What Does Lifetime Medical Mean?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
There are many types of worker’s compensation benefits available to injured or sick workers under Virginia law. One of the most important benefits is the injured worker’s right to receive medical care for his workplace-related injury or illness. When a workplace injury or occupational illness occurs, the worker is entitled to lifetime medical treatment to …
Do Workman’s Comp Settlements Work?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
Most people who find themselves involved in a workers’ compensation case because of an injury at work eventually find themselves considering a settlement. It may very well be in your best interest to accept a settlement offer, especially if you have mounting bills or reason to believe that you might lose if your case advances …
Injured Workers in Virginia Deserve Access to Necessary Opioid Medications
Posted by Michele Lewane | Working With A Doctor
For individuals who get hurt on the job, dealing with the pain is often one of the most challenging aspects of the recovery process. Opioid medications can provide much-needed relief; but, due to the nationwide opioid epidemic – which has hit portions of Virginia particularly hard – many injured workers are finding it difficult to …
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Average Settlement For a Virginia Worker’s Compensation Back Injury
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement
Back and spine injuries are one of the most common work injuries we see in injured workers. Whether you injure your back or spine from lifting an object in the office or working a physically demanding job, it can be painful, and debilitating, and you may need treatment for that injury. If you need help …
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“Homeless” Claimants and Housing
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
If a catastrophic injury at work has left you permanently disabled, your ability to live safely and autonomously may hinge on making modifications to your home. To accommodate a wheelchair, for example, you might need to widen doorways, install ramps, and remodel bathrooms and kitchens with accessibility in mind. Making home modifications is costly and …
Virginia Firefighters Push for Greater Cancer Coverage in Workers’ Compensation
Posted by Michele Lewane | News
Across Virginia, firefighters are on a mission: to secure fair workers’ compensation benefits for all. The Virginia workers’ compensation system is designed to provide benefits to all employees who suffer an on-the-job injury or develop an illness related to work. Yet some firefighters are unable to access these benefits when they need them the most. …
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How to Fill Out a Virginia Workers Compensation Claims Form
Posted by Michele Lewane | Educational Videos, First Steps
Update: In January of 2019 the Virginia Workers Compensation Commission released an updated Claims Form. This article has been updated to reflect those changes. Download the Claim Form by clicking here. When injured in an accident at work, you want to receive the proper compensation benefits based on your injuries, lost wages, and needed medical …
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Claims Process: What Should an Employee Do When They Are Hurt?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
Step 1: Report Your Injury As soon as you are hurt on the job, report your injury to your employer. The law gives you thirty days to report, and the sooner you do it, the better. A lot of very serious injuries start as nothing more than what feels like a pulled or strained muscle …
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Can PTSD be Covered as Part of a Workers Compensation Claim?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
Virginia Workers Compensation Rules are a bit gray when it comes to claims of PTSD and the law is ever changing; especially since media outlets have recently been shining a spotlight on this issue. For now, PTSD can be covered under Virginia Workers Compensation benefits but only in certain, specific situations. PTSD on the Job …
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HCA and VCU Health System Workers’ Compensation
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
The private healthcare industry is one of the largest employers in the United States. In fact, two of the largest employers in the Richmond area are VCU Health System and HCA Virginia. Sadly, healthcare workers are particularly prone to workplace injuries for a number of reasons. Most injuries in the healthcare work environment stem …
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