Sometimes, workers in Virginia can sustain injuries on the job. Although no one expects such unfortunate accidents to take place, workers should know that their employers are required by law to pay for workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is meant to protect the health and wellness of employees. So, workers who suffered from a workplace injury can file a workers’ comp claim to get the benefits they deserve. And to increase their chances of securing a successful claim, they have to work with attorneys from one of several workmens compensation law firms in the state of Virginia.
To help prevent on-the-job injuries, employers may ensure they have a safe and healthy work environment for their workers. But, sometimes, injuries can still be sustained at work including head injuries, broken bones, burns, and others. If you have sustained injuries on the job, your attorney can help you understand and protect your rights.
How Workers’ Comp Benefits Can Help You
After you sustain an injury at work, you must go through the workers’ comp system in the state to get reimbursed. Possible reimbursements include your medical treatment and other benefits such as partial wage replacement.
Workers’ compensation is meant to pay for your medical bills, treatments, and a part of the income you lost while you recuperate from your injuries. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so you are entitled to benefits regardless of who caused the accident.
What are Your Rights as an Injured Worker?
Typically, workers are not eligible to sue their employers. But, you can file an appeal or pursue alternatives to receive compensation. The following are your rights as an injured worker:
- File a Workers’ Compensation Claim. After you sustained a workplace injury, you must file a claim for the accident with the workers’ comp court or the industrial court in the state. You must fill out an accident report which you will submit to your supervisor or manager. This will help document the incident and pursue compensation.
- Seek Medical Care. Being injured at work, it is your right to go to a doctor and pursue medical treatment, depending on how serious your injury is. You must seek medical attention even if you don’t feel immediate symptoms. In addition, it is your right to choose a doctor, though sometimes, your boss may request you to go to a company doctor.
- File an Appeal. This can be done if you don’t agree with your claim settlement. An appeal may help resolve disagreements between you and your employer. Your workers’ comp attorney should be able to help with the appeal.
