Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Portsmouth, VA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Portsmouth, Virginia?

  Call 757-393-5300 to reach the Portsmouth Police Department for assistance in non-emergency circumstances.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Portsmouth, Virginia?

  The residents of Portsmouth can request records by U.S. Mail, fax, email, in person, or over the phone. Interested parties may send their request to the following:

  • Email: ppdpio@portsmouthva.gov
  • Fax: 757-393-8073
  • Mail and In-person: 700 Port Centre Parkway Portsmouth, Virginia 23704

  For further inquiries, citizens may call 757-393-8814.

• When can a Portsmouth employee handle a workers' compensation claim without the help of a lawyer?

  In Portsmouth, if the accident was minor and would just require temporary pain management, the employee can complete their workers' compensation claim without the help of a lawyer. Other factors include the fact that the employee will only miss work for less than a week, that they have no pre-existing medical conditions, that their work injury hasn't resulted in any lasting limitations, and that both their employer and insurance provider acknowledges that the accident occurred on the job.

• What happens if an employee's workers' compensation claim in Portsmouth gets denied?

  If a Portsmouth employee's workers' compensation claim has been denied, they will need to make payments for their medical bills and other injury-related needs from out of their pockets. Contacting a workers' compensation lawyer may help employees in filing an appeal. The attorneys can review the case and suggest legal options to achieve positive results.

• Is it acceptable to approve a release form from the insurance company for a Portsmouth workers' compensation claim?

  You should decline to sign any releases requested by the insurance provider in Portsmouth since they are not required by Virginia workers' compensation law. In fact, once you've told your doctor about your employment, they'll send invoices to the insurance provider. The authorization you received from your insurance provider will most likely grant them access to all of your medical records dating back to the time of your birth.

• What benefits can employees in Portsmouth expect from their workers' compensation insurance?

  The Virginia Workers' Compensation Act grants you certain benefits if you are an injured worker in Portsmouth. These benefits include but are not limited to compensation for missed wages, reimbursement for transportation and out-of-pocket medical expenditures, and funds for permanent partial disability. They also provide lifetime medical treatment for your work injuries.

• Is it the injured employee's responsibility to file their workers' compensation claim in Portsmouth?

  It is the injured employee's responsibility in Portsmouth to file the Claim Form to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. Even if your employer fills out their own accident report and submits it to their insurance provider, they are only required to inform the Commission that you were hurt, which is different from submitting a Claim Form. Keep in mind that it is up to you to pursue your claim.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.