;
- Permanent Total Disability Benefits; and,
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits.
In addition, an employee’s family members may recover death benefits, including compensation for the expenses related to funeral and burial services.
Talk to a Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Your Rights
If you suffered an injury at work, you do have rights under Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws. However, the claims process can be complicated and errors may cause delays. Plus, disputes with your employer and/or the insurance company are common. Mr. Hoen has experience with all aspects of workers’ compensation cases in Norfolk, VA, so please contact Hampton Injury Law at 757.838.1136 or by going online. You can schedule a free consultation to obtain more information about your rights and legal options.
