On-the-job injuries are not rare in Virginia. While the state laws require all employers to pay for workers’ compensation insurance, not many injured workers are aware of their rights or get the benefits they are entitled to. Because the immediate financial distress is real, people have their reservations about lawyering up. In this post, we are sharing some compelling reasons to hire a Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer.
- Your employer is in denial. In the event of a workplace accident, the employer is expected to inform the insurance company. Sometimes, employers do not do so and expect the injured worker to handle their treatment on their own to keep insurance premiums low. If your employer has denied that you were injured at work, get a lawyer.
- You have noticed a significant change in employer behavior. Filing a workers’ compensation claim after an on-the-job injury is your right, and your employer cannot retaliate against you. As per Virginia laws, you cannot sue your employer for the accident, but if they fire you wrongfully or demote you for no reason, call a lawyer. Do not ignore threats and aggressive employer behavior either.
- You don’t understand the filing process. The legal aspects of the workers’ compensation system and the filing process can be overwhelming. If you are not sure of how to proceed ahead, having a proficient attorney on your side will help. If your claim is denied, your lawyer can represent you at the hearing before the Commission.
- You have a pre-existing condition. If you have a health issue or a pre-existing condition, it could make it difficult to get a settlement. The insurance company will try to prove that your injuries are not a result of the accident. Virginia laws allow injured workers to get workers’ compensation benefits if their pre-existing conditions worsened because of the accident. Talk to a lawyer to know your rights.
- Your claim has been denied. Insurance companies deny workers’ compensation claims on many grounds and do that often. If your claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal, and it makes sense to have an attorney to know what went wrong. You can be assured that they will take care of the documentation and develop a strategy for your case.
Hiring an attorney doesn’t have to be expensive as the Commission will decide what the lawyer gets. It doesn’t have to be more than 20% of the settlement.
