Mistakes happen. Safety rules are broken.

If your error in judgment led to your workplace accident and injury, you may still be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. 

At Ackerman & Falcon, we fight for injured workers. Our experienced attorneys understand Virginia's complex workers' compensation system, and we will guide you through every step of the process. 

In Virginia, Employees Injured After Breaking Safety Rules May Remain Eligible for Workers' Compensation Benefits

An employee who is hurt on the job after they inadvertently break a safety rule should remain eligible for workers' compensation benefits.

Under Virginia law, there are three situations in which an injured employee may be denied workers' compensation benefits because their own extreme behavior led to their injury. A workers' compensation claim may be denied if the injured worker:

·      Engaged in willful misconduct or intentionally inflicted the injury on themselves;

·      Attempted to injure another person; or 

·      Was intoxicated.

In other words, an injured worker who intentionally or recklessly violated a safety rule may have their workers' compensation claim denied. Similarly, an employee who is hurt after starting a fight with a coworker may be denied benefits.

Importantly, employers and their insurance carriers often deny claims when the injured worker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the injury occurred.

Your eligibility for workers' compensation benefits depends on the specific facts of your injury. Evidence is a critical element of every workers' compensation claim. Let Ackerman & Falcon help you develop and document your workers' compensation system.

Your Virginia Workers' Compensation Claim. Our Priority.

For Virginians hurt on the job, workers' compensation benefits provide a lifeline for the future. At Ackerman & Falcon, we help injured workers prepare and file workers' compensation claims by:

·      Serving as your legal advisor and answering your questions about Virginia's workers' compensation process.

·      Developing a comprehensive strategy for your workers' compensation claim 

·      Collecting and organizing supporting evidence, including medical-related documentation. 

·      Preparing and submitting your claim. 

·      Determining your appeal rights, if necessary.

If you were hurt at work, let our experienced attorneys help. Call Ackerman & Falcon today at 703-288-1400 or schedule a free consultation online.