Sadly, every year in Virginia there is a few injured workers who have sustained catastrophic injuries that have left them partially or totally paralyzed. In Virginia, these cases are often referred to by lawyers as Permanent Total Disability claims. Severe work injuries often cause problems regarding suitable housing and vehicles. Back, leg, and neck injuries can make it difficult for an injured worker to get around. Sometimes, these injuries require that injured workers use a wheelchair, scooter, or other assistive device. Using these devices inside houses and other buildings can often be difficult. Sometimes, it can be impossible.
So, what happens when an injury at work in Virginia makes your house, apartment, or other dwelling unsuitable for daily life?
One of the more important issues that arise is the cost of home and/or vehicle modifications to accommodate an individual’s disabilities. For example:
- Ramps to accommodate wheelchairs to allow for entry and exit of the client's home.
- Bathroom modifications
- Renovations to the interior of homes to allow for larger entry ways and hallways
- Chair lifts
- Vehicle modifications
Injured workers who need these kinds of accommodations face significant challenges. If the accident arose under the Virginia Workers Compensation Act, the aggregate cost of all such items and modifications required to be furnished by the workers compensation insurance company is $42,000.00. Yes, you read that correctly -- even in cases where the cost to modify a home and/or car exceed $42,000, the insurer is only required to pay up to $42,000.00. While, this usually presents a significant challenge to clients our law firm has successfully negotiated resolutions to this issue to allow clients to accomplish basic home and vehicle needs.
Because of the complexity of housing and transportation issues, you should at least consult with an attorney specializing in workers’ compensation before seriously considering any settlement of a housing or transportation issue.
Attorneys You Can Trust
Our clients come first. We work hard on each and every case for the benefit of our client and his or her family. We have extensive knowledge about Virginia laws regarding injuries at work and workers’ compensation. No case is too difficult for our team. We work efficiently to achieve positive outcomes. Save yourself time by hiring someone who will work on your side in an aggressive manner. You deserve the best, and we are here to help you get your benefits.
Contact us today to schedule your first consultation. At this appointment, we will discuss your specific case and the hurdles we must overcome to get you your benefits. We will navigate the process for you, making it easy to understand. Contact us today!