Workers' Compensation Attorneys

The Chandler Law Group handles cases involving workers who have been injured on the job, and are having difficulty receiving their Workers’ Compensation benefits. The Chandler Law Group has lawyers who practice Workers' Compensation throughout Virginia.  As one of the largest personal injury firms in Virginia, the Chandler Law Group has helped thousands of workers receive fair and just settlements for injuries that were suffered during the course of their employment. If you or a loved one has been injured at work, and you feel that your rights are not being respected, contact our offices for a free legal consultation today.

Title 65.2 of the Code of Virginia, which is otherwise known as the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act, is meant to make employers liable for financial support for employees that injure themselves either on the premises of the place of their employment or during the course of their work.

According to the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission, approximately 98 percent of workers in Virginia are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance, which is purchased by employers on behalf of the workers. These numbers would give you the impression that Virginia is a state that looks after the welfare of its working citizens.

Unfortunately, that isn’t necessarily the case. While Virginia would like to look after the welfare of its workers, the decision is often left up to insurance companies.

Insurance Company Denials: A Sad Reality for the Workers of Virginia

In the event of an accident at work, payment of the victim’s salary, medical bills and related expenses are handled by an insurance company. Anyone who has ever had to file even the smallest of claims with an insurer knows what a frustrating experience that can be. In the case of a costly work-related injury, insurance companies routinely deny claims or only offer a fraction of what the claim is worth. They deny funds for needed treatment, claim that the treatment is “frivolous” or “unnecessary,” or only offer to pay for treatment that is ineffective. They request unreasonable or burdensome amounts of paperwork, and engage in lengthy investigations of the victims’ medical history. They also engage in surveillance in an attempt to catch the victim in a position that could be used against him.

This is not the sort of experience that an injured worker should have to go through. The main focus of any injury victim should be getting back on their feet and getting their life back on track. But there are some simple steps that you can take to avoid losing your benefits unnecessarily.

1. Tell your supervisor. Report what happened right away; follow up in writing. Be specific. To be covered, the injury must result from a single event, not an ongoing activity.

2. Get medical treatment. Your employer must provide you with a selection of at least three unaffiliated physicians to choose from; if not, you may go to the physician of your choice. Of course, an emergency room is permitted for urgent medical attention.

3. Leave a paper trail. Collect and make copies of all paperwork relating to your injury- especially the disability slips your doctor gives you. Your employer could lose the originals; provide only copies, and save all documentation.

4. File a claim. Report your injury to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission as soon as possible. You have two years after the injury to do so, but why wait? This way, your employer's insurance company will find out about your claim even if your employer "forgets" to report it.

5. Follow doctor's orders. Violating your doctor's work restrictions could jeopardize your claim. Even if your employer asks you- or orders you- to exceed your work restrictions, just say "no." If not, you risk losing your workers' compensation.

6. Consider hiring a lawyer experienced in workers' compensation cases. You have rights, and a lawyer with expertise in this area can protect them. Most lawyers know very little about the world of workers' compensation, but finding one who does could make a world of difference.

The Chandler Law Group: We Just May Be Able To Help You

At the Chandler Law Group, we have dedicated a significant portion of our practice towards Workers’ Compensation cases since our inception as a firm. Over this period of time, we have seen changes in the laws that have made it more difficult for victims of work-related injuries to receive fair compensation for their injuries. We have paid close attention to these changes, and routinely adjust our methods to make sure that our clients receive the best possible legal advice.

Insurance companies routinely take advantage of what their policyholders do not know. Virginians are protected under the law, and are protected in ways that insurance companies don’t want them to know about. At the Chandler Law Group, we have more than “familiarity” with workers’ compensation cases. We are experts.

Our level of knowledge, experience and dedication to our clients could be the difference between receiving adequate and fair compensation for your injuries or facing a future of mounting medical bills and financial ruin.

If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact our offices for a free case assessment today.

Blog for Workers' Compensation Attorneys

• At Long Last, Vital Change Made to Virginia Workers’ Compensation Law
• New Virginia Workers’ Compensation Bill Passes House & Senate
• Virginia Court: Family Can Sue after Fatal Port Worker Accident
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation: Fee Schedule Study Sheds Light on Costs
• Workers’ Compensation Study: Virginia Is Paying More Than Other States
• After VA Worker Death, City Of Norfolk Slammed With Safety Violations
• OSHA Should Protect Workers From Dangerous Heat Exposure
• 3 Workers Injured in Construction Zone Car Wreck on I-64 in Virginia
• Injured Virginia Worker Denied Wages Lost During Furlough
• AIA Presents Worker Safety Excellence Awards In Arlington, Virginia
• Construction Worker Falls To Death From Scaffolding At Fort Lee
• Don’t Be Afraid Of Filing A Virginia Workers’ Comp Claim
• Ruby Tuesday’s Worker Denied Workers’ Comp Due To Horseplay
• A Major Flaw With Virginia Workers’ Comp Laws
• Workers' Compensation FAQ, Straight From the Source
• Have you ever actually read the Virginia Workers' Compensation Code?
• Workers' Compensation Fraud Hurts Everyone

Library for Workers' Compensation Attorneys:

• Three Myths about Filing a Virginia Workers’ Compensation Claim   
  A Virginia workers’ comp lawyer debunks several myths regarding injured workers, on-the-job accidents, and Virginia workers’ compensation law.
• Virginia Workers Wait for OSHA to Act on Combustible Dust Regulations   
  Combustible dust explosions and dust fires kill and injure dozens of workers each year. Learn more about these work hazards from a Virginia workers’ comp lawyer.
• Shift Workers, Fatigue & On-The-Job Injuries In Virginia   
  Studies have shown that rotational shift workers are more prone to fatigue, human error, on-the-job accidents, and injuries than those who work regular shifts.
• Virginia Shift Workers: Prevent Dangerous Fatigue & On-The-Job Accidents   
  Learn how you can help prevent fatigue, workplace accidents, and on-the-job injuries in Virginia even if you work rotational shifts or odd hours.
• Charlottesville office handling Car Accidents, and Workers' Compensation claims, in Albemarle and surrounding counties to include Greene, Louisa, Fluvanna and Madison.   
  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, or have been injured in a car with a commercial truck or tractor trailer, contact our Charlottesville law offices for a free case assessment today.
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation Survivor Benefits For Estranged Spouses   
  If your estranged spouse or separated spouse is killed in an on-the-job accident, you may be eligible for Virginia workers’ compensation death benefits.
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation And Traumatic Brain Injuries   
  One of the most devastating and mysterious on-the-job injuries is the traumatic brain injury. This injury can affect every aspect of your work duties.
• Workers’ Compensation Benefits And Back Injuries   
  One of the most common work injuries are back injuries and spinal injuries, but how do these accidents take place, and are the injury victims eligible for Virginia workers' compensation benefits? In this legal article, read about back injuries caused by falls, overuse, traffic accidents, another worker hazards.
• Does VA Workers Compensation Cover Extended Premises?   
  A recent Virginia workers' compensation case takes a close look at extended premises and workers' comp. Learn more about whether or not you can collect VA workers' comp after being injured outside of or nearby your workplace.
• Ten Questions You Should Ask When Hiring A Virginia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer   
  An initial consultation with a Virginia workers' compensation lawyer is an opportunity for the attorney to learn more about your case, but it is also a prime time for you to interview him and learn whether or not he is the right lawyer for your VA workers' comp case.
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation Statute Of Limitations | VA Workers' Comp Lawyer   
  How long do you have to file a workers' compensation claim in the state of Virginia. In this VA workers' comp article, we break down the workers' compensation statute of limitation laws for Virginia and discuss the new push to change existing laws.
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation And On-The-Job Falls | Virginia Workers' Compensation Attorney   
  The most common on-the-job accident is a fall accident - and most people who slip and fall on the job may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. A slip and fall can happen at a construction site or at the office - and they can lead to serious injuries including head injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, and torn ligaments.
• Virginia Workers’ Compensation And Horseplay | Virginia Workers' Comp Lawyer   
  Is an employer responsible for your injury if you were engaging in horseplay at the time of your on-the-job accident? Learn more about the history of Virginia workers' compensation law and horseplay - and more information on whether or not you may be eligible for workers' comp benefits in VA.
• Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission   
  The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission is an agency that oversees workers' comp cases across the state of Virginia. Learn more about the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission and what they do to help injured workers.
• The Lack of Equality in the CMS Reimbursement Policy   
  The need for uniformity and equality should be address by Congress as it debates the future of medical care legislation.
• Can Drug Use Prevent You From Collecting Workers’ Compensation?   
  If you were injured on the job while on drugs - either prescribed to you by your doctor or not - does that change your chances of collecting workers' compensation benefits? Find out what you need to know about drug use and work accident injuries.
• Industry Focuses on AAJ's Effort to Lobby for a Workers' Compensation National Commission   
• Lead Exposure For Adults Continues as a Major Problem   
  The US CDC has reported that overexposure to inorganic lead remains a critical health problem.
• CMS/MSP Requires Deceased Beneficiary Information   
  CMS will not require reporting of claim data where the exposure occurred prior to 12/5/1980 (effective date of the MSP Act), but if exposure continues after that date, that is another story.
• CMS Publishes Memo on Pricing Future Prescription Drug Treatment   
  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) has published a memorandum outlining the methodology of pricing future prescription drug treatment costs/expenses in Workers' Compensation Medicare Set-Aside Arrangement (WCMSA) proposals.

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Frequent Questions for Workers' Compensation Attorneys:

• I was injured at work, what benefits am I entitled to?
• I was injured while at work in Virginia. Do I get to choose who my doctor will be?
• When do I start receiving temporary monetary benefits?
• Can I be fired for filing a claim?
• Is pain and suffering part of the workers' compensation award?
• Should I forego medical treatment if I cannot pay?
• What do I do if I cannot pay for an attorney?
• Is there a time limit for filing a claim in Virginia?
• I was offered a light duty position with my employer but it pays less than what I was earning before, do I have to go back to work?
• The workers' compensation insurance company has hired a nurse case manager in my case. What does that mean, and how am I supposed to deal with this person?
• If I were to die as a result of a work accident, would my wife and kids receive any benefits?
• What Benefits Will I Get If I Am Injured On the Job in Virginia?
• What Benefits Will I Get If I Am Injured On the Job in Maryland?
• What Benefits Will I Get If I Am Injured On the Job in Washington, D.C.?
• How do I file a Workers Compensation Claim in Washington, D.C.?
• How Do I File a Workers Compensation Claim in Maryland?
• How Do I File a Workers Compensation Claim in Virginia?
• I have filed a workers’ compensation claim. Do I need to retain a lawyer if I am already receiving benefits?
• I received a check in my worker's compensation case, should I cash it?
• What Does “On the Job” Really Mean?

Case Results for Workers' Compensation Attorneys:

• April 2007, $3,000,000 Virginia Workers' Compensation Settlement

Awarded: $3,000,000

• March 2007: 1.4 Million Dollar Virginia Workers' Compensation Settlement

Awarded: $1,400,000 Virginia Workers' Compensation Settlement

Web Resources for Workers' Compensation Attorneys:

• Criminal Defense Lawyer

  Description: Our criminal attorneys have vast experience in all criminal matters including, possession, trafficking and cultivation of drugs, conspiracy, DUI/DWI, jury proceedings, racketeering (RICO cases), white collar crime, money laundering, SEC violations, sexual assault and public corruption.

• Law School Study Materials

  Description: Download law school outlines, class notes, case briefs & study materials, the online marketplace to exchange user-created documents.

• Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission

  Description: Information regarding Electronic Filing services, Workers' Compensation Insurance, Forms, Publications and Statistics, Fraud, FAQ's, Rules and Regulations.

• Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission Website

  Description: The Virginia Workers' Compensation Website provides extensive resources for both injured employees and employers

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