Workers Compensation Lawyer Abingdon VA
What Exactly Is Workers’ Compensation?
If you have been injured on the job or made ill by your working conditions, you may have heard the term “workers’ compensation” thrown around by colleagues. Understandably, not many Americans know much about the workers’ compensation system until they are in need of it. Thankfully, working with an experienced Abingdon, Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer can get you “up to speed” on this important system of work-related benefits in a hurry. The legal team at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt has extensive experience handling workers’ compensation claims and other work-related injury challenges; we would be happy to help you explore your legal options today.
Workers’ Compensation – The Basics
Workers’ compensation is an insurance system designed to help Americans injured or made ill on the job get back on their feet. Essentially, most employers are required to obtain workers’ compensation insurance coverage and most workers are entitled to benefits under this scheme in the event that they are injured on the job or made ill by their working conditions. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, so (in most cases) it doesn’t matter why the injury or illness occurred – workers are generally entitled to benefits regardless. Certainly, there are exceptions to these general rules. An experienced Abingdon, VA workers’ compensation lawyer can explain whether or not exceptions may apply in your situation.
Once a worker is injured, he or she can work with an experienced Abingdon, VA workers’ compensation lawyer to obtain the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits available and/or to explore legal alternatives applicable to that worker’s situation. Most of the time, the injured worker will need to be examined by a medical professional before a claim can be submitted. Sometimes, the worker is entitled to see his or her own physician, but there are situations in which a worker must see a pre-approved doctor. Your attorney can explain how the rules of your state may impact your medical requirements. It is important to note that workers’ compensation insurance providers are notorious for resisting full payouts of submitted claims. Working with an attorney can help to ensure that you receive the full amount you deserve.
Legal Assistance Is Available
If you have been injured or made ill on the job, please contact an experienced Abingdon, VA workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you possibly can. Even if you are unsure of whether or not you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, acting quickly can help to ensure that your legal options remain preserved. Scheduling a consultation with an experienced Abingdon, VA workers’ compensation lawyer is a risk-free process, as attending this meeting does not obligate you to take any action whatsoever. Exploring your legal options simply helps to ensure that you obtain answers to any questions you may have and that you can make an informed decision about whatever path is right for you. Please, don’t hesitate; connect with our firm today. We look forward to speaking with you.
Workers’ Compensation Considerations
When a person is injured while at work, it may make sense to file a workers’ compensation claim. This is especially the case if the injury you sustained resulted in medical expenses or time away from work. You will want to be sure that you take the appropriate steps when you are injured on the job, especially when it comes to your employer. Because the process can be complicated, you will need to file all of the appropriate paperwork correctly and by the deadline in order to receive compensation.
With the help of a workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, you can feel confident that your case will be handled as necessary. This provides you with a higher likelihood of a positive outcome. Call us to find out more about how we can help you. We will not charge you for the first consultation.
Important Steps to Take for Workers’ Comp Claims
Suffering an injury that impacts your ability to work and earn a living is likely to have a considerable impact on a person. Depending on how significant the injuries are, you may not even be in a place where you can advocate for your needs. If this were to occur, it will be important to identify someone who can help you take the necessary steps when filing for workers’ compensation. Mark T. Hurt is a workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA who can make all the difference for your case. He has an outstanding record of helping clients receive the maximum possible benefits for their workplace injury.
The following outlines important steps to take in the event you suffer an injury at work:
- Notify your supervisor of the injury you received. If you are able to, put this in writing (such as an email) as it will be beneficial to your case. By doing so, you will create clear proof that you reported your injury.
- Seek medical attention immediately. For injuries that are less severe, it may be tempting to avoid seeking medical attention all together. However, by seeing a doctor, you can ensure that you receive the treatment you require. It will also provide you with the appropriate documentation and proof for your workers’ compensation claim.
- Workers’ compensation claims are necessary to collect benefits from your employer’s insurance company. You will want to complete these forms shortly after the accident.
The hope is that by taking these steps, you will be able to resolve your case through workers’ compensation and not need the assistance of a workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA. If you are injured, you will need to act quickly. By taking the above steps, you can set yourself up to have a workers’ compensation claim that may be approved by the insurance company. This will allow for you to receive the financial assistance that you are in need of as soon as possible. If you run into complications, contact a workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA from our office as we may be able to help you. We can also handle your claim from the very beginning if you wish.
Sorting through the necessary steps when it comes to workers’ compensation can be an overwhelming process. If you are unable to work due to your injury, you will likely experience a significant financial impact. Making sure that you have completed the necessary steps will help improve your chances of your workers’ comp case being approved. With decades of experience representing people who were injured at work, you can feel confident that a capable workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA is handling your case. Call us at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today at 276.623.0808 to schedule your free consultation. We can review your case and help determine the most appropriate course of legal action to resolve your situation.
Common Job Sites Where Injuries Occur
A workers compensation lawyer Abingdon VA employees rely on knows that one of the most common job sites where work injuries occur are warehouses. These buildings can be a major source of potential injuries, as well as chronic conditions, such as back pain and loss of hearing.
If you have suffered a job injury, consider contacting an Abington workers compensation lawyer from The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt. As an injured worker, you have the right under Virginia law to pursue a workers’ compensation claim against your employer in order to receive benefits that will cover your medical expenses and wages. Our legal team has been advocating for injured clients for more than 25 years. Mark T. Hurt is dedicated to protecting workers’ rights and obtaining the financial compensation they deserve for their injuries.
Types of Injuries that Occur in Warehouse Locations
According to national statistics, there are approximately 150,000 people who work in warehouses. Unfortunately, many of those workers sustain serious job-related injuries. Even more tragic is the number of workers who are killed in warehouse accidents.
A workers compensation lawyer Abingdon VA locals recommend has helped many clients injured in warehouse accidents and has found some of the most common types of accidents that take place include:
- Repetitive motion injuries (RMI)
- Forklift accidents
- Stacking inventory accidents
- Failure to use personal protective equipment or using the equipment improperly
- Not following lockout/tagout procedures correctly
- Lack of adequate fire safety procedures
Machinery in warehouses is dangerous, even when workers take care to follow safety procedures. As mentioned above, forklifts are one of the most common types of warehouse accidents. Almost 100,000 workers are injured or killed each year in forklift accidents. If a loved one was fatally injured in a warehouse accident, contact a workers compensation lawyer Abingdon VA community members appreciate for their dedication to the law.
Conveyors are another common type of machinery that is responsible for many worker injuries. Workers can get their finger or hand caught between the conveyor belt and other parts of the machinery. Objects can also fall off the conveyor onto a worker, crushing hands, feet, or causing other injuries. Working on conveyor belts is also a common cause of RMI for warehouse workers because they are doing the same motion over and over throughout the day.
One of the most dangerous areas of a warehouse can be the loading dock, where many forklift accidents occur. Workers can also suffer falls in the loading dock which results in severe, if not permanent, injury. A workers compensation lawyer Abingdon VA residents choose knows that warehouse dock workers often sustain brain injuries, fractured bones, back injuries, or spinal cord damage from these types of accidents. If this describes you, we may be able to recover compensation from those responsible. Learn more about workers compensation benefits.
FAQs
No one anticipates getting hurt at work. An employee may have been doing a task when something unexpected happened that resulted in an injury. Injured employees may be afraid to notify their employer about the injury accident, out of fear that they will be retaliated against or not believed. It is in the best interest of an injured employee to take certain actions, to ensure they are not being taken advantage of and receive the treatment they need to get better. A workers compensation lawyer in Abingdon VA can help guide you through this process.
Q: How soon after the injury accident do I have to report the injury?
A: There may be limitations based on state laws for how long an employee has to report their workplace accident to an employer. However, to prevent complications in getting the medical care you need, it is important that you notify your employer the same day the accident happens. Do not wait to see if your injuries heal on their own.
Your employer may offer for you to see a doctor for an exam, and it is in your best interest to utilize this opportunity. If you decline to see a doctor but then symptoms worsen, it may look suspicious to your employer or their insurance company as to why you didn’t agree to get care right away.
Q: Do I have to pay for my medical bills?
A: No, if you file a worker’s compensation claim for the accident injury, then your employer is likely to cover related medical expenses for treatment. If you find that your employer is hesitant or declines paying for medical care, it is advisable to get advice from an experienced Abingdon VA workers compensation lawyer. Your employer may try to save the company money reimbursing you only for specific medical expenses (when they should be paying for all of it) or refusing to cover expenses entirely.
Q: What if I am deemed unable to work?
A: It is possible to get compensation for lost wages due to having to stay at home to recover. If you are put on “light” duty by the treating doctor and your employer cannot accommodate your needs, then you may be sent home and be paid weekly based on a percentage of your earnings (approximately 60%).
Q: What does “light” or “modified” duty mean?
A: “Light” duty work usually refers to instances where an employer abides by physical restrictions that are placed by the treating doctor, and often entail the employee not being able to lift more than 15 pounds. “Modified” duty refers to a set of job tasks that the employer has compiled as a way to abide by physical restrictions set by the treating doctor. An Abingdon VA workers compensation lawyer will help ensure that your employer does not try to force you back to work before you are physically able.
Q: Is it possible to see my own doctor for treatment?
A: Depending on the laws for your state, you may have to be treated exclusively by the work-assigned doctor. Or, you may be permitted to see your own physician but only after you have visited the work-assigned doctor first. An Abingdon VA workers compensation lawyer who has knowledge in workers compensation can tell you more about laws for your state and what you can and cannot do in regards to choosing your treating doctor.
Let a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Abingdon VA Advocate for You
If you have been injured in a warehouse accident – or any other type of job-related injury or illness – contact The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to find out how we can help protect your rights. We can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and represent you throughout the entire process to make sure that you receive whatever benefits you are entitled to under the law. We can also represent your rights should your employer or their insurance company threaten you with retaliatory actions for filing your claim.
Contact a workers compensation lawyer Abingdon VA offers for a free case evaluation at The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt.
Client Review
“10/10 very helpful. Mr. Hurt is extremely professional and helped me in every aspect. I was wrongly accused and he helped me get the case completely dismissed. Would recommend Mr. Hurt to anyone needing an attorney.”
Hunter Mckinney
