Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
by | May 19th, 2014
In Virginia, most employers are required by law to carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy that will cover the expenses related to an employee’s injury or death stemming from an on-the-job accident. Unfortunately though, many employers choose not to abide by these rules, leaving many workers struggling for compensation in the event of an accident.
To address this problem, the state has stiffened the penalties against companies that fail to comply with Virginia workers’ compensation laws. The new, stricter standards are set to go into effect later this summer.
According to an article from Tire Business, employers who fail to supply workers and subcontractors with workers’ compensation insurance will now face a fine of $250 per day they are not in compliance beginning July 1. The fines will continue to grow until they accumulate up to $50,000. Under the current laws, employers who do not carry the required insurance policy are only subject to a fine of up to $5,000.
The new laws also clearly define the roles that are classified as employees to prevent companies from using a title to exempt a worker from benefit coverage.
Norfolk personal injury lawyer Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley understands how confusing the state’s workers’ compensation laws and processes can be and encourages anyone with questions about filing such a claim to speak with a qualified attorney immediately.
by | April 21st, 2014
Employers in the state of Virginia have a responsibility to protect the health and well-being of their employees; however, accidents can still sometimes occur that can leave workers seriously injured. The medical bills associated with such incidents can grow out of control, especially if the injury leaves an individual unable to work. The stresses that can accompany life after an accident can be immense, but there is help available to these individuals through Virginia workers’ compensation benefits.
Most businesses and employers in the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance that covers the expenses associated with on-the-job injuries. But the process for filing a workers’ compensation claim can be confusing. Norfolk injury attorney Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley explains the steps for getting workers’ compensation in Virginia include:
- Filing a Claim- The injured worker or their legal representative must notify their employer of their injury within 30 days, and must file a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission within two years of the accident occurring.
- Processing- The employer’s insurance company will examine the claim, then either offer a settlement or deny the claim based on their findings.
- Appeal- If the settlement is not sufficient or the claim is denied, the individual has a right to seek to have the decision overturned through the court system.
Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley and his team of attorneys recognize how complex and confusing these processes can be, which is why they suggest speaking with a reputable lawyer if you have been hurt on the job.
by admin@gotechark.com | November 5th, 2012
November 5, 2012
The 49-year-old owner of a Newport News, Virginia, auto repair shop was seriously injured following an accident at the business several weeks ago. The Hampton Roads Daily Press reports the incident occurred on October 15 just after 1:30 p.m. at T&B Auto Repair Center, located at 4015 Jefferson Avenue.
Acting chief for the Newport News Fire Department, Scott Liebold, stated the victim was replacing a broken fuel pump in a vehicle when a small amount of fuel was spilled and the fumes ignited, causing a flash fire to break out. The victim’s clothes caught the flame and began to burn, leaving the man with serious fire and burn injuries over a majority of his body.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that every 31 minutes, someone suffers a serious injury as the result of a fire. These accidents resulted in roughly $2.6 billion in lost productivity in 200 alone. To help prevent accidents like this from occurring at the workplace, employers are encouraged to educate employees on the dangers of fire hazards.
The Norfolk Personal Injury Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley would also remind employers to supply workers with adequate protective gear when working under hazardous conditions. If you or someone you know was injured on the job and needs to talk to a law firm about workers’ compensation benefits, we may be able to help you.
by admin@gotechark.com | March 12th, 2012
March 12, 2012
The Virginia Department of Labor is investigating an on-the-job accident that left a logger dead in New Kent County Thursday morning. According to reports from WVEC 13 News, the accident happened near the New Kent Highway near Quinton, Virginia, just west of Tunstall Road.
The New Kent County Sheriff’s Department, along with fire and rescue squads, reported receiving a call from a man who was screaming for help in the area. By the time they arrived at the scene, it was too late, as they found the body of the victim pinned beneath a large limb of a tree.
They were able to determine that the body was that of a 61-year-old Brodnax man who owned his own tree service. They believe he was working alone in the area when the large branch fell and crushed him.
The combination of heavy equipment, powerful tools, heavy ropes and cables, and the uncertain nature of the work can cause even the most experienced loggers to become seriously injured. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that the fatality rate for loggers in the U.S. is over 16 times higher than the overall fatality rate for all other workers in the U.S. in 2008. The findings have led to stiffer industry safety regulations in recent years.
The Virginia Wrongful Death Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley would like to send their condolences to the family of the victim of this tragic accident.
by admin@gotechark.com | November 21st, 2011
November 21, 2011
Firefighters in Virginia Beach, Virginia, were called to a construction site last week to rescue a worker who fell into a trench after being hit by a pipe. According to Channel 13 News, the accident happened at around 4:00 in the afternoon, at the corner of Crimson Holley Lane and Lynnhaven Parkway.
Spokesman for the Virginia Beach Fire Department, Chief Ken Pravetz, stated the worker fell 12-14 feet into the trench after being struck by a large piece of piping that was to be installed in the trench. The Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team, which trains for complex rescue situations, responded, hoisting the man out with a wire basket and haul system. The rescue took about 30 minutes according to Pravetz.
Medics transported the worker to Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital for treatment for head and leg injuries. Medics said the worker was conscious and not seriously hurt.
According to a report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers accounted for more fatal work injuries than any other industry in 2010. 530 workers form the construction industry died in on-the-job accidents in 2010.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Lowell “The Hammer” Stanley know the dangers construction workers face on the job every day and have years of experience fighting for their rights when they are hurt. If you have been injured in an on-the-job accident, contact us today by filling out a free initial consultation form.
