Understanding Virginia workers’ compensation system: Rights of injured workers

Dealing with the immediate aftermath of a workplace injury is not easy. You have a lot to manage and file your workers’ compensation claim to get the anticipated benefits. The workers’ compensation system in Virginia is a no-fault insurance system. If you sustained an injury at work that’s related to your job, you could seek compensation. You can get up to potential 500 weeks of lost wages and other disability benefits. In this Virginia workers’ comp guide, we are discussing more on the rights of injured workers. 

Taking the right steps

As an employee injured at work, you have the responsibility of protecting your rights by taking the right steps. The first step is to inform your employer of the injury. While you have to do so within 30 days from the date of accident, you should consider doing that at the earliest. You must also take steps to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. You have to do so within a period of two years from the date of injury. 

A list of your rights

As an injured employee, you have the right to file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission for any injury sustained at work. This right also extends to workers who have been diagnosed with occupational diseases. You also have the right to legal counsel and seek medical treatment that is necessary for your recovery. You can seek medical treatment that is reasonable. If your claim has been denied, or you don’t agree with the decision of the insurance company, you have the right to request a hearing before the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. If you have hired a lawyer and do not like their work, you also have the right to drop them from your case. 

Things to know

Getting an attorney for your workers’ compensation claim is a wise idea, especially if you are unsure of your rights or need help evaluating your claim’s worth. People often believe that insurance companies will play fair when it comes to workers’ compensation claims, which isn’t the case. These companies work for a profit and would do anything to ensure that their liability is on the lower side. Get an attorney so that you don’t have to deal with everything independently. 

Your lawyer can negotiate better and is aware of all the legal options you can consider for your case for given circumstances.