A work illness or injury can result in a significant financial burden. Virginia workers can apply for benefits from workers’ compensation under these circumstances.
Review the facts about thestate workers’ compensation program if you or a loved one has experienced a work-related injury or illness.
Filing for benefits
Virginia requires you to tell your employer immediately if you get hurt on the job or receive a diagnosis of an illness related to your job. You can lose the right to collect benefits if you wait longer than 30 days to provide this notification.
Once your employer receives notice of your illness or injury, they have 10 days to file a workers’ compensation claim on your behalf. You can also file a direct claim with workers’ compensation.
Understanding available compensation
Some of the costs covered by workers’ compensation include lost wages, travel expenses to and from medical appointments, medical devices, prescription drugs, surgeries and other treatments, emergency transportation bills, physical therapy, hospitalization, and other costs related to the injury or illness.
Virginia also provides for temporary partial or total disability payments until you can return to work. You may qualify for permanent disability if you can no longer work because of your medical condition.
Appealing your case
If you have difficulty receiving benefits or if the state denies your application, you have theright to appeal through several levels of review in Virginia. The state may also require mediation between you and your employer.
Taking action as soon as possible can help mitigate the impact of financial loss after a work injury.