Personal Injury: What Should You Do If You’re Injured At Work?
If you were injured while working in Manassas, Virginia, you have the right to seek workers’ compensation benefits for personal injury. Virginia law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides benefits to employees injured or who become ill as a result of their job. To ensure that your rights are protected, get the help of an experienced personal injury attorney.
This article will discuss what you should do if you’re injured at work, what is workers’ compensation, and the steps to take to avail of worker’s compensation.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers are protected by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act. This Act provides medical benefits and wage replacement benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while on the job. It also provides death benefits to surviving family members when an employee dies from a work-related injury or illness.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. It means that an employee does not need to prove that their employer was at fault for the injury or illness to receive benefits. An employee does not need to prove that the injury was caused by someone else’s negligence.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act provides protections for employees who are injured by a third party in the course of their employment. In this situation, the employee may be able to receive compensation from a third party in addition to the benefits provided by the Workers’ Compensation Act.
In addition, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment and to follow safety rules and regulations. Employers who fail to do so may be held liable for any injuries or illnesses that occur as a result. So what steps do you need to take if you were injured while working?
The Steps To Take If You’re Injured At Work
You should know your rights and how to protect them if you’re injured at work in Manasses, Virginia. There are some steps you need to follow. Report the injury, seek medical treatment, file a worker’s compensation claim, wait for a decision, appeal for a denial, and return to work if you can.
Report The Injury
The first step is to report the injury to your employer immediately. Virginia law requires that you report the injury or illness within 30 days, but it is best to report it immediately. If you do not report it within 30 days, your claim may be denied.
Seek Medical Treatment
If your injury is serious, seek medical treatment immediately. If it is not an emergency, your employer may have a specific doctor or medical provider that you must see. Be sure to follow all of the doctor’s orders and attend all appointments.
File A Workers’ Compensation Claim
After reporting the injury, your employer should provide you with a claim form for workers’ compensation benefits. If they do not, you can download the form from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission website. Fill out the form and submit it to your employer and the Workers’ Compensation Commission.
Wait For A Decision
The Workers’ Compensation Commission will review your claim and decide whether or not you are eligible for benefits. If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and any permanent disability you may have.
Appeal A Denial
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. You must file with the Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the date of your injury. An attorney can help you with this process and represent you at the hearing.
Return To Work
Once you have recovered from your injury, your doctor will release you to return to work. If you are unable to perform the same job duties as before, your employer may provide you with a different job that accommodates your injury.
However, if you are severely injured as defined by Virginia Code §65.2-503C and can’t go to work, you qualify for permanent total disability benefits. Talk to your personal injury attorney at The Irving Law Firm in Manassas, Virginia to discuss the best course of action for your case.
Retaliation Is Prohibited
It is illegal for your employer to fire or retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. If you believe you have been retaliated against, you should contact an attorney immediately.
Talk To An Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Seek assistance from personal injury attorneys at The Irving Law in Manassas, Virginia. They can help you understand your rights and legal options, and may be able to assist you in pursuing a claim for damages related to any retaliation you have experienced. Don’t hesitate to seek legal guidance if you believe your employer has violated your rights.
Summary
If you are injured at work in Manassas, Virginia, it is important to report the injury, seek medical treatment, file a workers’ compensation claim, and wait for a decision. If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Your personal injury attorney at The Irving Law Firm knows what to do to achieve a favorable outcome in your case.
Your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a claim. If you have any questions or need assistance with your claim, it is recommended that you must get legal representation.
What Our Clients Say About Us
Our lawyers will represent you in family, business formation, criminal, personal injury, & estate planning matters.
They Are Top Notch
I arranged for Rachel Goldsher with this firm to handle my brother’s divorce. She and the firm’s staff were very responsive to his needs, and recommended a course of action that was reasonable and cost effective. Their billing was very reasonable, with paralegals and other staff handling much of the routine work and billing accordingly. As a result the overall cost of the divorce was reasonable. Rachel also effectively addressed my brother’s particular needs in the settlement agreement. I highly recommend.
I Highly Recommend
I arranged for Rachel Goldsher with this firm to handle my brother’s divorce. She and the firm’s staff were very responsive to his needs, and recommended a course of action that was reasonable and cost effective. Their billing was very reasonable, with paralegals and other staff handling much of the routine work and billing accordingly. As a result the overall cost of the divorce was reasonable. Rachel also effectively addressed my brother’s particular needs in the settlement agreement. I highly recommend.
I Highly Recommend Them
In a time of turmoil, the Irving Law Firm was there to answer my questions regarding a divorce. They do not try to gouge you and explain ways to make your divorce less stressful and pocket friendly. I highly recommend them.
I’d Definitely Hire Again If NeededRebecca and staff were wonderful handling my case. They seemed mindful of the billed time and I didn’t feel any was excessive. Her attention to detail brought me additional arrearages which a former attorney didn’t notice or enforce on prior filings. I’d definitely hire again if needed.
I Highly Recommend The Irving Law Firm To AnyoneMy experience with ms.Rachel Goldsher was nothing short of outstanding. She handled my case with the utmost professionalism and care. Her proactive approach was exceptional. I highly recommend THE IRVING LAW FIRM to anyone.
Excellent Results In Family & Criminal CasesExcellent results in family and criminal cases. I recommend the Irving law firm you will be satisfied. Thank you so much
Highly Recommend!!
Great support throughout the process and excellent results delivered. Highly recommend!!
We are on a mission at The Irving Law Firm to provide exceptional service and client satisfaction.