Virginia Workplace Injury Attorney
Virginia employers are required to maintain a safe workplace for employees, but accidents can happen even when companies exercise due care. Plus, work-related medical conditions affect individuals across all industries and market sectors. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are almost 75,000 nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses reported in Virginia every year. Close to 40,000 of these cases involve time off, a job transfer, or work restrictions, leading to additional losses beyond the physical pain and medical bills.
It may come as a relief to know that Virginia’s workers’ compensation system protects employees who sustain injuries or develop occupational diseases because of on-the-job conditions. Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm can assist with the claims process, which can be more complex than you expect. Please contact our office to schedule a complimentary consultation with a Virginia workplace injury attorney today. A summary of the relevant laws may also be helpful.
Overview of Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws
The state system for workers’ comp is intended to support employees in recovering from their injuries and getting back to work as soon as possible. As such, you do not need to prove that your employer was at fault in causing your medical condition. Instead, you must show that:
- You are eligible as an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor; and,
- You suffered injuries in a work-related accident or developed an occupational disease because of conditions in the workplace.
To obtain benefits, employees file a claim with the employer’s worker’s comp insurer, since companies with two or more workers are required to procure a policy. You should note that filing a workers’ comp claim is your sole remedy in most situations, so you cannot pursue a civil lawsuit unless:
- Your employer does not carry workers’ comp insurance;
- Intentional misconduct by your employer led to your injuries; or,
- A third party’s negligence was the cause of your work-related medical condition.
Benefits Under Virginia’s Workers’ Comp System
State regulations provide that you can obtain several types of benefits in a successful workers’ comp claim. Our lawyers at the MichieHamlett Law Firm will ensure you receive all amounts allowed by law, whether we are dealing with an insurance company or taking next steps to protect your rights. Your benefits may include:
- Costs for medical treatment, both current expenses and those you may incur in the future;
- Wage replacement for the income you lose while you recover from your injuries;
- Total or partial disability, on a permanent or temporary basis; and,
- Death benefits, for surviving family members of an employee who died because of a workplace accident or occupational disease.
Consult with a Virginia Workplace Injuries and Accidents Attorney Today
This overview of Virginia workers’ comp laws may be useful, but it is no replacement for retaining experienced legal representation to assist with your claim. For more information on your options, please contact the MichieHamlett Law Firm. We are prepared to advise you throughout the legal process, from filing your claim and dealing with an insurance company to hearings and other administrative proceedings.
