Workers Compensation in Virginia
State-specific overview · Employment Law
Virginia allows employers to self-insure or purchase coverage; employees must report injuries within 30 days to preserve claims.
How Virginia treats Workers Compensation
Virginia's workers' compensation system is largely voluntary for employers, though most carry insurance through the state fund or private carriers. Employees must notify their employer of work-related injuries within 30 days, and claims must be filed within one year of the injury or when the employee knew the injury was work-related. Benefits cover medical expenses and partial wage replacement, typically at two-thirds of average weekly wages up to a state maximum.
The general definition of Workers Compensation
Insurance that provides medical benefits and wage replacement to employees injured during work.
Workers compensation is a form of insurance that employers are required to carry to protect employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. When an employee is hurt at work, workers compensation covers medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages while the employee recovers. In exchange, the employee generally gives up the right to sue the employer for the injury. The system is designed to provide quick, predictable benefits without the need for a lawsuit. Benefits vary by state and depend on the severity of the injury.
Read the full Workers Compensation entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.