A lawyer in Virginia can explain how Workers’ Compensation operates so injuries work-related may be taken care of as quickly as possible for you. An important point to note is the significance of your treating physician’s opinions. His or her recommendations are critical and could affect the legal outcome of your injury compensation claim.
Injury Compensation in Virginia
An injured employee may be able to receive benefits without having to show negligence by an employer under Virginia Workers’ Compensation law. However, the burden of proof is on the injured worker, who also needs to know how to ask for his or her benefits.
This is why it is best to have your case reviewed by a work-related injury lawyer. In Virginia, a no fault system governs injury compensation. It uses a portion of lost wages and the suggested medical treatment to award an employee who has a proven and viable injury claim.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission oversees injury compensation. This state agency is a resource for injured workers if your claim is denied or if you cannot resolve a dispute with your employer’s insurance carrier or your self-insured employer.
Importance of Your Treating Physician in Terms of Your Injuries at Work
The legal consequences of your Workers’ Compensation claim are based heavily on your treating physician’s opinions. This applies to determining the cause of your medical issue or if treatment is necessary for your injuries. A work-related injury lawyer based in Virginia may be able to provide you with information on what a treating physician may need to make an accurate diagnosis and prognosis.
A few guidelines for injured workers to follow when dealing with a Workers’ Compensation treating physician are:
- Provide specific facts about your accident and injuries sustained when visiting your doctor the very first time. Relating all relevant information about your work injury on your initial examination can help substantiate your claim. The doctor is obliged to document this information as part of your medical paperwork. It may be reviewed by the insurance defense attorneys and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Therefore, it’s important to keep to the facts of your case and share how, when and where it happened. Also be specific about every body part affected. An insurance company may deny treatment for a particular part of your body if it is not documented as an area of concern on your initial visit.
- Ask your doctor to explain any work restrictions, functional capacity and other pertinent information about your return to work. You need to know what is expected of you before your case is discussed with the insurance company. If possible, try to get a record of the doctor’s initial assessment and recommendations. This way you have an unbiased opinion of your injury-related capacity before anyone from the insurance company can try and influence the doctor on the situation.
- Never leave the treating physician’s office without a disability slip. If you are unable to work or if your employer is unable to meet the work restrictions outlined by the treating physician, then you need to have a disability slip. A copy of a disability slip is required by the Workers’ Compensation insurance company in order for it to pay you a weekly check.
Injuries at work are not welcomed by you or your employer, but they do require proper medical treatment and injury compensation, if deemed appropriate. A work-related injury lawyer in Virginia may be able to assist you in processing through the legalities of filing a just and viable claim to get you the related medical treatment necessary and as closely back to health as possible.
Contact an Attorney about Your Work-Related Injury Claim
When you have difficulties with your work-related injury claim, a Virginia Workers’ Comp attorney can bear some of the burden you’ve been placed under. To get back on your feet after suffering injuries at work, whether it means getting back to work or getting the benefits you deserve, order a copy of our free book, the Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia, and contact a workers’ comp attorney at the Injured Workers Law Firm for a no-cost consultation – 877-755-7744 or 804-755-7755.
About the Author: Injured Workers Law Firm
The Injured Workers Law Firm is a Richmond, Virginia based firm solely focused on serving clients with workers' compensation claims in Virginia. If you have questions about your benefits or if you would like more information on the Virginia Workers’ Compensation system, order our book, “The Ultimate Guide to Workers’ Compensation in Virginia” , or call our office today (804) 755-7755.