VA Workers Compensation ?

[jmaley]

What is the name of your state? Va. My niece works for a small company in the state of Va and was hurt a few days ago when she was getting out of a company vehicle. She did not see a doctor because she does not have insurance; however, her employer offered to pay her medical bills. She is reluctant to go to the doctor because she knows that the compnay does not have workers compensation insurance and that her employer may suffer ramification of not having coverage. I am concerned that if he does not pay her medical bills that she will be responsible. Should she advise the doctor that she was injured at work but did not want to pursue it under workmans comp? What would happen to the company if she did pursue it? (She does not want to lose her job nor does she want to bring attention to her employer.)

 

[Beth3]

It's possible your niece's employer is small enough not to be subject to VA's WC reg's. But that really is irrelevant at present as far as your niece is concerned. The company has offered to pay her medical bills. If she's hurt, she should see a doctor and yes, she should tell the doctor how she was injured and that it was in the course of her job and the bills should be sent to her employer. Among other things, if problems do occur with payment down the road, she wants the employer's liability to be established with the provider.

The doctor is not going to report the employer's lack of WC insurance to the State, if that's your niece's concern. All he cares about is treating his patients and subsequently being paid.

It's swell that your niece is a loyal employee and concerned about her employer but she needs to take care of herself here too.