Work-related injuries are increasing each day. Injuries faced at work can be challenging and create a life-long impact. Sometimes, it may also lead to permanent loss of job due to severe injuries. The injury you incurred at work can be minor to significant.
However, most employees are unaware that you can file for compensation for your work-related injury and ensure that your expenses are covered. In this ultimate guide to workers’ compensation in Virginia, you will know everything about the law, so you are aware of your rights!
What is workers’ compensation in Virginia?
According to Virginia’s Workers’ compensation act, the employee does not need to provide evidence that their injury at the workplace was caused due to someone else’s negligence. You can file for workers’ compensation no matter who was at fault.
Workers’ compensation protects your rights against the challenges from injuries you incur at work. Common injuries at work can be:
- Vehicle accidents
- Slip and fall
- Lifting
- Construction site injuries
- Crushing trauma or cutting
- Exposure to toxic chemicals leading to health issues
- Harsh chemicals
You can file for workers ‘ compensation if you are injured or get an occupational disease at work/due to work, you can file for workers’ compensation. The act covers all your medical benefits and loss of wages due to injury. The compensation you will receive differs from the severity of your injury.
Criteria you must meet for filing workers’ compensation:
To get all the benefits of workers’ compensation in Virginia, your injury must meet certain criteria:
- A specific work-related activity causes the accident.
- Your accident occurred at work or during a work-related event.
Certain things are not included in the workers’ compensation. For instance, if you get injured while lifting something, you may file for compensation for the sudden pain due to the work-related activity. However, if you develop back or neck pain over time, you may not be eligible for the compensation. The compensation of occupation may differ on various factors, and neck and spinal pain does not count.
Common problems with workers’ compensation claims:
Workers’ compensation is not as easy as it may appear. The insurance adjuster will try their best to give a low compensation or even no compensation at all. Some of the common problems with the claim include:
- Denial of the claim by the employer.
- Employers may stop paying for your benefits.
- Employer fraud.
What is the right step?
Is it crucial to get in touch with an employment lawyer who can examine your case and be the backbone of your claim. The lawyer knows the right tactics to fight for your case and ensure all the above problems do not stand in between you receiving the benefits.
