Accidents at work are no rare occurrence. It is important to understand many workplace injuries could have been avoided elsewhere. In the event you have suffered bodily injury at work, regardless of the severity, a workers compensation attorney can help you to recover any financial losses. These include any medical expenses and wages that you missed due to being out of the office during treatment. In Virginia, there are many workers compensation laws that offer protections for those injured in the workplace.
Workers Compensation Laws In Virginia
There are plenty of workers compensation laws that are enforced by both Virginia and the federal government. The U.S. Department of Labor allows employees who are injured on the job to claim several benefits. These can include wage replacement, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and temporary or permanent disability benefits. To collect workplace compensation, you do not need to suffer an immediate injury — occupational diseases, such as carpal tunnel, are also eligible for claims under federal workers compensation laws.
Under Virginia Law § 65.2-800, most employers in the state are required to possess workers compensation insurance. If they are required by law to purchase it, they can be faced with significant fines for not being in compliance, especially if an employee experiences an injury. The state law defines the employer cannot defend the organization against claims where, 1) the employee was injured as a result of their own negligence; 2) the employee was injured as a result of a coworker’s negligence; or 3) the employee assumed the risk of injury. This grants employees with extra protection when they file a workers compensation claim.
How An Attorney Can Help A Claimant Or Defendant
When an individual suffers a workplace injury, they can work with a workers compensation attorney to receive assistance with claim navigation. An experienced attorney is able to help with every step of the claim process, as well as answer any questions they may have regarding workers compensation. If the employee does not believe they are receiving due compensation, the attorney can represent them in court to assist in the presentation of their case.
In some cases, an employer may have a reason for disputing a claim made by one of their employees. A workers compensation attorney can assist an employer in defense by working with their insurance company, assisting with the accident investigation, and communicating with the claimant and/or their representatives. In addition, an attorney can represent the employer in hearings or trials and work to mitigate some of the financial loss they may receive as a result of the claim.
Speak With a Virginia Employment Law Attorney
If you are an employee who has experienced a workplace injury, or are an employer who has received a claim, consider working with an employment law attorney. At the Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge, PLLC, our experienced attorneys can offer legal counsel and help you fight for the greatest possible outcome. For more information about workers compensation or to receive legal assistance, give us a call at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online today.