The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission
The Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission (VWC) administers the state's workers' compensation program and is subject to the Virginia Workers' Compensation Act. The VWC imposes a strict statute of limitations that requires you to file:
• Within two years from the date that the accident occurred, or
• Within two years from the date that you were told that an illness was caused through your work, and within five years from your last date of exposure
We guide you through the bureaucratic VWC process to ensure you are treated fairly and receive all benefits that you are entitled to.
Appeals of denied claims
If your claim is denied, we appeal the denial to VWC and through the Virginia appellate courts, if necessary. We file persuasive arguments, attend hearings and remain by your side until your case is justly resolved.
Virginia Workplace Injuries Attorney
Help after a Virginia workplace accident
You rightfully expect your employer to provide safe, healthy working conditions. Even absent proof of negligence, you usually can obtain workers' compensation if you are injured at your workplace. Virginia workplace injury lawyer Michael A. Kernbach, Attorney at Law, has more than 25 years of experience assisting injured workers with their workers' comp claims and personal injury lawsuits.
Claims for dormant occupational illnesses
Occupational illnesses are often not readily apparent. Exposure to a toxic substance may trigger an illness that does not manifest for many years, sometimes making it difficult to pinpoint the connection between a job and a disabling or fatal illness such as:
• Asthma
• Birth defects of your children
• Bronchitis
• Cancer • Dermatitis
• Hearing loss
• Heart disease
• Radiation poisoning
Although these illnesses are particularly prevalent in industrial, agricultural or manufacturing industries, office workers are not immune to sick building syndrome caused by poor air quality in the office setting.
Repetitive stress injuries
Some jobs require you to perform a certain task repeatedly over a long period of time, using the same physical motion every time. Characterized by pain, tingling, numbness and swelling, repetitive stress injuries result from continually engaging in the same unnatural action that over time can lead to severe discomfort and crippling disabilities. Repetitive stress disorders that commonly occur to shoulders, necks, elbows, wrists, hands, thumbs, backs and knees include:
• Bursitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Epicondylitis
• Ganglion cysts
• Labrum tears • Meniscus tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Tendonitis
• Tenosynovitis
• Trigger finger
Repetitive stress disorders arise slowly, so it requires meticulous research and solid preparation to prove that the repetitive motion you performed at your job caused your injuries.
Workers' compensation insurance provides benefits to employees injured on the job. A claim of workers' compensation does not require proof of negligence as a civil lawsuit would, and so provides employees with some assurances that their medical bills will be covered regardless of the cause of their workplace accident. Workers' compensation benefits will not automatically be paid and insurance frequently refuses to pay timely benefits to injured workers.
Virginia workers' compensation lawyer Michael A. Kernbach, Attorney at Law, represents injured employees in workers' compensation claims and civil lawsuits. We give a voice to those whose health and lives have been compromised because of their hard work and dedication to their jobs. Michael applies his more than 25 years of experience to defending the rights of individuals to work in safe, healthy conditions.
Workers' Compensation Claims
Help for workers injured on the job
Contact a Virginia personal injury lawyer you can rely on