Employees who sustain injuries on the job or who contract illnesses from their work environment are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Among the many advantages offered by workers’ comp are:
- The employer will cover treatment costs associated with an on-the-job injury or illness.
- Replacement of lost wages up to a certain percentage if an injury or illness forces a worker to miss work while recovering.
- A worker who is sick or hurt on the job should know what kind and how much money is available for compensation. Contact an attorney if you need help understanding your rights to workers’ compensation benefits in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Does Virginia Offer Multiple Tiers of Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Workers’ compensation payments in the Commonwealth of Virginia can range from nothing to a significant sum of money depending on a number of circumstances. Factors to consider are the kind and severity of the worker’s injury or illness, the length of time the worker has been off work due to treatment, and the worker’s ability to return to limited or restricted duty. . It’s best to discuss your case possibilities with a reputed Injured Workers Law Firm.
Benefits for workers’ compensation might range from:
- Payment of temporary complete disability benefits occurs when an injury or disease makes it impossible for you to return to work. They will keep happening until your doctor says you’ve made a maximal medical improvement or until you’re released to return to full or limited duty. They have a maximum lifespan of 500 weeks. Your weekly compensation will be capped at two-thirds of the state’s average weekly pay (as determined by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission each year) plus medical expenses.
- In the event that you suffer an injury or sickness that allows you to return to work, but only in a light-duty capacity or on a reduced schedule, you may be eligible for temporary partial disability payments. The amount of your benefits will be equivalent to 66 2/3% of the difference between your regular weekly earnings and the amount you are making in your reduced or modified work schedule.
- You may qualify for permanent partial disability compensation if you lose the use of a body part permanently but are not completely disabled from working.
- In the event of permanent total disability, an individual is entitled to receive two-thirds of their pre-disability average weekly pay (up to the state maximum) for as long as they are unable to work any kind of gainful occupation.
