Workplace accidents can happen very quickly. It doesn’t take much for people to make a mistake and for an accident to occur. However, many workplace accidents are minor. Many people may not even think about the accident after it happens. However, there are situations where more serious workplace accidents occur. In these cases, people can be seriously injured as a result of the accident.
When an employee is injured in a workplace accident, Virginia law allows the individual to seek medical attention. In these cases, an employer is responsible for paying for these medical expenses. Under section 65.2-603 of the Virginia workers’ compensation code, employees must be given a choice of three doctors following a workplace injury. The employee is free to pick one of these doctors to receive free medical treatment for the person’s injuries.
In addition to this medical care, employees are also entitled to proper rehabilitation, prosthetics, walkers, canes or other medical equipment necessary for the person as a result of the accident. As long as this equipment is medically necessary, an employer may also be responsible for bedside lifts, fitting a person’s home with ramps and making any other necessary alterations to make a person’s life accessible following the injury. Employers are also responsible for fixing and repairing artificial limbs, dentures and other prosthetics that have been damaged in the accident.
Virginia employers have a lot of responsibilities following a workplace accident. Workers in Virginia need to understand their rights and what they are entitled to.