What Is Workers’ Compensation Insurance Designed to Cover in Virginia?

You dedicate countless hours of your life to your job. So when you get hurt or fall ill as a direct result of performing that job, it’s only right for your employer to shoulder the costs and support you as you recover. Generally, they do so through the workers' compensation system. But what is workers' compensation insurance?

Like most states, Virginia has a workers' compensation system. Employers pay for workers' compensation insurance, and if an employee suffers a work-related injury or illness, they file a claim. If the claim is approved, the employee may recover benefits.

What is workers' compensation insurance meant to cover in Virginia? Here’s a look at the benefits you may qualify for.

The Cost of Medical Treatment

One of the most important functions of the workers’ compensation insurance system is covering medical expenses. If you suffer an on-the-job injury or a job-related illness, you generally must see an approved physician. However, if your claim is approved, your employer should cover all related medical costs, including:

• Hospital bills
• Bills for follow-up care and outpatient treatment
• Diagnostic testing
• Medical equipment
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy

If you have filed a workers’ compensation claim or intend to, it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all follow-up appointments.

Wage Replacement for Income Lost During Your Recovery

Unless your injury is very minor, you’ll probably have to take at least some time off from work. Workers’ compensation benefits don’t replace all of your wages. Wage replacement calculations can be complex, but in most cases, you’ll be eligible to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage.

Temporary or Permanent Disability Benefits

If your injury heals completely, you’ll likely receive wage replacement benefits until you can return to work. However, some workplace injuries lead to disability. In Virginia’s workers’ compensation system, there are four broad categories of disability benefits.

Temporary Total Disability (TT)

If you are temporarily unable to work, you will generally receive two-thirds of your average pre-injury weekly wage.

Temporary Partial Disability (TP)

If you may work with temporary restrictions, usually, you will receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury wage and your current wage.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

If you may work, but you have permanent restrictions, the amount of compensation you receive will depend on your impairment rating, which is determined by your doctor.

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

When you have a permanent total disability, you are permanently unable to work in any capacity. Usually, PTD benefits are two-thirds of your weekly pre-injury wage.

Job Retraining or Vocational Rehabilitation

When asked, “What is workers' compensation insurance?” most people mention medical coverage, wage replacement, and disability benefits. But what happens if you can’t go back to your old job?

Some illnesses and injuries cause disabilities that make it possible for you to work in some capacity, but you’re not able to return to your old job. If you find yourself in this situation, the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission will match you with a counselor who will develop a job training plan for you.

Mileage Reimbursements for Travel to Medical Appointments

The expense of travel for appointments often gets overlooked in conversations about workers' compensation insurance. If you have to drive to medical appointments for your work injury or illness, you may be reimbursed for mileage.

Virginia adjusts reimbursement rates each year to account for inflation, but for 2025, the rate is $.70 per mile.

It may not sound like much, but if you must travel significant distances for medical care, the per-mile rate can add up!

Death Benefits for Your Surviving Dependents

Workers’ compensation will also provide benefits to your family if your work injury leads to your death:

• Up to $10,000 for burial and funeral expenses
• Two-thirds of your average weekly wage for up to 500 weeks

If you have partial dependents (family members who only partially depended on your income), they may receive benefits as well.

FAQ

Does Workers' Compensation Insurance Cover Temporary Workers?

Generally, yes. However, the Virginia workers’ compensation system only covers temporary workers who are classified as employees — not those categorized as independent contractors.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

It is illegal for your employer to fire you in retaliation for filing a claim. If you believe you’ve been fired for filing a workers’ compensation claim, you should seek legal help immediately.

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

In Virginia, you have two years from the date of your injury to file a claim. If you have a work-related illness, you have two years from the day you learned the illness was caused by your work. However, it’s generally best to file your claim as promptly as you reasonably can.

Need Help With a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In theory, the workers’ compensation program works smoothly. If you’re hurt at work, your medical care is paid for, and you receive partial wage replacement (or disability benefits).

Unfortunately, the reality of the workers’ compensation system is far from perfect. Even legitimate claims often face unreasonable delays and denials, leaving injured workers confused, frustrated, and in precarious financial situations.

If you’re having trouble getting your claim approved or have concerns about the process, the best thing you can do is contact a workers’ compensation attorney.

Commonwealth Law Group focuses exclusively on workers’ compensation, personal injury, and civil rights cases, and we’re committed to standing up for the rights of injured Virginia workers. Contact us today to book your free consultation!