[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/do-i-need-lawyer-for-workers-comp-claim\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/do-i-need-lawyer-for-workers-comp-claim\/","headline":"Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Virginia?","name":"Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Virginia?","description":"Did you suffer an injury on the job or become ill due to workplace conditions in Virginia? If so, you\u2019re not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 65,000 Virginia workers suffered a nonfatal workplace injury or illness in one recent year. If you were hurt at work, you want to […]","datePublished":"2022-07-25","dateModified":"2026-04-02","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/berkley_foltz\/#Person","name":"Berkley Foltz","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/author\/berkley_foltz\/","identifier":20,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5f8fc79855ae1b10ca9939a5975c6ee068127f7ebdce119546f744b1f5cdd58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/c5f8fc79855ae1b10ca9939a5975c6ee068127f7ebdce119546f744b1f5cdd58?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Marks & Harrison","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/logo.png","width":235,"height":87}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/sad-patient.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/sad-patient.jpg","height":662,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/do-i-need-lawyer-for-workers-comp-claim\/","about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":883,"articleBody":"Did you suffer an injury on the job or become ill due to workplace conditions in Virginia? If so, you\u2019re not alone. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), over 65,000 Virginia workers suffered a nonfatal workplace injury or illness in one recent year. If you were hurt at work, you want to know your medical bills will be covered and your wage loss payments are secured.Virginia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation system is supposed to be a lifeline for injured workers. But getting the benefits you need can be difficult. The best thing you can do for yourself after being hurt on the job is to consult an experienced Virginia workers\u2019 compensation attorney. At Marks & Harrison, we have seen how the workers\u2019 compensation system can fail those who need the benefits the most. Our respected workers\u2019 comp team features knowledgeable attorneys ready to defend your rights and handle all the details of your claim.If you have been hurt on the job in Virginia and are struggling to get the support you need, contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about how a workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can help.Can I Handle a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim by Myself?Hiring an attorney for your workers\u2019 compensation claim is not required. If you suffered a minor injury or illness and do not expect to miss a lot of work, you may be able to handle your claim by yourself.However, dealing with workers\u2019 comp is rarely straightforward. It\u2019s a good idea to speak to a workers\u2019 compensation lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. If you have suffered major injuries in a work-related accident, your workers\u2019 compensation benefits are designed to pay for your medical care and provide disability payments while you heal. These benefits can help meet your needs. But there is no guarantee you will receive them when you file a claim.Some reasons to hire a workers\u2019 comp attorney are:Minimizing chances of having your claim denied \u2014 If your employer and their insurance company try to minimize your injuries and drag their feet, you may find yourself waiting weeks or months to start receiving benefits. A lawyer can help you build a strong case and try to get your claim approved as quickly as possible.Getting medical attention \u2014 A workers\u2019 comp lawyer can help you get necessary treatment authorized and gather evidence of disability.Helping with the appeals process \u2014 If your claim is denied, a workers\u2019 compensation attorney can help you with your appeal so you can eventually get the benefits you need.When Should I Hire a Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer?You should speak to a Virginia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer as soon as possible after being injured. If you need emergency medical treatment, that should be your priority. Then, promptly contact an attorney or have someone else get in touch with one for you.Your workers\u2019 compensation case begins from the moment you are injured. Everything you say and do after your injury can potentially impact your claim. An attorney can help guide you through the process to avoid delays or other issues with your claim. If you wait to hire a lawyer, you may make a mistake that jeopardizes your case and blocks you from obtaining any workers\u2019 compensation benefits.For example, your employer\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation provider may order an independent medical examination before you can receive any benefits. This step may seem like just another doctor\u2019s visit. However, you need to be fully prepared before the exam. The doctor chosen by the insurance company will be looking for any sign you are lying about or exaggerating your injuries. Their report could have significant consequences for your case. A workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can guide you on how to conduct yourself during your examination so you don\u2019t do anything that could damage your claim.If you have already filed a claim which has been denied, our workers\u2019 compensation attorneys can step in during the appeals process.What Does Workers\u2019 Compensation Cover in Virginia?There are two primary components of workers\u2019 compensation benefits in Virginia, both important to an injured worker:Medical benefits \u2014 If your claim is approved, your employer should cover all reasonable medical expenses related to your injuries. These benefits will continue until you either fully recover or reach the point where further treatment will not improve your condition, known as \u201cmaximum medical improvement.\u201dWage-replacement benefits \u2014 If your injury causes you to miss more than seven days of work, you can receive wage-replacement benefits equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wages before being injured. These benefits are capped at a maximum amount by state law.Can a Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer Help Me?A workers\u2019 compensation lawyer is a valuable ally as you work through the claims process. Through careful research, skilled negotiation, and personalized attention, the team at Marks & Harrison can be your advocates every step of the way. Voted Best Law Firm in Richmond for seven years running, we pride ourselves on excellence and results.After being hurt on the job, you have rights. You deserve an advocate who will guard your health and future. If you have additional questions about workers\u2019 compensation cases in Virginia, contact our office today for a free consultation with a lawyer."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Virginia?","item":"https:\/\/www.marksandharrison.com\/blog\/do-i-need-lawyer-for-workers-comp-claim\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]