If you were injured on the job in Virginia, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical treatment, wage replacement, and compensation for permanent impairment. But the claims process is rarely simple. Delays, denials, and disputes are common—even in cases with clear-cut injuries.
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we’re here to help you every step of the way. With over 25 years of experience and offices across Virginia and West Virginia, our firm is dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers. Whether you’re just starting a claim or you’ve been denied benefits, we’re ready to fight for the full compensation you’re owed under Virginia law.
Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program that provides benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or occupational illnesses. Employers with two or more employees are generally required to carry this insurance.
Under Virginia law, workers’ compensation covers:
The system is “no-fault,” meaning you typically don’t need to prove your employer was negligent to receive benefits. However, eligibility rules are strict—and insurance companies frequently dispute claims.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, here are the essential steps to protect your health and your workers’ compensation claim:
1. Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. You must notify them within 30 days, or your claim may be denied.
2. Seek medical treatment immediately. Your employer or their insurance carrier may require you to see a doctor from a panel of physicians.
3. Document everything—including when, where, and how the injury occurred. Keep a record of witnesses and medical visits.
4. File a claim with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWCC) within two years of the accident or diagnosis.
5. Consult a Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer to avoid mistakes and protect your rights from the start.
Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt today at 276-579-8015 for a free consultation. We can help ensure every deadline is met and that your case is properly filed.
You may be eligible for benefits if your injury:
Common workplace injuries include:
Some exceptions apply—injuries caused by intoxication, horseplay, or non-work activities may not be covered.
To qualify, you must meet the following conditions:
If your employer argues that you’re an independent contractor or otherwise not eligible, we can seek to challenge that determination and advocate for your rights.
Injured workers in Virginia may be entitled to receive:
Let our team of experienced Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys review your case and help estimate the full value of your workers’ compensation claim.
Don’t panic—a denial is not the end of the road. Common reasons for denial include:
If your claim is denied, you have the right to:
Call us right away if your claim was denied. We can handle all aspects of the appeals process and seek to overturn unfair decisions.
The length of time depends on the nature and severity of your injury:
Every case is different. We can help you understand how long your benefits may last and what to expect.
In most cases, no. Virginia workers’ compensation law typically prohibits employees from suing their employers for workplace injuries.
However, exceptions may apply:
In those cases, our dedicated Virginia workers’ compensation attorneys may be able to pursue a third-party personal injury claim in addition to workers’ compensation benefits.
Contact us for a free evaluation to see if a third-party claim may apply in your situation.
The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act allows surviving spouses, children, and certain dependents to receive death benefits when a loved one dies due to a work-related injury or occupational illness. These benefits may include:
If you’ve lost a loved one in a work-related incident, you deserve compassionate, experienced guidance.
Call The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt to learn about your rights and how to file a claim for death benefits.
While it is possible to file a claim on your own, injured workers are often at a disadvantage when going up against experienced insurance adjusters. A Virginia workers’ compensation lawyer can:
At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we fight to protect the financial future of injured workers and their families. We are committed to making sure you receive every benefit the law provides.
We represent injured workers on a contingency fee basis—you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Under Virginia law, attorney fees in workers’ compensation cases are capped at 20% of the recovered amount and must be approved by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
We’re upfront and transparent about fees. You’ll never owe us anything unless we win your case.
If you’ve been injured at work or are struggling with delays, denials, or disability, don’t go it alone. At The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt, we proudly represent hardworking Virginians in Abingdon, Roanoke, Bristol, Hillsville, Wytheville, Salem, and throughout the region.
“Mark took over my car accident case from another attorney that I fired. Mark worked hard on the case for several months to get ready for trial. Shortly before trial he got a settlement that was SIX TIMES more than the offer my first lawyer tried to get me to take.”