Norfolk Workers Compensation Lawyer

Workers’ Compensation Claims Need Experienced Legal Representation

by admin@gotechark.com | February 24th, 2020

If you were injured on the job and need to file a workers’ compensation claim, it’s important to keep in mind that the odds may be stacked against you. In an effort to reduce the number of fraudulent claims, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission—like oversight boards in many other states—rigorously reviews all applications. It’s common for first-time applicants to be denied, even when they have plenty of evidence that proves their injuries occurred on the job.

Getting denied for the benefits you need and are owed can be devastating. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Norfolk workers’ compensation lawyers want to help you avoid that—or, if you’ve already been denied, we want to help you appeal the board’s decision. We believe that injured workers should never have to pay out of pocket for accident-related expenses that weren’t their fault, but that’s an unfortunate reality for countless Virginians throughout the state.

When you contact us, whether you’re applying for benefits for the first time or appealing a decision, you’ll get a dedicated, thorough law firm that stops at nothing to maximize our clients’ chances of success. When we build applications or appeals for our clients, we leave no stone unturned throughout the process, and we never let small details slip through the cracks. From ensuring your paperwork is accurate and complete, to ensuring it’s submitted on time and with the evidence necessary to help you get paid, you’ll get the peace of mind you deserve with our team on your side.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re ready to get started.

Virginia Workers’ Compensation Benefits Payments Among Highest in Nation

by | November 9th, 2015

Making ends meet after being injured on the job can be difficult due medical bills and lack of incom. Luckily, employees injured in the commonwealth are often entitled to Virginia workers’ compensation benefits. And  now, at least one new study shows these payments are among the highest in the nation.

The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute examined payments, prices, and utilization of benefits in 17 states. Researchers were able to conclude that while Virginia had higher medical costs for non-hospital providers—roughly 13 percent more than average—the commonwealth also received above-average medical payments. According to the Insurance Journal, when a worker in Virginia was out of work for seven or more days, they receive one-third more in medical payments than the median payment in the other 16 states involved in the study.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we recognize the vital role Virginia workers’ compensation benefits can play in an injured workers’ recovery—both physically and financially. Our Norfolk personal injury lawyers are glad to see Virginia’s injured workers getting the help they need. We also encourage anyone hurt on the job to consider applying for the benefits that they need.

Increases to Virginia Workers’ Compensation Premiums Being Considered

by | September 8th, 2014

Most companies in Virginia are required to carry an insurance policy that covers expenses related to on-the-job accidents that injure or kill a worker; however, the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) has proposed raising the premiums that are associated with Virginia workers’ compensation coverage for certain industries.

An article from Insurance & Financial Advisor explains the proposal calls for a decrease in premiums for businesses that fall under the industrial classification. The same goes for those that fall under the voluntary market.

On the other hand, coal mining operations could see an increase in workers’ compensation coverage.

This has many workers concerned, considering the mining and extraction industry has one of the highest worker injury rates in the nation, and an increase in workers’ compensation coverage could prompt some companies to find ways to skirt the requirement to carry insurance.

This behavior is prevalent in the construction industry, where companies classify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying for insurance coverage.

A hearing on the subject of the increase is scheduled to take place October 21 at 10 A.M. at the Tyler Building in downtown Richmond, Virginia.

The Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley are aware of the impact workers’ compensation benefits can have on accident victims who are injured and unable to work. That’s why we urge anyone who has been hurt while working to speak with our legal team to help ensure your potential rights to compensation are protected under the law.

Worker Seriously Injured in Manufacturing Warehouse Accident

by | March 10th, 2014

March 10, 2014

There are countless hazards that workers in the manufacturing industry face each day they show up for work, but one of the greatest dangers is the risk of coming into contact with objects or equipment on a job site. In fact, the Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that in 2012, these incidents accounted for roughly 15 percent of all workplace fatalities.

More recently, a worker at a James City County, Virginia, manufacturing warehouse was left seriously injured as a result of an accident involving contact with a forklift at the facility. According to an article from WAVY 10 News, the incident occurred at approximately 11:15 a.m. this morning at the Nicewood Enterprises, Inc., facility located on Westmont Drive.

Reports indicate the 30-year-old victim was performing his job duties when he fell off the piece of machinery. His hand became caught in the machine, crushing his fingers.

The incident leaves many workers wondering what they can do to stay safe while on the job. The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain there are several steps that can be taken, which include:

  • Always obey safety rules and regulations
  • Wear proper safety equipment
  • Report any problems or defects that could cause an accident
  • Speak with a qualified attorney if an accident does occur while working

 

Two Workers Injured As The Result Of A Norfolk Construction Accident

by | May 13th, 2013

May 13, 2013

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 15 percent of workplace fatalities that occurred in 2011 were the result of a worker being struck by an object or equipment on a jobsite. Such an accident was responsible for leaving two men seriously injured at a Norfolk, Virginia, construction site earlier today.

Reports from WAVY-TV 10 News indicate the incident occurred at around 2:00 p.m. in the basement of the public library located on Plume Street. Julian Williamson, Battalion Chief of the Norfolk Fire and Rescue Department, explained that the victims were hanging a steel support plate in a doorway when the 700-pound slab of metal came crashing down on top of them. Both men sustained non-life threatening injuries. They were both transported to local trauma centers for further treatment.

The incident leaves man workers considering what they would do if they sustained an on-the-job injury that left them with mounting medical bills and an inability to preform their job duties. The most common way these expenses are covered is through Workers’ Compensation Benefits. Most employers are required to purchase insurance that covers the costs in the event an employee is injured on-the-job.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that the process to receive such benefits can be complex and confusing though. That’s why the firm suggests discussing your legal options with an attorney if you have been injured in a workplace accident that wasn’t your fault.

Norfolk Worker Hurt By Falling Bucket of Concrete

by | March 11th, 2013

March 11, 2013

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, contact with objects or equipment on a job site was responsible for roughly 15 percent of all workplace fatalities last year. This type of accident was more recently responsible for leaving a Norfolk, Virginia, construction workers seriously injured.

A story from The Virginian-Pilot stated the incident occurred on Monday, February 11, at around 5:30 p.m., at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard. Reports indicate the man was performing normal work duties when part of a crane failed. The failure allowed a bucket full of concrete to coming crashing down on the worker’s head, leaving him seriously injured.

The man was rushed to a local trauma center to receive treatment to his injuries and was released the following day. He is expected to make a full recovery with time.

The accident leaves many workers wondering what to do if they are involved in a workplace accident that leaves them injured.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Attorneys at the law office of Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explain that by law, employers have a responsibility to ensure their workers have a safe and healthy environment in which to do their jobs. Any failure to do so could result in the accident being considered the fault of negligence on the employer’s behalf. Such a finding could be used in an injury victim’s favor when they go to file a Virginia Workers’ Compensation claim in connection to the incident.

Two Workers Suffer Burns In Norfolk Plant Flash Fire

by admin@gotechark.com | October 15th, 2012

October 15, 2012

Two food processing plant workers were seriously injured when they were burned in a work-related accident last week. According to the Journal-Star, the accident happened at around 1:20 p.m. Wednesday at the Henningsen Foods facility in Norfolk, Virginia.

Reports indicate a propane tank fire broke out at the facility but was quickly extinguished before firefighters could arrive. The workers were in the process of inspecting the plant’s propane system when gas spilled from a pressure release valve and was ignited by the pilot light of another machine, quickly spreading to other areas of the plant. A flash fire broke out, leaving the two workers with serious second-degree burns to their faces and arms. They were treated by local medics and released, but will likely have to file a Norfolk workers’ compensation claim to be reimbursed for their medical expenses.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics calls the manufacturing industry one of the most dangerous fields of work in the United States, accounting for 322 fatalities and 2.2 workers per 100,000 being injured last year alone.

The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley understand the hardships that can come with being out of work at no fault of your own due to an injury. We would like to wish the two men who were hurt a speedy recovery from the burns they suffered in this accident.

Two Virginia Construction Workers Injured In Roofing Collapse

by | August 13th, 2012

August 13, 2012

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are roughly 150,000 accidents involving workers at construction sites each year. These accidents, many of which result in Norfolk workers’ compensation claims, make the construction industry one of the most dangerous jobs a person can hold.

That seems to be the case in an accident that injured two construction workers in Leesburg, Virginia, earlier today. According to CBSDC News, the incident occurred around 12:30 p.m. at Evergreen Methodist Church. Reports say that the men were part of a crew erecting the church and were working nearly 40-feet off the ground when the support beams beneath them gave way. The men plummeted to the ground and were then covered by falling debris.

Rescue crews were able to free both men so that they could be transported to a local hospital where they will remain until they recover. Investigators say that the Occupational Health and Safety Administration will likely look into the incident to ensure that all safety rules are followed. If negligence is found, the company responsible for the project could be found to be negligent.

The Norfolk personal injury lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley say that employers have a responsibility to provide their workers with a safe environment in which to do their jobs and would suggest exploring your legal rights if you have been injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence.