Smithfield Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

You might think that workplace accidents and occupational diseases are a rarity, but statistics reveal that workers across all industries remain at risk. According to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) Annual Report for 2019, there were more than 317,000 filings related to work-related medical conditions, of which 48,294 were considered “major” workplace injuries. If you were hurt at work or developed an illness because of on-the-job conditions, you could already be facing significant physical and financial implications. 

Fortunately, Virginia workers’ compensation laws provide you with options. You may be eligible for benefits as financial support while you are recovering and away from work, so please contact Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation. One of our Smithfield workers’ compensation attorneys can explain your rights, but an overview of your options may also be useful.

Statistics on Workplace Injuries in Virginia

Data from VWCC and other sources is informative regarding work-related medical conditions and workers’ comp claims:

• There are three types of incidents behind the majority of workplace injuries. Falls, slips, and trips are tied with muscle strains at 22% each. Being struck by an object is a factor in 20% of all workers’ comp reports.
• Most injuries to workers affect the upper and lower extremities, which constitute 66% of all workplace injuries reported.
• On average, injured employees were away from work for five days.

Your Rights as an Injured Employee

In Virginia, employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover the losses employees sustain because of a work-related medical condition. Therefore, you do not have to prove that your employer was at fault in causing your injuries or ailment; instead, you file a claim with the insurance company. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits if you are a covered employee who was hurt or developed an occupational disease because of workplace conditions.

If you qualify, your Virginia workers’ compensation benefits may include: 

• Medical Benefits: Workers’ comp covers all expenses related to treatment for your injury or occupational disease, now and in the future. Your benefits may include reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions, transportation, and assistive devices.
• Wage Replacement: You could recover amounts for your full or partial wage losses, depending on whether your temporary disability is full or partial.
• Permanent Disability: Benefits are available for employees who suffer from permanent conditions, either through partial or total disability.
• Death Benefits: If someone close to you has died because of a work-related injury or illness, you could be eligible for death benefits. You may also recover funeral and burial expenses. 

Talk to a Smithfield Workers’ Compensation Lawyer About Your Options

This summary of workers’ comp laws may be informative, but there is much more to the claims process and applicable legal concepts. As such, it is wise to retain experienced counsel for assistance to ensure you obtain the benefits you deserve. For more information, please call Hampton Injury Law to set up a no-cost case evaluation with a Virginia workers’ comp attorney today.