If you suffer a work-related sickness or injury in Virginia, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. You and your family may be able to rely on the workers’ compensation medical and lost-wage payments.
Unfortunately, you won’t be eligible for these payments unless you can prove that you’ve been injured or sick enough to meet the criteria.
The Workers’ Compensation Act of Virginia covers injuries that happen while an employee is working. By definition, occupational diseases are those that develop directly from regular exposure to hazardous substances or situations on the job.
Those who get hurt on the job or while carrying out work-related duties or tasks are entitled to workers comp lawyer near me benefits in Virginia. When you get sick because of your job, it’s called occupational sickness.
Injuries that may occur due to these factors include:
- Sprains, strains, and rips in muscles and tendons due to overuse.
- Broken bones sliced flesh, and slashed skin from a fall or collision with an object
- Electrocution and other thermal and chemical injuries
- Concussions and other brain damage sustained from falls
- Mesothelioma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are two respiratory disorders brought on by inhaling noxious gases.
- Specific Injuries That May Or May Not Be Considered Work-Related
An illness or injury might not be covered under certain conditions. Workers are not eligible for benefits under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission’s rules if it is determined that the damage resulted from:
- When an employee was too drunk or high to do their job
- The worker was playing around when the accident occurred.
- Because the employee wasn’t wearing his safety vest.
In addition, the following do not qualify as work-related accidents or diseases for which employees are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits:
- Voluntary involvement in company-sponsored off-duty activities, such as a picnic or baseball game.
- Using a business car for personal reasons like getting to and from work or running errands.
Let’s look at a few possible outcomes:
- Mishaps involving automobiles – Any accidents that occur while you are out doing errands or driving to and from work will not be covered.
- Conditions that existed before enrollment are not covered. This includes back injuries and chronic illnesses like COPD.
- You may be eligible for compensation if you contract a deadly illness from your job due to contact with toxic substances. Immediately upon receiving the diagnosis, you must inform your employer of your sickness.
