Injured on the job in Virginia? Difficulty obtaining or retaining your workers' compensation benefits? Cannot work?
Virginia workers' compensation is a unique benefits system. The concept is a promise by your employer to take care of your injuries and payment of lost wages if you are injured while working. Unfortunately, that promise is not always honored. Protection of your rights is critical to ensure continued eligibility for your benefits if you are injured. Workers' compensation claims are under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission and are governed exclusively by Virginia Code section 65.2, known as the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act. There are many, many nuances in Virginia workers' compensation for compensability and for continued benefits even after an award is entered by the Commission. A claim for benefits in Virginia must meet three criteria to be compensable: 1.) the injury must "arise out of" the employment; 2.) the injury must "occur during" the employment; and 3.) the injury must be traumatic in nature (unless a work-related disease). What do these terms mean?
Virginia law requires that the employer MUST provide an injured worker with a "panel of physicians" when injured. The physician panel is a choice of three (3) physicians from which the injured person can choose a treating physician. Remember, even if benefits are being voluntarily paid by the employer or the insurance carrier, your rights are NOT necessarily protected. You need an attorney who is skilled in workers' compensation claims and familiar with the inner workings of the workers' compensation system to ensure that you obtain all of the benefits that you deserve. Mr. Ratliff has over twenty years of experience in workers' compensation as a Rehabilitation Counselor, Claimant Attorney and has served as defense counsel as well. Consultations are absolutely FREE. If you do not collect benefits, there are no attorney's fees. Don't lose your claim or any benefit to which you are rightfully entitled... Call today (276) 522-1220. |
You deserve a seat at the table. Call Today. (276) 522-1220. Toll-Free (888) 374-5078.
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FREE WORKERS' COMPENSATION HANDOUTS
The Ratliff Law Firm is happy to provide the following information regarding the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act, benefits available, and general information. Just click to download the files in .pdf format.
| va_workers_compensation_benefits_handout.pdf |