Isle of Wight County Workers’ Comp Attorney

You expect your employer to maintain a safe, secure workplace, but accidents can still happen regardless of fault. According to the  Annual Report for 2018 prepared by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC), there were 95,599 total injuries reported by workers, 44,561 of which involved major bodily harm. The direct and indirect implications for these employees extend to entire families, especially the burdens of medical costs, household bills, and other hardships.

 If you were hurt at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Virginia law. Because the claims process can be challenging, it is wise to retain knowledgeable legal counsel for assistance. To learn more about how we can help, please contact Hampton Injury Law to speak to an experienced Isle of Wight County workers’ comp attorney. A summary of the basic concepts may also be useful.

Dangerous Workplace Conditions Lead to Accidents

Hazards in the work environment can be unavoidable, depending on your occupation and industry. Some of the most common conditions that can lead to injuries and occupational diseases include:

• Slippery, loose, or unsecured flooring;
• Working on ladders, scaffolding, and other platforms without proper safety equipment;
• Repetitive motion injuries from performing repetitive tasks;
• Operating or working in proximity of a crane;
• Being struck by or walking into an object;
• Traffic crashes and accidents while operating work vehicles;
• Hazardous liquids, fumes, and other substances, which can lead to respiratory ailments and burns;
• Workplace violence; and,
• Many others. 

Overview of Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws

The main advantage of the state workers’ compensation system is that you do not need to show that your employer was negligent or otherwise responsible for causing your medical condition. Still, you do need to prove that you meet the legal qualifications, which include:

• You must work for a company that employs at least two full- or part-time workers;
• You must be an employee, as opposed to an independent contractor; and,
• Your medical condition must be an injury you suffered in a work-related accident OR an occupational disease that you contracted because of work-related conditions.

Benefits for Qualifying Employees

If you qualify, you may be entitled to monetary benefits to cover current and future medical costs. It is also possible to obtain amounts for permanent or temporary disability, as well as vocational services to support a new career and employability. Surviving family members who lose a loved one in an accident or because of a work-related illness may qualify for death benefits. However, note that the Virginia workers’ compensation system is your sole remedy in most cases. Subject to some exceptions, you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit in court to recover monetary damages.

Contact an Isle of Wight County Workers’ Comp Attorney About Your Rights

While this synopsis of Virginia’s workers’ compensation system may be helpful, it should also convince you of the importance of hiring an experienced lawyer. For more information on your options, please call Hampton Injury Law to schedule a free case evaluation. We can advise you on the process and your options once we review your unique circumstances.