Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Let Us Help You Build and File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

by admin@gotechark.com | August 29th, 2022

Workers’ compensation gives injured workers a lifeline when they get injured on the job and can’t earn the paychecks they and their loved ones depend on. And while the requirements for getting workers’ compensation seem simple—suffer an on-the-job injury or illness that results in medical bills and/or lost wages—many injured workers see their claims denied.

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) has strict requirements when reviewing and approving claims, and it’s common for first-time applicants to be denied. Reasons for claim denials can range from missing forms and incomplete paperwork to a lack of evidence and missed deadlines. It can be hard to keep up with all of the requirements for filing a successful claim, especially when you’re stressed and in pain after getting hurt at work.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers have many years of experience building claims for injured workers, and we know what the VWCC looks for when reviewing claims. When you contact us, you’ll get peace of mind knowing that your claim is in experienced hands. In addition to ensuring that no errors jeopardize your claim, we can also use our knowledge of the VWCC to get your claim approved faster, which means less time waiting for benefits to kick in.

Contact us today for a free consultation if you or someone you love was injured at work. It’s our goal to help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you’re owed.

We Work Hard to Help Injured Patients Get Maximum Compensation

by admin@gotechark.com | April 11th, 2022

Doctors are supposed to be as diligent, detail-oriented, and careful as possible when treating their patients. But all doctors make mistakes. However, some of those mistakes are due to carelessness and negligence.

When it comes to filing medical malpractice claims after negligence causes illness or injury, patients often face two major hurdles. First, they have to prove that their poor outcome was due to negligence and not a rare but possible complication. Second, they have to break through the defenses set up by their doctors, hospitals, and the insurance companies representing those parties.

This can be very difficult. Some injury law firms simply don’t take medical malpractice claims. That can leave victims of medical malpractice feeling even more discouraged, and many feel like it’s hopeless and that they’ll never get any money for their damages.

But at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we aren’t afraid of the hard work that goes into medical malpractice claims. It’s our goal to help those patients get maximum compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and more.

The next time someone tells you that you can’t win your medical malpractice claim, think of us. We have a proven track record of winning claims for injured patients, and we know what it takes to win. Contact our Virginia medical malpractice lawyers today for a free consultation.

Why Is It Difficult to Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits on Your Own?

by admin@gotechark.com | February 7th, 2022

Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured workers get money when they can’t work and earn paychecks. Because it’s a no-fault system, which means that almost everyone who gets hurt on the job is eligible, you might think that it’s easy to get benefits. But in reality, it can be very difficult to get approved for workers’ compensation benefits.

The biggest reason for that is to cut down on fraud. Although most injured workers simply want to get better and return to the job, some people find the idea of getting paid not to work very appealing. They may exaggerate their injuries to stay out of work and receive benefits for a longer period of time, or they may even make up false injuries to get benefits in the first place.

Because of the potential for fraud with workers’ compensation, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is strict when reviewing and approving claims. Unfortunately, their strictness can mean that valid claims fall through the cracks and end up getting denied. Claims can be denied for many reasons, including lack of evidence, inconsistent statements, incomplete paperwork, and missing documents.

When you’re out of work, you don’t have time to submit your application only to find out that it has been denied. You need benefits right now. Having an experienced Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer on your side from day one can help you maximize your chances of getting approved and getting the benefits you need as quickly as possible.

Contact Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. It’s our goal to help you get the benefits you’re owed after a work injury.

What’s the Difference Between Disability and Workers’ Comp?

by admin@gotechark.com | April 12th, 2021

When Virginia workers get hurt and can’t do their jobs, they have two options for replacing their income: filing for disability or filing for workers’ comp. Some people think these are the same thing, but they two separate income replacement methods for people who are too hurt or sick to work.

Disability insurance is:

  • Provided by private insurance—Many employers offer disability insurance as part of their benefits packages, but it’s typically optional. Employees who don’t purchase it don’t have access to it if they can’t work.
  • For all injuries—Injured or sick workers can apply for their disability insurance benefits regardless of where their injuries occurred. That means they can get benefits even if they were injured at home.
  • For short- and long-term injuries—Disability insurance is available as both short-term and long-term coverage, the latter of which can cover employees for many years or even decades after they get hurt or sick.

Workers’ compensation is:

  • Provided by state-mandated insurance—Virginia requires that almost all employers purchase workers’ compensation for their workers. Applications are reviewed and approved by a state board called the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
  • For work-related injuries only—Workers’ comp only kicks in for workers when they get hurt or sick at work or during work-related activities. If their disability occurs at home or while on vacation, they won’t be covered.
  • Typically for short-term injuries—Although workers’ compensation benefits can pay out for a maximum of 500 weeks, most people go back to work much sooner than this. Workers’ comp benefits end when a worker’s doctor says he or she is recovered enough to go back to work.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys have helped many injured workers throughout the state get benefits. Contact us for a free consultation if you were hurt at work and have questions about or need assistance with your claim.

Workers’ Comp Claim? Here’s What’s Required.

by admin@gotechark.com | January 18th, 2021

Getting approved for workers’ compensation after an on-the-job injury can be a lifesaver for families who depended on the injured person’s income. But because workers’ compensation can be easily abused by people looking to make easy money, most states have strict requirements and processes for getting approved—and Virginia is no different.

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) doesn’t approve claims or applications willy-nilly. It carefully reviews all claims and heavily scrutinizes all aspects of them. Unfortunately, that intense level of gatekeeping means that some otherwise valid claims may get rejected, especially if applicants miss a single step at any point during the process.

The VWCC’s website includes a list of things that injured workers must do to have a chance of their claims being approved, and they include:

  • Report accurate home address—You must report your residential address to the VWCC and immediately update it if you move.
  • Report injury or illness to employer within 30 days—Ideally, you should report your injury as soon as it happens. But if you wait more than 30 days, you may be ineligible for benefits.
  • Ensure that your employer has reported your injury to the VWCC—Your employer has 10 days after you report your injury to report it to the VWCC. Be sure to follow up with them to verify that it has been reported.
  • File your claim directly with the VWCC—You (or your lawyer) are responsible for filing your claim with the VWCC. Don’t let your employer handle this for you—it’s up to you to start the process!

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers know that the workers’ comp benefits process can be complex and stressful. We want to make it easier on you and your loved ones. Contact us today for a free consultation.

What Are Your Options if Your Employer Disputes Your Workers’ Comp Claim?

by admin@gotechark.com | December 21st, 2020

Almost all employers in Virginia are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance helps workers cover their medical bills and lost wages if they get hurt on the job. But as with all types of insurance, the cost goes up when it’s used frequently. Because of that, many employers are reluctant to report injuries to the workers’ compensation board.

In some cases, they may even go as far as denying that their workers suffered injuries, or they may claim that their injuries happened elsewhere or were pre-existing. Unfortunately, many employers count on their injured workers simply giving up or being too afraid of retaliation or termination to pursue benefits. If this happens to you, here are your options:

  • Talk to your company’s HR department—If your employer has a human resources department, tell them what’s happening. If your injury was documented, the report can serve as valuable proof of what happened and can help your claim move forward.
  • File a claim on your own—Although your employer should provide you with the required forms to submit a workers’ compensation claim, you don’t have to rely on them for this. If they’re uncooperative, you can submit a claim on your own online or through the mail.
  • Get a lawyer—Pursuing compensation on your own can be difficult, especially when your employer is uncooperative or even denies your injury occurred. Our Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers can help you through the entire process.

Don’t risk losing out on the money you’re owed after your workplace injury. Contact us today for a free consultation.

You Can Get Workers’ Comp Even if You’re at Fault

by admin@gotechark.com | October 12th, 2020

When it comes to getting compensation after an accident or injury, most people are conditioned to believe that they can only do so when it wasn’t their fault. After all, that’s true for most types of personal injury cases. And in many people’s minds, victims who cause their own injuries shouldn’t be eligible for compensation anyway!

However, workers’ compensation is different. It’s a no-fault form of compensation that’s paid to workers even if they are at fault for their own accidents and injuries. Employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to protect themselves and their employees in the event of on-the-job injuries, but many injured workers believe they’re ineligible if they were fully or partially responsible for their own accidents.

At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, our Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys have helped many injured employees get full benefits for a variety of injuries. Don’t write off your opportunity for getting money to pay for your living expenses and medical bills after a workplace injury, even if you believe you contributed to it.

And remember—your employer has little say in the matter. Ultimately, it’s up to the workers’ compensation commission, and that’s where we come in. We know what they look for when reviewing and approving claims, and we know how to improve our clients’ odds of success and how to get them their money faster.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Regardless of how you were hurt, you aren’t getting the paychecks you need, and you need a legal advocate on your side to make things better. Let us help you get your life back on track.

How We Can Help You After an On-the-Job Injury

by admin@gotechark.com | July 20th, 2020

While some occupations put workers at greater risk of on-the-job injuries than others, all workers can be hurt while performing their job duties. From construction workers falling off scaffolding to office workers developing repetitive stress injuries, many types of jobs can cause painful, debilitating, and even disabling injuries. When that happens, they should be free to pursue workers’ compensation benefits—but getting approved for them isn’t easy.

When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you need two things to go your way. First, you need your employer to cooperate. Some workplaces try to hide or downplay injuries, and that can make difficult to move forward with a claim. Second, you need the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) to take your claim seriously. This governmental body acts as the gatekeeper for compensation claims, but its strict criteria means many valid claims fall through the cracks.

When you get the Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys at Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers on your side, you get a legal team that knows how to deal with both potential roadblocks. We’ll collect evidence that leaves no doubt about what caused your injury, and we’ll build your application or appeal in a manner that leaves little uncertainty or wiggle room for the VWCC.

Best of all, we know how to expedite the process, so that you’ll spend less time waiting for your checks to arrive and more time focusing on getting better and spending time with your loved ones. Contact us today for a free consultation. We have more than three decades of experience that you can use to your advantage.

3 Steps to Take if You Get Hurt on the Job

by admin@gotechark.com | April 27th, 2020

Getting hurt on the job isn’t just painful—it can also be devastating for your family’s finances. On-the-job injuries can require expensive medical treatments and ongoing rehabilitation, the costs of which may be too much for you to afford. In addition, your injuries can make it impossible for you to go back to work. That means no paychecks and even no health insurance if you get laid off.

Because of the potential negative consequences of workplace injuries on employees, almost all employers in Virginia are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance is designed to pay injured workers a percentage of their wages while they recover from their injuries. However, getting approved for benefits isn’t a guarantee, and the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is notoriously strict when approving or denying applications.

You can improve your odds by taking the following steps:

  1. Tell your manager or supervisor about your injury right away—Report your injury to a supervising employee as soon as possible. The less time that passes between your injury occurring and you reporting it, the less chance the review board will believe your injury was caused by something else.
  2. Get medical treatment—After alerting your workplace of your injury, get medical treatment for it. Getting medical treatment not only helps kickstart the healing process, but it also creates an official record of your workplace injury.
  3. Tell the truth about your injury—Never lie, downplay, or exaggerate the severity of your injury. Always be fully upfront and honest about it, whether you’re talking to your employer, your doctor, or even your lawyer.

After taking these steps, it’s important to contact an experienced Virginia workers’ compensation attorney. At Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, we know what it takes to help injured workers like you win their claims. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Determining Who Qualifies for Virginia Workers’ Compensation Benefits

by | September 15th, 2014

When an employee is injured while working in our state, they’re often entitled to Virginia workers’ compensation benefits to cover expenses related to the accident—such as medical bills and lost wages. In order for a claim to be approved though, the accident must have been directly related to the employee’s duties.

Take the Norfolk workers’ compensation benefits claim that was filed on behalf of a police department trainee who was killed during training on December 9, 2010. According to Courthouse News Service, the widow of the victim contends repeat traumatic blows to the head were what caused her husband’s bilateral subdural hematomas.

Documents show that, while in training, the victim was involved in a head-to-head collision with another trainee and suffered repeated blows to the face from another officer’s fists prior to collapsing into a coma.

A court found the victims injuries occurred in the proximity of his job duties and were therefore covered under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.

The case highlights the intricacies that can come into play when determining if a worker is eligible for workers’ compensation benefits after an accident and leaves many citizens wondering what they can do to protect their rights to benefits in the event of an accident.

According to the Norfolk personal injury attorneys with Lowell Stanley Injury Lawyers, hiring a lawyer can significantly benefit an injured worker. Doing so can help answer any questions that may arise, as well as determine what documentation will be necessary for your claim.