What happens when the doctor says I am at maximum medical improvement?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Uncategorized
Once you reach Maximum medical improvement ,your doctor will likely recommend a FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) to establish permanent restrictions. Sometimes, the permanent restrictions can mean a change in employment status. Some employers will be willing to accommodate temporary restrictions on a short-term basis. However, the employer may not be equally willing to find a permanent light duty position …
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If I suffer from a severe chronic illness that my doctor believes is related to the work I do in Virginia, should I consider workers’ compensation?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ, Uncategorized
The likelihood of recovery under Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws for a chronic illness will depend on the type of illness and whether the illness was directly caused by the work you perform. Even if your doctor attributes a chronic illness to your work, it may not be enough to be classified as an occupational disease …
If I had/have a pre-existing injury will it be difficult to prove my workers’ compensation claim or get workers’ compensation benefits?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ, Uncategorized
If you suffered an aggravation to a pre-existing condition, then the aggravation should be covered by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. However, it mayl be more difficult to get workers compensation benefits as the workers’ compensation carrier will probably try to argue that the problems you are having are related to the pre-existing condition and …
What if I can never return to work after my injury? Can I get workers’ compensation wage benefits for life?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Uncategorized
Usually, and in most cases, no. You will be limited to 500 weeks of wage compensation. However, there are some exceptions. If you have been severely injured on the job and are unable to return to work, you may qualify for permanent disability payments through workers’ compensation insurance. Proving permanent disability can be difficult and …
What documentation will I need when filing a workers’ compensation claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Uncategorized
When you’ve been injured on the job in Virginia and you are filing for workers’ compensation benefits, different documentation will be needed at different times. While the days and weeks following an injury can be difficult, it’s important to gather and protect this vital paperwork as you receive it. Some of the documents are simply …
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Does an amputation injury require special procedures under Virginia workers’ compensation?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
An amputation is one of the most serious injuries at work that can affect you. Losing a limb is a life changing event and can cause long lasting disability and pain. If this has happened, you will likely want to file a workers’ compensation claim to get help for medical bills and other expenses. However, …
What are job re-training and vocational rehabilitation benefits?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
If an injured worker is under an award and is able to work in some capacity, but is not able to return to his or her pre-injury job, then the workers’ compensation insurance company may assign a vocational rehabilitation counselor to assist the injured worker in finding a job. It is usually done after permanent …
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What mistakes do I need to avoid or be aware of when handling my workers’ compensation claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
There are many mistakes that you should avoid making. The best way to avoid them all is to seek the advice of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. However, some of the most common include: Signing a general release. This means that you sign a release for the workers’ compensation carrier to get any medical records …
Should I talk to my physician about my work restrictions?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
Put briefly, you should always speak to your doctor about work restrictions, if it’s at all possible. You should inquire with your doctor about his or her opinion on your ability to return to work with restrictions, what those restrictions should be, what your functional capacity is for sustained labor, and anything else that might …
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I do not understand about returning to work either light duty or full duty and whether I have to look for other work.
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
If your doctor releases you to full duty work with no restrictions then you are no longer entitled to any workers’ compensation wage loss benefits as any wage loss you have is no longer related to your work injury. However, you are still entitled to medical treatment through workers’ compensation. If your doctor releases you …