Brain Injuries
Posted by Michele Lewane | Injured Workers Law Firm
Brain injuries are some of the most serious injuries we see in Virginia Workers Compensation cases. There are many different types of brain injuries, ranging from concussions to cerebral contusions to seizures and many, many more. If you or a loved one sustained a brain injury at work, it is very important to understand your …
Updates to the Status of Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 in Virginia
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
What If I Think I Got COVID-19 At Work? Our office is getting a lot of calls from folks who believe they have gotten COVID-19 due to their work environment, most specifically those in the healthcare field. Currently, Virginia does not have an exception for these folks extending worker’s compensation benefits to them. The present …
Continue reading "Updates to the Status of Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 in Virginia"
Can I get workers’ compensation even if the accident was my fault?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
Many injured workers think if they are at fault for the accident which caused their injuries, it will not be not covered by workers’ compensation. However, that is not necessarily true. If you are injured in an accident, even if the accident is your fault, it can still be covered under workers’ compensation. Negligence does …
Continue reading "Can I get workers’ compensation even if the accident was my fault?"
Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Taxable in Virginia?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits
One of the most frequently asked questions we get from injured workers is: are my workers compensation benefits taxable? In general, the answer is no. We will discuss what this means for wage loss benefits, medical benefits, settlements, and Social Security. Wage Loss Benefits Wage loss benefits are not taxable for workers who are out …
Continue reading "Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Taxable in Virginia?"
Helpful Resources for Those Affected by the COVID-19 Fallout
Posted by Michele Lewane | Injured Workers Law Firm
Several families in Virginia are being affected by the current Stay at Home Order- people are out of work, unemployment has skyrocketed and citizens are struggling with unforeseen economic hardships. I know things are rough out there so during this difficult time, I wanted to share with you some resources that may help you and …
Continue reading "Helpful Resources for Those Affected by the COVID-19 Fallout"
Amputation
Posted by Michele Lewane | Injured Workers Law Firm
Amputations can result from a work accident. Losing a body part, whether it is an arm, leg, hand, foot, finger, or toe, can be life-changing and extremely difficult to deal with. Following an amputation, you will need medical care and could be entitled to lost wages. Once you have recovered and reached maximum medical improvement, …
Chronic Pain
Posted by Michele Lewane | Injured Workers Law Firm
Often, after work injuries, people are left with chronic pain. In some states, the workers’ compensation case ends once the claimant has reached maximum medical improvement, (or MMI). In layman’s terms, MMI means that you have gotten as good as you are going to get. If you have chronic pain, you may have already reached …
COVID-19 and Virginia Workers Compensation Claims
Posted by Michele Lewane | Injured Workers Law Firm
First off, I’m sending out my prayers to anyone affected by the coronavirus/COVID-19 or knows someone who is. It is so important to follow CDC guidelines by staying home and washing hands and surfaces. We are all in this together, and I look forward to the time when we are able to go back to …
Continue reading "COVID-19 and Virginia Workers Compensation Claims"
What can I expect when I meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
At the initial interview, the vocational rehabilitation counselor gathers information about you: your prior work history, prior work skills and education, criminal history, and your general interests. Thereafter, you generally meet at a public place such as a library or restaurant. The counselor will put a resume together for you and give you five (5) …
Continue reading "What can I expect when I meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor?"
What if I get paid less after my injury?
Posted by Michele Lewane | FAQ
If you have work restrictions of some kind that prevent you from doing the job you were doing before you were hurt and you find that you are earning less than you were earning before your injury (as a result of less hours, a reduced hourly rate, or both) you may be entitled to partial …