Mediation in Virginia Workers’ Compensation Cases
Virginia allows the injured employee and the employer to seek mediation of their dispute. Mediation is a voluntary process where a neutral third party tries to help the parties identify the issues involved in a case and reach a settlement. The neutral third party does not make any binding decisions or formal recommendations. The claimant is required to have legal counsel at the mediation. The goal of the mediation is to explore ways to solve the open issues and reach an agreement. Mediators work for the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. Mediation is confidential. A typical mediation takes about two hours. Mediation is a more friendly process than a formal hearing. Friendly resolutions help ease any tensions when the employee does return to work. However, it is important to keep the following in mind:
- If the parties can’t reach an agreement, then the dispute will proceed to a formal workers’ compensation hearing
- If the parties do reach an agreement, then the terms are set forth in writing and the terms become part of the formal record
Contact a Norfolk Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Learn More
If you were hurt at work, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. Joe Miller, Esq. at Joe Miller Law, has been helping accident victims and workers for over 25 years. He will review your workers’ compensation claim, help you gather all necessary medical reports and wage information, and will know which benefits you should seek. Additionally, he can advise you on the pros and cons of mediation versus requesting a formal hearing or negotiations outside of mediation. To learn more about what he can do to help you, contact Joe Miller Law, today by calling (888) 694-1671.
