How a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help You

There is no requirement that you must have your own attorney; under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation laws, you have the right to represent yourself.  However, the insurance carrier must hire an attorney to represent them in a hearing.  In addition, the claims adjuster protects the interests of the insurance company, not yours. 

Many of our clients tell us that they sought our help after their claim was denied or the insurance carrier refused them medical or wage replacement benefits.  Others have told us that without anyone to answer their questions or protect their interests, they have felt at a disadvantage.  Still others have had difficulties in dealing with the insurance carrier.

Your attorney can help protect your interests, let you know of all of your rights, and make sure that you are not being taken advantage of by the insurance carrier.  Your attorney acts as a “buffer” between you and the insurance carrier, works to protect your interests and can explain the specific issues concerning your case and what can be done to best help you. 

Some of the many things a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney can do for you include:

• Explain the specific issues in your case and what can be done, and answer your questions
• Obtain medical reports and work to make sure those reports contain the information and language that will best help you
• Handle the insurance carrier and their attorneys for you;
• Prepare you and any witnesses for a hearing, and represent your interests at the hearing;
• Take depositions and manage the discovery process
• Advise you and work on your behalf on issues such as vocational rehabilitation and getting wage, permanent impairment and medical benefits that the insurance carrier may have been denying you, and
• Assist with getting mileage paid, prescriptions filled and cost of living adjustments
• Handle negotiations and litigation such as settlements, denial of care or wage replacement benefits, disputes with a treating physician, and obtaining the medical care you need

You may wish to speak with a Virginia workers’ compensation attorney to learn more.  We invite you to contact us at 540-552-2052 to discuss your specific case, and the initial consultation is free.