Suffering an injury on the job can leave you with questions about your health, your income, and your legal options. You may wonder what steps to take and what benefits are available to you. To help, we’ve answered some of the most common questions our clients ask after getting hurt at work. If you need further support, our Alexandria, VA work injury lawyer is here to help you through the process and protect your rights.
What Should I Do After Getting Hurt At Work?
If you are injured at work, report the incident to your employer right away. This creates an official record of your injury. You should also seek medical care as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor and keep copies of all medical records. Taking these steps helps establish both your health needs and your claim.
How Long Do I Have To Report A Work Injury?
In Virginia, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days. Failing to do so could affect your right to receive benefits. After reporting to your employer, you must also file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. The deadline for filing is generally two years from the date of the accident. Acting quickly protects your ability to recover compensation.
What Benefits Can I Receive Through Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation benefits in Virginia may include payment for medical treatment, partial wage replacement if you are unable to work, and compensation for permanent injuries. If your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job, you may also be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These benefits are designed to support you while you recover and help with long-term needs if your injury is serious.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor?
In Virginia, your employer or their insurance company must provide you with a panel of at least three physicians to choose from. You are required to pick a doctor from this list for your treatment to be covered under workers’ compensation. If you decide to see a doctor outside of the panel without approval, the costs may not be reimbursed. That is why choosing from the panel is an important step in protecting your benefits.
What If My Boss Punishes Me For Filing A Claim?
It is against the law for an employer to retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation may include firing, demotion, reducing your hours, or treating you unfairly because you exercised your rights. If you believe you are being punished for filing a claim, you may have legal options to protect yourself.
What If Workers’ Compensation Isn’t Enough?
Workers’ compensation is meant to cover medical treatment and part of your lost income, but sometimes it may not be enough to meet all of your recovery needs. For instance, if a third party (such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or driver) contributed to your injury, you may have the option of filing a personal injury claim against them in addition to receiving workers’ comp benefits. Any settlement won could provide additional compensation for things like full lost wages, pain/suffering, and long-term care costs. Speaking with your attorney can help you understand whether you have grounds for pursuing both types of claims.
Let Us Help You Exercise Your Rights
If you have been injured at work, you deserve to know your rights and what steps to take next. At Antezana & Antezana LLC, we are committed to helping injured workers secure the benefits they need to move forward. Whether you are filing your first claim or facing challenges with your employer or insurance company, we are here to stand by you. Contact our firm today to discuss your situation and learn how we can help.
The post Your Questions About Work Injuries, Answered appeared first on Antezana & Antezana LLC.