You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer has to carry depends on Virginia state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Roanoke, VA workers’ compensation insurance, and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Virginia?

Roanoke is one of the leaders of the healthcare industry in Virginia, according to the City of Roanoke, and it services an estimated 650,000 people per year. However, due to the very nature of the industry, this opens up Roanoke to be one of the leaders of healthcare-related injuries. Especially when compared to other cities in the state. Sprains, strain, falls, slipped discs, and even bloodborne illnesses contracted from patients are all very real threats to Roanoke’s healthcare workers.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Roanoke, VA?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify.

Every business in Roanoke with more than two employees must provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees, according to the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission. There are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, corporate officers, who are exempt. Workers Compensation in Virginia entitles you to medical care, lost wages, and even death benefits. Certain types of PTSD have coverage as well, but this is on a case-by-case basis.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Roanoke, VA are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Roanoke, VA healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

If you become injured or develop a workplace illness, you should report it to your employer as soon as possible. This is to establish the timeline of events and prove you were actually injured on the work premises. After you report your injury you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause the injury to get worse, which will cost more in medical treatments and recovery time.  Once you have found treatment, it’s wise to ask the physician for 2 copies of the report. Keep one copy for yourself, and give one copy to your employer.

Timeline and Other Information

Roanoke residents can receive temporary disability payments for 500 weeks, or until they return to work, whichever is sooner. If after 500 weeks you cannot return to work, you will be eligible to file for permanent disability.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire a Roanoke, VA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Roanoke, Virginia, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you got hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Roanoke workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Roanoke, Virginia

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Roanoke, VA you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!