A Workers’ Compensation claim might have been your only way to get the compensation you needed to get by after a serious work injury. You got some benefits and probably thought the nightmare was over. But something might have changed with your claim.
Maybe your benefits stopped showing up even though your injuries still need time to heal, or maybe something in your life has changed your needs.
In either case, you may need to know whether your Workers’ Comp case can be reopened in Virginia. It is sometimes possible, but it isn’t always easy. Luckily, the team at Pathfinder Injury Law is here to guide you to the complete Workers’ Comp benefits you need.
Some Workers’ Comp Cases Can’t Be Reopened
Some Virginia workers may not be eligible to reopen their Workers’ Comp cases. For example, you might have opted to take a lump sum payment for your Workers’ Comp benefits, meaning you received all your benefits at once. When you choose to take such a settlement, you may give up or reduce your right to reopen your case and seek additional benefits later on.
Depending on what has changed since your claim was settled, you may still have options for reopening or re-examining your case. That’s why it’s helpful to talk to a lawyer about your unique situation.
Reasons to Reopen Your Workers’ Comp Claim in VA
Once you know you can reopen your Workers’ Comp case, your next step is proving that you do, in fact, need your claim to be reopened. This can be for a number of reasons. For example, your injury might have worsened over time, which means you may be eligible for a hearing about your benefits.
Also, if your expected improvement never happened, you might have good reason to reopen your case. Let’s say you should have seen improvement after your back surgery, but now you’re still unable to lift heavy objects and stand for long periods of time. You may now have grounds to reopen your claim and seek additional benefits that can help you recover.
How a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help
When you’re hurt in a work accident and you need workman’s comp benefits, a Workers’ Comp lawyer can help. If you need more benefits than originally agreed upon, your lawyer can work to give you the best possible shot at getting what you need.
For example, the insurance company may try to prove that, despite what you are claiming, you’re actually improving as expected. Your lawyer can help you provide evidence that counters this claim. On top of building your case, your attorney can help you ensure that you’re meeting all the required deadlines and filing all the required paperwork.
A Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help You Reopen Your Case
When you’re hurt in a work accident, you need benefits that truly meet your needs. Unfortunately, getting the actual Virginia work comp benefits you need is not always easy. To go back and argue for more or different benefits, you may need to reopen your Workers’ Comp case.
That’s where Pathfinder Injury Law can help. We can show you how to reopen a Workers’ Comp case and get the Workers’ Comp benefits you need. When you’re ready to get moving, get a head start with a free consultation. We can discuss your case and how we can help you when you call 804-505-0633 or fill out the online contact form below.
