If you’re a small business owner operating in Virginia, chances are you’ll need workers’ compensation insurance to protect your employees. However, sorting through workers’ compensation laws can be time-consuming and tedious for already busy entrepreneurs.
With that in mind, we’ve distilled Virginia’s workers’ compensation laws down to the basics—that way, you can get a quick overview. When you’re ready to get coverage for your employees, you’ll be better informed and prepared to ensure you’re in compliance with the law. Laws change and every business situation is different, so be sure to consult your workers’ comp agent and/or legal counsel to confirm you’re meeting the requirements.
*Data pulled from the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission.
- If you have more than two employees, you are generally required by state law to have workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Employees include not only full-time, but also part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers, as well as trainees, minors, and working family members.
- If you hire subcontractors, the subcontractors’ employees count towards the total number of employees when determining whether you need workers’ compensation coverage (regardless of whether the subcontractor has workers’ compensation on these employees).
- If you’re not required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance for your employees, you can choose to get coverage voluntarily. Getting workers’ compensation coverage is a wise decision, even if you’re not required to have it.Workers’ comp can provide valuable protection for both your employees and your business should a worker be injured on the job.
- If your business is based in another state but you perform work in Virginia, even temporary work, you generally need to have workers’ compensation coverage.
- You have choices when it comes to obtaining workers’ compensation insurance: you can get insurance through a commercial insurer, a group self-insurance association, or a professional employer organization. Or, if you qualify and have the means, you can be self-insured.
- In Virginia, employees must file a claim within two years of an accident to be eligible for compensation for injury.
- As an employer, you must keep records of all work-related injuries or deaths of your employees.
- It is also your responsibility to provide your employees with information on preventing and reporting work-related injuries and to post workers’ compensation notices regarding employee rights and responsibilities under workers’ compensation.
The organization that enforces workers’ compensation laws in Virginia is The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission. The law that outlines Virginia’s workers’ compensation requirements for businesses is the Code of Virginia Title 65.2. Workers’ Compensation.
Learn more about workers’ compensation in Virginia. Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more about workers’ compensation insurance or check your current rate in 3 minutes.
