I fractured my ankle at work and my employer knows I can’t work, when can I expect to receive Virginia Workers’ Compensation benefits to start?

There is no easy answer to this question. Normally, it take about two weeks for the wage benefit checks to get started. Under Virginia Workers Compensation law you must be disabled for 7 days before you qualify for any wage replacement benefits whatsoever. Wage benefits start on the 8th day. If you are disabled for longer than 21 days, then the Workers Compensation Insurance carrier is responsible for paying the 7 days of compensation.

The reason why there is no easy answer to this question is because there are any number of problems that could arise while you are waiting for your benefits to start. For example, you employer might not contact the insurance company or return their calls; your employer might not have your wage information handy so they can send it to the Workers Compensation Insurance Carrier; The Insurance carrier might want to schedule a recorded statement or conduct an investigation before they pay any benefit, or the insurance might require that they receive a copy of the medical records and doctor’s notes before the agree to pay anything. Any one of these issues could delay your benefits.

So why do people hire lawyers? Clients hire lawyers like myself so that they won’t have the headaches that accompany Workers’ Compensation Insurance claim. By hiring a lawyer, all the client needs is to concentrate on getting themselves back to health. Lawyers handle all the problems, and the client can rest assured that their lawyer is doing everything he or she can to see that the benefits are paid promptly. If there is a problem or issue that develops, the lawyer can request a hearing so that the case can be heard before the Workers Compensation Commission at the earliest possible time