If you are injured at work, then you need to know that your rights under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act will be protected.  Those rights can be substantial, but will be forever lost unless proper and timely action is taken on your behalf.  An injury that initially appears to be minor can become quite serious and cause a long-term disability.  That is one reason why you need to be certain that your interests are protected without delay.

McCandlish lawyers have the knowledge and experience to effectively represent your interests, to address your concerns, and to do what is needed to obtain the best result for your case.  Your call will be welcome and will receive prompt attention.

WHERE CAN I OBTAIN GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION PROCESS AND BENEFITS?

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation website is a good place to start:  www.vwc.state.va.us.  You can obtain a personal PIN to review your file once your injury is reported.

DO I NEED AN ATTORNEY?

Yes. You are not required to retain an attorney, but you need one.  The Workers’ Compensation System has many rules.  If you do not know them, you can do irreparable harm to your case.  When selecting counsel, ask about the experience of that attorney handling workers’ compensation cases.

IF I RETAIN AN ATTORNEY, WHAT FEE WILL I BE CHARGED?

All fees for workers’ compensation cases in Virginia are subject to the approval of the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.  If your claim is compensable, then any fee will be deducted from the benefits awarded.  The guideline fee established by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission for a settlement is 20% of the gross settlement amount.

WHAT BENEFITS ARE AVAILABLE?

The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act has a base period of entitlement of 500 weeks.  Subject to the statutory maximum weekly benefit, the injured worker receives two-thirds of his or her average weekly wage during the period of disability.  If a compensation award is entered, then you will be entitled to lifetime medical benefits for that injury.

WHO SHOULD I CONTACT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION?

McCandlish’s workers’ compensation litigators will be very pleased to hear from you.