How does an employee's medical condition affect their workers' compensation claim?

In Virginia, workers compensation law is designed to provide injured employees with the medical care and financial support they need after experiencing a work-related injury or illness. An employee’s medical condition can greatly affect their workers compensation claim, as the amount of support they receive depends largely upon the extent of their injury. First, the medical condition will determine how much medical treatment is necessary to treat the injury/illness. If the medical condition is serious, such as broken bones, hospitalization may be required and the employee may be able to receive disability benefits for a period of time. On the other hand, if the medical condition is relatively minor, such as a simple strain, then the employee may be able to receive out-patient treatment. Second, the medical condition can affect the amount of compensation an employee receives. In general, the more serious the injury/illness, the more compensation an employee is eligible to receive. This can include lost wages, medical bills, and other costs associated with the injury/illness. Finally, the medical condition can affect the employee’s ability to return to work. If the medical condition is particularly severe, the employee may not be able to return to their job for an extended period of time or ever. In this instance, the employee may be able to receive a lump sum settlement for the remainder of their wages. Overall, an employee’s medical condition can greatly influence their workers compensation claim. Knowing the extent of their injury/illness will help both the employee and their employer understand the amount of support that is available and the best course of action for treatment and compensation.

How does an employee's medical condition affect their workers' compensation claim?

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