Harrisonburg VA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured at work, it is very important to talk with a lawyer experienced in handling injury cases. Most lawyers will be interested in representing you if they think you have a good case. BUT, most lawyers will not know enough about Virginia workers’ comp to be able to properly evaluate your case and help you out. It’s important to choose your Harrisonburg VA workers’ compensation lawyer wisely.
As a first requirement, your lawyer should be a specialist whose practice primarily handles injury cases, including worker injuries. A lawyer who routinely handles criminal cases, divorces, wills, and other legal matters may not have the depth of experience needed to maximize your recovery. You should seek a lawyer experienced in handling Harrisonburg VA workers’ compensation law.
What Is My VA Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
It’s not easy to figure out how much your Virginia workers’ comp claim is worth. If you’re handling your own claim, you will probably be dealing with an insurance adjuster who is more experienced in negotiation than you. The adjuster’s goal is to minimize the amount paid to you. If you have been receiving weekly benefits for a while, a cash settlement may be an appropriate option. However, with a settlement there are serious issues to consider, such as to future benefits involving Medicare and Social Security benefits.
What Kind of Benefits Might I Be Entitled To?
Virginia workers’ compensation provides several types of benefits. Compensation is based on your average weekly wage, which is based on your gross earnings for 52 weeks before the accident. To calculate your average weekly wage, you also have to take things like overtime and other benefits provided by your employer such as meals, uniform, car or housing into account.
In Virginia, workers are eligible for 500 weeks of compensation plus payment of medical expenses related to their job injury for life. Basically, your employer is required to pay for all reasonable and necessary medical costs for your job injury for as long as necessary. This will includes all medical treatment, surgical procedures, prescriptions,medical supplies or equipment which are related to your injury and prescribed by your doctor. Workers’ compensation in Virginia does not include benefits for pain and suffering.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you are off work due to a work accident which prevents you from performing any work, you are eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.These benefits are equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount If you remain off work, these benefits can continue for a total of 500 weeks. You will not be eligible for lost time benefits until after you’ve missed 7 days of work. The 7-day waiting period begins the day you first lose time from work due to your injury. But, if your disability continues for more than 21 calendar days, you will receive payment for the first 7days.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you recover from your work-related disability to the point that you can return to light-duty or part-time work and then have a difference in wages, you are eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits.These benefits are equal to two-thirds of your wage loss, up to a maximum set by law. Benefits may continue for 500 weeks from the date of accident.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If you sustain a permanent loss of or loss of use of a body part, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits (PPD). This benefit is available for injuries to certain specified body parts such as fingers, arms, legs and eyes. You cannot receive these benefits until your injury reaches maximum medical improvement or when your doctor says it is as good as it’s going to get.
Cost of Living Increase
If you are receiving benefits for temporary total disability (TTD) or permanent total disability (PTD), you are eligible for a yearly“cost of living increase” (COLA). To get this supplement, you must request it. This benefit is payable October 1 each year.
Travel Expenses
If you have a Virginia workers’ compensation claim, you are also entitled to be reimbursed for travel expenses for going to and from all medical providers and for all job searches. You should keep an itemized account and periodically send your travel log to your insurance company. You should also send any unpaid medical bills which were incurred by you for treatment for your on-the job injury to the insurance company.
Talk To a VA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been injured on the job, it is wise to talk to a lawyer who is experienced in workers’ compensation claims. At the Ritchie Law Firm, you can talk to us for FREE . . . NO STRINGS ATTACHED! We can give you advice on your claim before you make a decision that could damage your case. Check out our article on “How Much Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Cost” here.
At the Ritchie Law Firm, we have successfully handled thousands of workers’ compensation claims. We’ve seen injured workers who have trusted the insurance adjuster only to find out that their time to file the paperwork to protect their claim had expired.
Virginia Workers’ compensation is a complex system that can be very difficult to navigate. Be very careful to make certain that your rights are protected before you sign anything. Talking to our workers’ comp lawyers about your claim is free. If we take your case, we don’t get a fee unless we win your case. There is no risk to you to get some information about your case before you make any decision that might negatively affect its outcome.
For more than 45 years, the Ritchie Law Firm has successfully helped thousands of injured workers navigate the complex workers’ compensation process. The Ritchie Law Firm specializes in serving injury victims. We never represent insurance companies or corporations. If your workers’ compensation case is going to hearing, you will want a trial expert on your side. We are board certified trial specialists through the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The attorney you choose for your workers’ compensation case can make all the difference.
Choose wisely. . . you can talk to us for FREE.
Call today 800-277-6124 or fill out the form below.
Ritchie Law Firm serves injured workers in all of Virginia while helping clients in cities and surrounding areas of Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Winchester. Check out case studies from some of the cases we’ve handled by clicking here.
