Virginia’s Most Dangerous Jobs: What Workers Should Understand About Liability

Many jobs pose challenges and safety risks, but the most dangerous jobs could leave you facing catastrophic injuries that alter your entire life. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, you can file a claim and could receive compensation. Our workers’ comp lawyers share the deadliest jobs and what you can do if you’re injured.

What Are Virginia’s Most Dangerous Jobs?

In 2023, private industry employers throughout the country reported 2.6 million non-fatal work-related injuries and illnesses. The majority of these losses occurred as a result of a few key dangerous jobs. If you work in any of the following professions in Virginia, you could be at risk.

Some of the most dangerous jobs involve construction work. There’s the risk of falling from heights, being struck by heavy machinery, coming into contact with high voltages of electricity, and a variety of other dangerous situations. In 2022, nearly one in five workplace deaths happened at a construction site.

Truck drivers and delivery personnel are also at risk of suffering catastrophic injuries as they go about their day. They can get into traffic collisions or suffer injuries while loading vehicles.

Workers in manufacturing and industrial settings are more likely to come in contact with corrosive chemicals. Because they handle heavy machinery every day, amputation and crushing injuries are common.

Other dangerous jobs include agricultural and farm-related positions. These also require dealing with huge machinery as well as large animals like cattle and horses.

It may not be an obviously dangerous job, but people who work in the healthcare industry can also be in danger. For instance, they can be exposed to illnesses that could leave them with lasting health issues.

Common Injuries Associated With High-Risk Jobs

People throughout Virginia who work in high-risk jobs can suffer a variety of injuries. Some of the most common are:

• Broken bones
• Cuts
• Repetitive motion injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Burns
• Electrical injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Scarring
• Spinal cord injuries

Being in a workplace accident can also leave you with psychological injuries, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can make returning to work very difficult.

Who Is Liable for Workplace Injuries in Virginia?

The majority of employers in Virginia must have insurance that covers any injuries or illnesses that their workers suffer. This means that they’re protected from liability. If you’re hurt at work, you won’t be able to file a claim against them. Instead, you file a claim to receive workers’ compensation.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Coverage and Limitations

Workers’ compensation covers your medical bills and some lost wages. You can receive temporary disability benefits to cover the income you’ve missed out on, beginning with temporary total disability. This option pays 66.6% of your average wages, but you can’t receive it for the first seven days of missed work.

Temporary partial disability allows you to return to work in a limited capacity while still receiving some compensation for the wages you’ve lost. Coverage also begins on day eight of missed work.

Workers’ comp provides permanent partial and permanent total disability benefits, too. These apply if you’ll only be able to work in a limited capacity or if you won’t be able to work at all. If a loved one dies in a work-related injury, there are also death benefits that the family can claim.

When Third-Party Liability May Apply

If anyone other than your employer or coworker causes the injuries you suffered, you can hold them liable. Let’s say you’re making a work-related delivery, and you get hit by another vehicle. You could file a claim against the other driver for the losses you suffered.

The same thing would apply if you’re injured because of a subcontractor’s negligence at a construction site.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury at a High-Risk Job

The first thing you must do is to get medical attention. You will need to have records of the accident and the injuries you suffered, so getting care is essential. You’ll then need to let your employer know that the injury occurred.

Take pictures of your injuries and of the accident site. If there were witnesses, get their testimony or contact information.

You must verify that your employer has notified their insurance carrier of the accident. They need to do this in a timely manner for you to be able to file your claim and receive compensation.

It’s always a good idea to contact a workers’ comp attorney to help you through the claims process. There may be complications for which you’ll need legal representation.

How an Experienced Attorney Can Help Protect Your Rights

With a lawyer helping you, the entire claims process can be easier. Insurance companies are often searching for any way to deny your claim, so even the smallest error can mean facing delays. An attorney ensures that everything is filed correctly and that enough evidence is submitted along with the claim.

If your claim is denied, your lawyer becomes invaluable. They can file an appeal for you and represent you at the hearing.

FAQ

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Comp Claim?

You must let your employer know of the injuries you suffered within 30 days of them occurring, and you must file your claim within two years of the accident.

Is It Possible to File a Claim Against My Employer?

In 99% of cases, the answer is no. Your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance to prevent lawsuits against them.

Will All of My Wages Be Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Virginia?

No. You will typically receive a percentage of your average wages.

Contact Experienced Virginia Workers’ Comp Lawyers

If you’ve suffered an injury in a work-related accident, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation. At Commonwealth Law Group, our team of workers’ comp and personal injury attorneys can help you start your claim or appeal a denial. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.