Despite the proper safety measures, workplace accidents can happen to anyone and when they do you should know how to survive your worker`s compensation claim. If you have been injured on the job in Virginia Beach, here are the steps to take when filing a claim so you can ensure that you get help quickly and easily. In this blog post, we have mentioned a few steps appreciated by an Injured Workers Law Firm to follow that will help you file a workers’ compensation claim in Virginia Beach along with useful information and tips.
What is Workers Compensation?
Another type of insurance that compensates employees injured on the job by providing health care coverage and loss-of-wages replacement; Same as every other place in Virginia, businesses with a staff of three or more have to carry workers’ compensation insurance per the rule.
How to File a Workers Comp Claim in Virginia Beach?
1. Report the Injury Immediately
Reporting your injuries to your employer as soon as you can is the first step in submitting a workers’ compensation claim. In Virginia, you have thirty days to notify your employer of the injury. Should you neglect to do so, your claim may be rejected.
2. Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured, report your injury to the proper department or office immediately and seek medical treatment promptly. Your employer may have a list of authorized medical providers you need to go to for your treatment to be paid for by workers’ compensation.
3. Claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC)
Workers’ Compensation Claims must be filed in Virginia with the necessary paperwork or your worker’s compensation benefits can be forfeited. This can be done in person, by mail, or using our online form.
4. Work with the Insurance Company
Once you file your claim, it will be reviewed by the workers’ compensation insurance company of your employer. This may require them to ask for more information or a paper trail. Be as helpful and timely in responding to requests for materials as possible
5. Appear at All Compulsory Hearings and Examinations
Your claim may be sent to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission for hearings, or if you have been asked to attend independent medical examinations (IME), for evaluation of your injuries. Attend All Appointments and Hearings
6. Understand Your Benefits
Some of the benefits you can avail if your claim is approved are:
- Medical Benefits: Pays for treatments attributable to your injury.
- Wage Replacement: Temporary or permanent disability benefits to help replace a decrease in earnings.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Help you to return to your job or find a new one if you are not able to back to your existing job.
7. Consider Legal Assistance
This claim process is complex and involves several complications such as hearings and appeals that require legal assistance in getting claims approved. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather the necessary information you might need, and represent you in hearings or appeals.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Virginia Beach comes down to acting quickly, documenting your situation, and having a firm grasp of the process. Follow the steps we have listed in this easy guide and you will get everything that is due to you for your workplace injury. Helping you through the process of seeking legal assistance can be enormously supportive and work to enhance the prospects of your claim. If you have questions about worker’s compensation laws or need help with any other aspect of filing for workers’ comp, speak to an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer in your area today.
