Workers’ Comp Attorneys Near Jamestown
Even when employers take proper precautions to ensure a safe workplace, injuries and occupational diseases are still a reality for employees. According to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) 2019 Annual Report, there were 48,294 major injuries reported and another 77,318 claims for minor injuries. On average, these workers were out of work for five days, leading to serious financial hardship at a time when medical bills are adding up.
Fortunately, state workers’ compensation laws provide you with options as an injured employee, so you may be eligible for monetary benefits. To learn more about the claims process, please contact Hampton Injury Law to speak with our Jamestown workers’ comp attorneys. We can set up a free case evaluation to discuss your situation, but you might find it useful to check out some general information.
Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws Protect Workers
If you were hurt on-the-job or suffer from a work-related occupational disease, you may qualify to obtain monetary benefits under the state workers’ comp system. Unlike most personal injury cases, you do not need to prove that your employer was negligent or somehow responsible for causing your ailment. This is because Virginia companies must carry workers’ comp insurance to pay out claims to eligible employees.
Keep in mind that filing a workers’ compensation claim is your sole legal remedy in most cases. Though some exceptions apply, you cannot initiate litigation in civil court against your employer.
Strict Rules on Eligibility
Though you do not need to prove that your employer was at fault in causing your work-related medical condition, you must meet certain legal requirements to obtain benefits. For example:
- You must work for an organization that employs two or more full- or part-time workers;
- You need to be a true employee, as independent contractors do not qualify;
- Your injuries must be the result of a workplace accident OR you must suffer from an occupational disease that developed because of work-related conditions; and,
- You must notify your employer about your condition immediately, or at least within 30 days after the accident or diagnosis.
Qualifying Employees are Entitled to Benefits
Though every workers’ comp claim is different, eligible workers may be able for:
- The costs of all medical care related to your medical condition, now and in the future;
- Payments for a partial or total disability, on a permanent or temporary basis; and,
- Vocational services, in the event that your injury or illness requires you to change careers.
Plus, you could be entitled to workers’ compensation payments if you lost a loved one because of a workplace accident or occupational disease. Death benefits are available for surviving family members.
Contact Our Workers’ Comp Attorneys Near Jamestown
This overview may help you understand the basics of workers’ comp claims, but the legal concepts are more complicated when applied to a real-life situation. To learn more about your benefits, eligibility rules, and the claims process, please call Hampton Injury Law today. We can set up a no-cost case evaluation with a Jamestown workers’ compensation lawyer who can provide personalized advice.
