The Law
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act is intended to compensate covered employees for injuries or diseases caused by their employment. 

Although originally intended as a simple remedy to replace the delay and expense of lawsuits over workplace injuries, the system has grown more complicated.

The injured employee faces a bewildering array of laws and procedures which may seem to make no sense.  Employers and insurance companies will generally have legal representation.  The injured worker is often unfamiliar with the system and procedures, and should get legal advice.

Workers' Compensation Benefits 
The benefits available to the injured employee include compensation payments for a percentage of lost income, medical benefits, and vocational rehabilitation benefits. 

In general, an employee must report an injury to the employer immediately, and at least within thirty days from the date of the accident.  If medical attention is required, the employer should offer a selection of at least three doctors from which the employee can choose a treating physician. 

Once a physician is selected, he or she provides all treatment, or refers the worker to any needed specialists.  If no panel of doctors is offered, the employee may select his or her own treating physician. 

Disputed Claims
The Workers’ Compensation Commission decides disputes between the employee and the insurance company, holding hearings to determine what benefits should be awarded when the employee and insurance company cannot agree. 

Employees need legal advice before going to a hearing, before entering into a settlement of the claim, and at any time that he or she does not fully understand what rights are available. 

The Workers’ Compensation Commission and the insurance company are not responsible for protecting the employee’s interests; that responsibility is solely that of the employee and his or her lawyer.  More information can be obtained from the website maintained by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission at www.vwc.state.va.us.