Employees and workers in Virginia are aware of the workers’ compensation benefits that they are entitled to. However, injured workers often face trouble when seeking these benefits. If you suffered injuries at work in Ashburn, your immediate concern should be your health and wellbeing. In your best interests, you may want to seek legal advice at this point. Talking to one of Ashburn workers’ compensation lawyers can actually help your case. In this post, we are sharing a few things that injured workers need to know.
Steps for filing workers’ compensation claim
- Report the incident. It is necessary that you report the accident to your supervisor, or employer at the earliest. Note that workers’ compensation insurance is a no-fault insurance, so you don’t have to blame anything or anyone. You should report the incident in writing within 30 days from the date of accident.
- Fill the form. You must also inform Virginia’s Workers’ Compensation Commission about the injury you have sustained at work. This is known as the ‘Claim Form’. Which should be submitted to the commission. Once you do that, your employer will then notify the insurance company about the accident and your injuries. The employer also has an obligation to report the same to VA Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- The insurance negotiations. Truth is insurance companies always want to pay as less as possible for the claims they get, and the claims adjuster will want you to record a statement. They can also give you a list of physicians that you can visit for medical care. Without an attorney, negotiating and talking to the insurance claims adjuster is probably not the best idea.
Finding a workers’ compensation lawyer
While not necessary, talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer is advisable. An attorney can give you an overview of the circumstances surrounding your claim, what your claim is worth, and what to do if the employer retaliates. Your attorney can handle the claims process, talk to the insurance company, and ensure that your settlement is fair. If you want to find best workers’ compensation lawyers in Ashburn, check websites like Avvo. You can also ask around for references. The good news is most law firms have a website these days, and you can easily schedule a consultation session.
Depending on the facts and nature of the claim, workers’ compensation lawyers may work on a contingency basis. Ask about the costs of their services in advance.