What Injuries are Covered by Workers Comp in Virginia?

Workers in any industry are exposed to a wide range of hazardous conditions and accidents, and the resulting injuries can be severe. According to statistics from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VA WCC), there are more than 125,600 injuries reported to officials every year. The losses for employees can be considerable, which is why state workers’ compensation laws provide benefits for medical costs, wage replacement, and disability. To speed the process along, you are not required to prove that your employer was at fault for causing your medical condition. 

However, you can only obtain workers’ comp benefits if you are eligible, and not all injuries qualify. The circumstances that led to your medical condition are just as important as the ailment and body part affected. It is essential to discuss your situation with a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney to understand eligibility rules, and you can benefit from an overview of what injuries are covered.

Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp in Virginia

The language of the workers’ comp statute states that the law applies to all medical conditions arising out of and in the course of employment. Some specific points are important:

• Employees whose injuries result from accidents are included, but the harm must be related to tasks that the worker commonly performs or work-related conditions.
• Occupational diseases are also covered by workers’ comp as long as they are linked to conditions present in the workplace.
• There are several medical conditions that are not eligible, including ordinary diseases like the common cold or flu. The laws do not cover repetitive stress injuries unless you have solid proof that the ailment was a direct result of work-related tasks.

Eligibility for Benefits

Though much of the focus is on the types of injuries that are covered, you should also be aware of the factors that may disqualify you. For instance, you might not be eligible if your injuries stemmed from a failure to comply with safety regulations and rules on wearing protective equipment. An employee who was not at work on shift, doing overtime, or attending required job-related meetings will also be unable to obtain benefits.

If you are eligible, there are various benefits you may obtain for workplace injuries or occupational diseases. Depending on your case, they may include the following:

• Payments for medical care to treat your condition;
• Wage replacement for days off, a job restriction, or job transfer; and,
• Permanent or temporary disability payments.

When workplace injuries or an occupational illness leads to a fatality, the victim’s family members may qualify for death benefits. A surviving spouse, children, and others are eligible if the victim would have been.

Trust a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Advise You 

Even though an overview of eligibility is helpful, you will need experienced representation for a real-life workplace accident. Insurance companies often deny claims on the grounds that your injuries do not qualify. For additional details, please contact Hampton Injury Law PLC. You can set up a free case evaluation with a workers’ comp attorney who will explain how the rules apply to your case.