Your workplace is meant to be safe and secure. Unfortunately, accidents happen all the time. It doesn’t matter whether you were at fault; you have the right to file a claim and recover workers’ compensation benefits. The workers’ compensation insurance system is a no-fault one, and all employers in Virginia are required to pay for it. In return, injured workers don’t have the right to sue their employer. The losses after an injury are covered by insurance. One of the initial steps following an accident is to know your rights. Consider consulting the lawyers of Injured Workers Law Firm to understand what your claim is all about. Here is a generic overview of the rights.
- Right to file a claim: If you were injured on the job or were diagnosed with an occupational disease, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim. The worth of your claim depends on several factors, but you are entitled to benefits.
- Right to have an attorney: You also have the right to hire an attorney to handle the workers’ compensation claim for you. All lawyers who handle such claims get a fixed contingency fee based on the recovered benefits.
- Right to seek medical care: You have the right to seek medical treatment for your injuries. If you were diagnosed with an occupational disease, you must seek care that’s reasonable and necessary for your health.
- Right to request a hearing: If you filed a workers’ compensation claim but are not happy with the decision of the insurance company, you have the right to request a hearing. You can file the request with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- Right to receive workers’ compensation wages for time lost: Depending on the circumstances, you have the right to seek wages for the time lost due to your injury or a diagnosed illness.
Get a lawyer
Just knowing your rights is not enough to get the anticipated benefits. There are many case-specific questions that are unique and need legal expertise. Meet a workers’ compensation lawyer and discuss how you can protect your interests. Your lawyer will explain the details, including the need to get an Award order, which will help protect your future entitlement to benefits. The first consultation with an attorney doesn’t have to be expensive, and you can expect most of the top law firms to review your case for free. Don’t waste your time after a work injury.
