Virginia Workers’ Compensation Guide

Hurt in an on-the-job accident in Virginia? You may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation.

One moment, you’re doing your job, just like always. The next, something went wrong, and you were seriously injured. Now, you’re dealing with the pain, the bills, and the inability to work. Worse, you may not have the funds to deal with your injuries.

Here’s what Virginia Workers’ Compensation pays and what to do if it’s denied.

Benefits for Injured Virginia Workers

When you’ve suffered a severe work injury, you need your Workers’ Compensation to cover your needs following the accident. But you may be unsure what benefits you should expect or ask for. Here are the main Virginia workers’ comp benefits.

Medical benefits. The insurance company is required to pay for medical treatment that is reasonable, necessary, and causally related to your work accident. That doesn’t mean it will.

Disability benefits. Being unable to work can put a financial strain on you and your family. These benefits replace some of the wages you’ve lost while you are unable to work. If a doctor says you cannot return to work at all for a temporary period because of your injuries, you may receive two-thirds of the pre-injury average weekly wage you received during the year immediately prior to your accident, up to a maximum weekly compensation rate.

Death benefits. Workers’ comp can provide death benefits to the family of a worker who loses their life because of a workplace injury. These benefits can pay for a limited amount of funeral expenses, medical bills incurred before the death, and lost wages for certain periods of time for certain survivors or dependents who meet statutory criteria.

What if My Workers’ Comp Is Denied?

If you’ve been hurt on the job in Virginia, you may be relieved to know that Workers’ Compensation is available for you. But you may have received a denial letter, not a Workers’ Compensation check.

Luckily, that’s not the end of your claim. You can gather evidence in your favor to dispute the denial. For example, the insurance company may claim you weren’t that seriously injured. More tests from your doctor may show you were hurt badly enough that you need Workers’ Compensation. At a hearing before the Commission, a deputy commissioner hears the evidence and decides whether benefits are due.