Did You Sustain a Permanent Injury on the Job?
If you’ve been injured at work, you recognize the physical, emotional, and financial devastation that can result. Some victims of work injuries suffer ongoing and even permanent damages that Virginia's workers’ compensation program recognizes as compensable. If you’ve suffered a permanent injury at work, it’s critical that you consult with a skilled workers' comp attorney who has the experience to fight for your full and just compensation. Your rights and your future matter.
A Permanent Injury That Leads to Total Disability
Virginia’s workers’ compensation law specifically identifies a permanent and total disability as one in which a worker suffers the loss of both hands, arms, feet, legs, or eyes, or who suffers from any two of these single losses in one accident. Furthermore, employees who suffer paralysis or a seriously disabling
brain injury are also included in this classification. These permanently injured workers are pronounced totally disabled and may qualify for permanent total disability benefits. The benefits for permanent total disability typically include permanent disability payments that equal two-thirds of the worker’s pre-injury weekly wages and the continued payment of medical expenses that relate to the permanent injury.
A Permanent Injury That Doesn’t Lead to Total Disability
Some Virginia workers suffer permanent injuries but are still able to work, and thus are not considered permanently disabled. These employees may be entitled to permanent partial disability benefits. The amount of recovery for this level of injury depends on the injury’s location and the percentage of impairment that’s assigned. Unlike a temporary disability that puts a worker out of work for a limited period of time (during which he or she will receive Temporary Total Disability benefits (or a portion of their average weekly wage)), a permanent partial disability entitles the worker to a lump sum payment dependent upon the body part affected and degree of disability.
Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ compensation claims are often exceedingly complicated, especially when they involve permanent or disabling injuries. Because your injury is likely to adversely affect your earning potential and quality of life into the future, it’s imperative that you fight for the entire value of your claim so you can receive full compensation. Workers’ compensation insurance companies—like any other type of insurer—are in the business of protecting their own bottom lines and are not invested in calculating your losses equitably. A skilled Virginia workers’ comp lawyer will fight for your rights, your claim, and your just compensation.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a permanent injury while on the job, you need the skilled guidance of a knowledgeable
workers’ compensation attorney with expertise in permanent injury claims. The Richmond, Virginia legal team of
Emroch & Kilduff has the experience and commitment to help you recover the benefits to which you’re entitled. We will examine your claim, outline your legal rights, and guide your case toward its most beneficial resolution.
We’re here to help, so contact or call us at (804) 358-1568 for an initial consultation today.
