Many of us do jobs that have inherent risks. After a workplace accident in Richmond, you may have to spend considerable time recovering from the injuries. Fortunately, Virginia’s workers’ compensation system is there to support you. For the unversed, this is a type of no-fault insurance that employers are required to have for all employees. Because each case is unique, you need to seek support from a Richmond Job Injury Lawyer as soon as possible. For your help, here’s a quick look at a few aspects of the workers’ compensation system in VA.
The no-fault based system
Unlike personal injury cases, workers’ compensation is not based on the fault of either party. Even if you think that your employer could have taken additional precautionary steps to prevent the accident, you cannot blame them for your injuries directly. You don’t need to prove they are responsible for your condition to claim the benefits. Employers also enjoy a certain kind of immunity regarding lawsuits, as injured workers cannot sue them for negligence.
Your role after the accident
Whether you were diagnosed with an occupational disease or were injured in a freak accident at work, you are responsible for notifying your employer. Failing to do so may mean losing workers’ compensation benefits. As per VA laws, an injured worker is required to inform the employer within 30 days, but to protect your interests, ensure that you take this step at the earliest.
Keeping up with doctor’s advice
You should also consider following your doctor’s advice for your treatment. Your doctor may have assigned you light duty until you get better, and in such situations, you must call and ask your employer about available roles. In many cases, companies don’t have regular light-duty jobs, and if that’s the case, you will have to initiate a job search.
Call a lawyer
As discussed earlier, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is the best way to proceed with your claim. Your lawyer is responsible for all the relevant work related to the claims process, which includes the paperwork and negotiating with the insurance company. Remember that lawyers don’t charge a fixed hourly rate for such cases. Instead, they will ask for a payment when you recover money, which is also called the contingency fee.
Don’t take chances with your workers’ compensation – call a proficient lawyer today to know more. The first consultation session doesn’t have to cost a penny.
