Roanoke Workplace Injury Attorney
If you suffered injuries at work, you need a Virginia workplace injuries and accidents lawyer who can fight to ensure you get the most compensation and benefits available under Virginia law. Workplace injury claims can be complicated due to workers’ compensation laws as well. In some cases, employers and the workers’ compensation carriers will take extra steps to minimize your claim. You may not realize until later that you did not receive all the benefits you were entitled to under the law.
At MichieHamlett, our Roanoke workplace injury attorneys have years of experience dealing with workplace accident and injury claims. We can help you with issues that could affect your right to compensation. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation to learn more about how we can help.
How Virginia Workers’ Compensation Works
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act in Virginia, you do not need to show that anyone was at fault to present a claim for benefits. To minimize their exposure, employers and insurance companies will look for ways to deny your benefits. That is where our Roanoke workplace injuries and accident lawyers can help.
Benefits that you could be entitled to will vary based on your injuries. Examples include:
- Payment for medical expenses, including for occupational disease, which can help offset any costs related to healthcare needs, prescriptions, transportation to your appointments, etc.
- Partial or full wage loss payments during your approved injury phase; benefits will terminate when you are cleared to return to work.
- Disability for permanent partial or permanent total depending on the severity of your injuries.
- Death benefits can be paid to surviving spouses and children in the event the workplace accident was fatal.
Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries will vary based on industry and business type. Some of the more common workplace injuries we see include:
- Slip and falls
- Forklift accidents
- Machine operation injuries
- Heat and cold burns
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Workplace explosions or fires
- Vehicle accidents
- Falling objects
- Chemical spills
- Toxic exposure
Some injuries occur due to a single event, such as a slip and fall. Other injuries can develop over time, like repetitive motion injuries. Also, exposure to harmful chemicals and other toxins fall under occupational diseases and may also be injuries that evolve over time.
Third-Party Liability and Workers’ Compensation Claims
In some select cases, there may be an option to pursue a liability claim in addition to your workers’ compensation benefits. You cannot pursue a claim against your employer, but if there was a third-party who was negligent, you might have another source of recovery. For example, if you drive somewhere as part of your job duties and get into an accident, you might have a third-party claim against the driver who hit you.
Workers’ Compensation Appeals
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. There are several options on how to proceed, depending on your situation. Filing an appeal can be tricky, which is why you need a skilled Roanoke workplace injury attorney on your side.
Worker’s compensation is a benefit you are entitled to when you are injured on the job. Don’t let the insurance company or your employer take advantage of you. If you need assistance after a workplace injury or accident, contact MichieHamlett Attorneys at Law today to schedule an initial consultation.
