If you have been injured at work, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits. At Portner & Shure, P.A., we understand that the process of filing a claim for workers' compensation benefits can be complicated. You may be unsure of how to proceed or how to prove that your workplace injury was caused by your employer. If you have questions about the workers' compensation process or your rights, our experienced team can provide you with the assistance you need.
Our Arlington workers' compensation lawyers can assist you with all aspects of your claim. We can work with you to gather all of the evidence you need to prove that your workplace injury was caused by your employer's negligence. We can also help you file your claim for workers' compensation benefits. We can ensure that your employer's insurance company pays you the benefits you need to recover from your injury.
Schedule a consultation with our Arlington workers' compensation lawyers by calling (410) 995-1515 or submitting a request online.
What Is Workers' Compensation?
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance that employers must provide for their employees. If you have been injured at work, your employer must pay for all of your medical bills. In addition, your employer must continue to pay your salary while you are recovering from your injury.
If you have been hurt at work, you should not have to worry about losing your job as a result. There is a specific law known as the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act that governs the rights and benefits of employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. Under this act, if you sustain a work-related injury or illness and are unable to work as a result, your employer is generally required to provide workers' compensation benefits, which may include wage replacement.
The workers' compensation benefits in Virginia generally cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum limit set by the state. These benefits are designed to compensate you for your lost wages while you recover from your work-related injury or illness. The specific duration and amount of wage replacement depend on the nature and severity of your injury, as determined by a doctor.
You must, however, report your injury to your employer and file a claim for workers' compensation benefits. It's important to report your work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek medical attention promptly. Your employer is then responsible for filing a workers' compensation claim on your behalf. If your claim is approved, you should be entitled to receive wage replacement benefits while you are unable to work due to a work-related injury.
How Do I File a Claim for Workers' Compensation?
To file a claim for workers' compensation in Virginia, you should follow these general steps:
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Report the injury or illness: Notify your employer about your work-related injury or illness as soon as possible. Failure to report the injury within 30 days may jeopardize your claim.
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Seek medical attention: Obtain medical treatment for your injury or illness from an authorized healthcare provider. Your employer or its workers' compensation insurance carrier may have a list of approved healthcare providers you should visit.
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Complete the Claim for Benefits Form: Request the Claim for Benefits Form (Form 30) from your employer, the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWCC) website, or the VWCC Regional Office. Fill out the form accurately and completely, providing details about your injury, the incident, and your employment.
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Submit the claim: After completing the form, submit it to the VWCC Regional Office that serves the area where your injury occurred. Make sure to keep a copy of the form for your records.
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Inform your employer and insurer: Notify your employer and its workers' compensation insurance carrier about the claim and provide them with a copy of the Claim for Benefits Form. It's important to keep your employer informed throughout the process.
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Follow up with the VWCC: The VWCC will review your claim and may request additional information or documentation. Respond promptly and provide any requested details.
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Attend medical evaluations: If required, attend any medical evaluations requested by the employer or its insurance carrier. These evaluations help assess your condition and determine the appropriate benefits.
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Await the decision: The VWCC will review your claim, along with any supporting documentation and medical reports, to determine the validity of your claim. The VWCC will notify you, your employer, and the insurance carrier of their decision.
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Appeal if necessary: If your claim is denied or you disagree with the decision, you have the right to appeal within the designated timeframe. Consult with an attorney specializing in workers' compensation to guide you through the appeals process.
Schedule a consultation with our Arlington workers' compensation lawyers by calling (410) 995-1515 or submitting a request online.
How Can Our Firm Help You?
At Portner & Shure, our Arlington workers' compensation lawyers can help you with all aspects of your claim. We can ensure that your employer's insurance company pays you the benefits you need to recover from your injury. We will fight for you in the courtroom and help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injury. We can also help you obtain all of the medical treatment you need to get better.
If you have been hurt at work, contact our Arlington workers' compensation lawyers at (410) 995-1515 for a consultation today.
