What Is an Intake Paralegal and Why Do I Need to Speak With Her?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | First Steps, Hiring A Lawyer
Sometimes folks get a little frustrated when they call an attorney’s office and can’t speak to the attorney right away, so I wanted to let you all in on the inner workings of my office and how my IWLF team operates! I have an Intake Paralegal, Sheena, who is specially trained to help folks who …
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Will I Have to Go to Court if I File a Workers Compensation Claim?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | First Steps
You will likely have to go to a court hearing if your workers compensation claim is denied. If the injured worker and the workers compensation insurance company are not able to resolve the issues in the claim, then the matter can be scheduled for a hearing before the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission. The Deputy Commissioner …
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The Insurance Adjuster Sent Me a Medical Release – Should I Sign It?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | First Steps, Working With The Adjuster/Nurse Case Manager
I get this question from injured workers a lot. They’ve received a Medical Release from the insurance adjuster requesting that they sign it. We like to think that our health information is completely private and protected by the HIPPA laws. However, if you read this article further, you will learn that workers compensation is a …
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Never Take Someone’s Word That Your Injury Will be Covered!
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | Claim Accepted - Now What?, Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
I always get concerned when injured workers tell me that their employer (or the insurance carrier) has made them all these promises that they will be taken care of after a work injury. In fact, I had an injured worker call me today who had an injury several years ago. For conversation sake, we will …
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What Is a 20 Day Order and why Did I Get it?
Posted by Injured Workers Law Firm | First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
Once you have filed your Claim Form with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, you will get a letter from the Commission entitled 20 Day Order in the top left hand corner. I get calls from people wanting to know what this letter is all about. This is a standard computer generated letter. Once you file your claim …
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Psychological Injuries Are Not Covered Unless you Have a PHYSICAL Injury First!
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Types Of Accidents, Types of Injuries and Illnesses
There seems to me a misconception out there among some workers that they can get workers’ compensation benefits for things like stress, depression, or anxiety. The truth is that, in Virginia, workers’ compensation benefits are only awarded for psychological injuries if the injured worker first has a PHYSICAL injury. For example, the State of Virginia …
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I Don’t Like My Workers Compensation Doctor. Can I See Someone Else Under My Regular Health Insurance Instead?
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits, Working With A Doctor
I Don’t Like My Workers Compensation Doctor. Can I See Someone Else Under My Regular Health Insurance Instead? Let me warn you folks, this is a slippery slope! I know, all too well, the stress and inconvenience a work injury can put on a person. Then, it is oftentimes compounded by the fact that the …
Workers’ Compensation Terms – Part 5 – Other Lingo (Continued)
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Accepted - Now What?, Claim Denied - Now What?, FAQ, First Steps
Remember folks – These additional benefits can affect your workers’ compensation claim in Virginia so if you have applied or even if you are thinking of applying for these benefits, consult your attorney first to prevent any potential problems! *Please remember these terms are provided to give you a clearer picture of what is going …
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Workers’ Compensation Terms – Part 5 – Other Lingo
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Accepted - Now What?, Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Non-Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Several terms that are not necessarily workers’ compensation terms can also be thrown in the mix when you are injured at work. I have provided these because they are terms a lot of my clients have come across through the course of their workers’ compensation case. Collecting or even applying for many of these benefits …
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The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is NOT on Your Side!
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Hiring A Lawyer, Injured Workers Law Firm
I talk to a lot of injured workers in Virginia. Some I represent and some I do not represent. There seems to be a misconception out there among Virginians that the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) is advocating for them and is there to protect their rights as an injured worker. This is not the …
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