Getting hurt at work is at best inconvenient and at worst, life-changing. There are many common misconceptions about workers’ compensation claims and benefits, but the only surefire way to protect your rights is to speak with an experienced North Carolina and Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer.
In the meantime, let’s bust some myths about workers’ compensation claims in Virginia or North Carolina.
Not true. If you’ve suffered a compensable accident as an employee at your workplace, you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim.
If your injury meets these legal requirements, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical coverage and wage replacement.
False. As long as your conduct did not constitute an intentional violation of a company rule, you can and should file a claim with:
Even if you were careless and inadvertently caused a workplace accident, you can still file a claim for worker’s compensation benefits.
Not at all true. Anyone can be injured on the job, including:
Exceptions may apply to farm workers or railroad employees, per specific laws or insurance coverage pertaining to those conditions.
Never assume that you don’t have a valid claim. It’s always best to check with an attorney who specializes in workers’ compensation claims in your state.
If you were hurt at work in VA or NC, call Rutter Mills today (757) 777-7777. We’ll explain your rights and help you determine next steps.
False—don’t assume the worst.
In Virginia, the standard for medical causation is especially liberal for worker’s compensation claims. As long as you’ve been evaluated by a medical professional and found to have demonstrable aggravation, your claim is valid, regardless of prior injuries.
Q: What is demonstrable aggravation?
A: Demonstrable aggravation is when a pre-existing injury or condition is made worse by your work, and that worsening can be shown with medical evidence.
When a new injury incurred at work contributes to pre-existing symptoms or disabilities, you may have a legitimate workers’ compensation claim.
Not a good idea. While some employers may be kind enough to immediately begin temporary disability benefits or cover medical bills, it’s not something you should ever rely on. As any workers’ compensation attorney will tell you, an employers’ kindness typically only lasts so long.
This is where relying on kindness can lead to trouble for well-intentioned injured workers: the insurance company doesn’t know you, your family, or your employer. Their job is to avoid paying you, or minimize your payments. And generally, employers do what insurance companies tell them to do, to protect their business.
Your benefits could terminate at a moment’s notice, due to a simple technicality or even a false claim:
Kindness can’t protect your rights when faced with these arguments, or in the event of future medical complications.
Only an attorney can.
Work with an experienced Rutter Mills Workers’ Compensation attorney to streamline the processes and anticipate requirements, deadlines, and more. We’ll coordinate with your doctors, verify the severity and impact of your injuries, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact us online or call us at (757) 777-7777.
With over 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured workers and accident victims, Attorney Joe Miller has built a career defined by aggressive advocacy, deep legal knowledge, and a commitment to personalized care.
We hold employers and companies accountable for their negligence that caused your injuries to help you get the support you need for your recovery. Call or text 24/7 at 757-777-7777 or fill out our contact form here to get in touch with one of our attorneys.
Years Helping with Workers' Comp Claims
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If you’ve been injured on the job, workers’ compensation insurance may entitle you to critical assistance like medical treatment, lost wages, and more. But insurance companies will put up an aggressive fight to resist paying you the compensation you need and deserve. Rutter Mills can help get you the money you deserve.
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Our team is ready to listen day or night – 7 days a week, so contact us now to see how we can help you on the road to recovery.
