Being able to work is fundamental to many citizens across Virginia. Often, gainful employment means that families can retain their homes and lead a healthy lifestyle.
People often face many potential workplace hazards each day without succumbing to any harm. Unfortunately, on occasion, things do go wrong, and work-related accidents can result in serious injury. In such an event, a claim for workers’ compensation could be an option.
Though workers’ compensation cannot undo any injury suffered, it may offer some benefits that provide a certain level of financial comfort. Outlined below are four potential benefits of workers’ compensation.
Replacement of lost wages
Injured workers may be able to obtain payments for any lost wages resulting from a workplace accident. To do so, they will need to show that a medically authorized injury or disability has prevented them from continuing to work.
Compensation for permanent partial disability
Workers may be able to receive compensation for workplace injuries that have resulted in a permanent partial disability. For example, if an accident has resulted in hearing loss, scarring or disfigurement, the workers’ compensation could be awarded in such a situation.
Compensation for permanent total disability
Occasionally, injuries may be more severe, meaning that they amount to a total disability. For example, the injured worker may have suffered a traumatic brain injury, loss of limbs or vision. In such a scenario, the courts may seek a remedy that offers the injured party some form of stability going forward.
Compensation for medical costs
An injured worker can receive compensated medical treatment after a workplace injury. That coverage can go to paying for expenses such as prescriptions and medical costs or transportation costs that result from the injury, disability or work-related illness.
It is important to understand your rights as a worker in Virginia. You’ll also want to learn more about the steps you can take to exercise those rights if you’ve been hurt.