The Virginia Worker’s Compensation website discusses many worker issues included ADR. ADR, also known as mediation, is an alternative to litigation that can be quicker, easier and less stressful than conducting a hearing before a Deputy Commissioner. As with all injured worker issues in Virginia, the best way to find out about the ADR process is to speak with an experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney.
Either the employee or the employer can request an alternative dispute resolution at any time. There are several types of ADR/mediations that your lawyer will explain. Some are Full and Final Settlement resolutions. Others try to minimize or identify the real issues in the hope a settlement can be reached or the hearing can be limited to just a few issues.
An Alternative Dispute Resolution program does not alter the benefits that the employee or his/her dependents, or survivors are allowed under Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act. All parties to the mediation have the right to address each and every issue and to have a hearing if the ADR does not resolve the matters.
The big difference with ADR is that the employee, rather than the Deputy Commissioner is the one who decides whether or not to accept the final offer from the workers compensation insurance company.
Injured at Work? Virginia Injured Worker’s Lawyer Joe Miller Provides Strong Counsel
Joe Miller has been representing injured workers for over 25 years. He has been involved in numerous mediations and has obtained many satisfactory and complete settlements for his clients. The employer and insurance companies will have lawyers fighting for them. You need an experienced lawyer fighting for you, even if it is in the friendly setting of a mediation. Call attorney Joe Miller at 888-694-1671 and ask for Joe Miller, or email jmiller@joemillerinjurylaw.com
