It is important to understand the requirements for obtaining workers’ compensation benefits in Virginia when you file a claim. The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act governs claims for anyone in Williamsburg, and it is essential to abide the requirements under the law. While learning about the proper way to submit a workers’ compensation claim might not seem like a top priority when you are seeking medical treatment for your injury or illness, you will need to take certain steps in order to remain eligible for benefits.

You should not have to go through the process of filing for workers’ compensation benefits alone. The law is complicated, and you should always have an experienced advocate on your side who can fight for your right to compensation. A dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer in Williamsburg can discuss your case with you today.

What You Should Know Before You File for Workers’ Compensation

First and most importantly, you must report your work-related injury or your illness to your employer within 30 days of the accident. While the law allows injured workers those 30 days, it is always a good idea to inform your employer as soon as possible. In addition, you are required to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years from the date of the incident, or else you can lose your workers’ compensation benefits.

What kinds of injuries does the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act cover? Under the law, the following must be true:

• Injury occurred at your place of employment or during a work-related activity;
• Injury was caused by a specific work-related activity; and
• Injury happened suddenly, and at a specific point in time.

The law makes clear that the injury must be caused by the work and cannot simply be an injury that occurred at work as a result of an underlying disease.

How to Workplace Injuries Happen?

According to a fact sheet from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the following are among the most frequently cited violations that can result in workplace injuries and workers’ compensation claims:

• Fall protection in the construction industry;
• Standards concerning hazard communication;
• Scaffolding safety requirements;
• Protection from respiratory injury or illness;
• Industrial truck and auto protection;
• Ladder safety;
• Electrical and wiring safety; and
• Machine guards and heavy machinery protection.

While these safety violations commonly lead to workplace injuries, employees can get hurt on the job in a wide variety of ways, including but not limited to:

• Falls;
• Car accidents;
• Machinery accidents;
• Being struck by or against an object;
• Repetitive motion and/or overexertion;
• Slips, trips, and falls; and
• Violence in the workplace.

Workplace injuries can range from minor to serious. Workers’ compensation benefits can help you to get through the difficult time, regardless of the severity of your injuries.