Yorktown Workers’ Comp Lawyers
Virginia officials are proactive in issuing citations for workplace safety violations, but data suggests that there are still far too many dangerous conditions that can lead to injury-causing accidents for employees. Through its voluntary On-site Consultation Program, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry identified 2,179 hazards at workplaces in 2017. This means employers still have a long way to go in terms of creating a safe work environment, and employees remain at risk of serious bodily harm.
If you were hurt in a workplace accident, Virginia’s workers’ compensation system provides you with options to exercise your legal rights. It is possible to recover monetary benefits for your losses, and a Yorktown workers’ comp lawyer can help. Plus, you may benefit from reviewing some basic information about the process.
Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws 101
The state workers’ comp statutes are based upon a no-fault system, so you do not have to prove that your employer was negligent in causing the accident in which you were injured. If you qualify, you can start receiving benefits right away. The process starts by filing a claim with your employer’s insurer, as most companies in Virginia are required to carry worker’s comp insurance to cover the losses of injured workers.
Determining Whether You Qualify for Benefits
There are strict eligibility rules under Virginia workers’ comp laws, including:
- You must be an actual employee, instead of an independent contractor;
- Your injuries must have occurred while you were on the job, performing work-related tasks; and,
- You must notify your employer of your medical condition within 30 days after the accident in which you were injured.
If you meet these qualifications, you may be able to recover a wide range of workers’ compensation benefits. Depending on your circumstances, it is possible to receive:
- Coverage for all medical treatment related to your injuries;
- Wage replacement while you are unable to work; and,
- Amounts for total or partial disability, on a temporary or permanent basis.
There are also death benefits available for family members who lost a loved one because of a work-related accident.
How Yorktown Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help
It is wise to retain an attorney right away after you were hurt, since you are more likely to get quick approval on a rightful claim if you have legal assistance. Plus, a lawyer can help with the next steps if your claim is denied. It may be necessary to participate in a hearing and/or appeal through the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission – both of which are complex proceedings.
Reach Out to a Yorktown Workers’ Comp Attorney for Assistance
From the above description, you can see that an experienced lawyer can play an essential role in enforcing your rights under Virginia’s workers’ comp laws. Even if you believe you can handle it, you may find it tough to work through the claims process while you are trying to recover from your injuries and return to work. For more information on how an attorney can assist, please call Hampton Injury Law to schedule a no-cost case evaluation right away.
