The purpose of Workers' Compensation law is to protect and provide assistance to workers who are injured on the job. The law is designed to provide relief for those who are injured and an incentive to employers to have a safe work place so that fewer injuries will occur. An employee is entitled to benefits without regard to whose fault the accident was but may not sue the employer for additional damages if the injury was the employer's fault.

Unfortunately, not all injuries are covered under Virginia law. How you were injured is very important. To obtain benefits you must have sustained one of the following:

• Accidental injury
• Occupational disease
• hernia

Each of these injuries have specific definitions which you must understand to protect yourself. The benefits that you may claim include:

• Full payment for medical treatment from the doctor of your choice
• Money while you are unable to work; either totally or partially
• Money for any permanent disability you may have (non scheduled injuries may only claim wage loss)
• Vocational rehabilitation benefits if you cannot return to your job
• Reimbursement for prescriptions, mileage, and parking