Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Hampton, VA
While you may think of workplace injuries as primarily affecting employees in construction, maritime, transportation, and other dangerous sectors, the truth is that you could be hurt in any type of work, at any time. The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) receives more than 125,000 reports of workplace injuries every year, such as those caused by slips, falls, getting struck by an object, or being crushed. Still, others are based upon being diagnosed with an occupational disease due to on-the-job conditions.
You endure implications beyond physical pain if you suffer from a work-related medical condition, so it may ease your mind to know that Virginia laws protect your interests. You can rely on our team at Hampton Injury Law to handle the claims process, which can be more complicated than you expect. Please contact us to set up a case evaluation with one of our workers’ comp lawyers in Hampton, VA. Some information on the basics may also be helpful.
How Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation System Works
Like other US states, workers’ comp laws are based upon a no-fault system, so you do not need to prove that your employer was responsible for causing your medical condition. Instead, you must show that you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits by establishing you meet the following criteria:
- You are employed by a company that has two or more workers, which triggers the requirement for an employer to procure workers’ comp insurance;
- Your medical condition must be the result of work-related tasks or conditions; and,
- You must provide your employer with written notice of your injuries or occupational disease within 30 days.
Note that there is a caveat for Virginia’s no-fault system for workers’ comp: You cannot file a lawsuit in civil court against your employer to seek monetary damages. There are exceptions to the sole remedy rule, but most injured workers will be limited to filing for workers’ compensation.
Benefits for Eligible Employees and Their Families
If you qualify for Virginia workers’ comp, you may be eligible to receive various types of benefits. Our Hampton Injury Law will ensure you obtain amounts for:
- Costs of all medical care required to treat your illness or injury, currently and in the future;
- Wage loss replacement for the income you are prevented from earning while away from work;
- Permanent disability, either for a partial loss of a body part or a totally disabling condition;
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses related to your medical condition, such as prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and transportation to appointments.
In addition, family members may be entitled to death benefits if a loved one dies because of a work-related injury or occupational disease.
Our Workers Comp Lawyers in Hampton, VA Can Assist With Your Claim
This description of Virginia workers’ compensation laws may be informative, but there are many other legal details that arise through the claims process. To learn how we can help, please call Hampton Injury Law. We can schedule a free case evaluation with a Virginia workers’ comp attorney who can explain eligibility rules and benefits.
