Workers' 
Compensation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Workers' Compensation?
If you are a faculty member, classified staff, or hourly or student worker who is injured on the job, you may be eligible for Workers’ Compensation benefits. State law requires employers to provide employees with necessary protection against work-related accidents and to provide care when injuries occur.

Do I have to report an accident that occurred at work?
Yes.  Please report all work-related injuries/illnesses within 24 hours of their occurrence.

Can I be treated by my PCP?
No. In order to be covered for a work-related injury/disease, you must select a physician from a panel provided by the institution. The third-party administrator may deny the claim if you seek medical treatment from any other physician. 

Who determines if my claim is covered?
A claims examiner from the third-party insurer will investigate your claim to review how the injury occurred and all related medical information. The claims examiner may also ask you to complete a questionnaire and conduct a telephone interview with you, your supervisor, co-workers, and/or witnesses. 

What forms do I need to complete if I am injured on the job?
Please complete an accident report form and a physician selection form in order to file a workers’ compensation claim.

Where do I get the forms?
These forms are available in departments. Departments may obtain additional supplies from the WC office, and online at the VCU Human Resources Forms page. 

Where do I send the completed forms?
Please take the completed forms to VCU Employee Health Services, 1200 East Broad St., West Hospital, 1st Floor, Room 122; or campus mail them to VCU Employee Health Services at P.O. Box 980134.

What medical benefits are covered?
In general, if the law covers a work-related injury/illness, you will receive benefits, payment for loss of wages, and rehabilitation services in some cases. The third-party insurer will pay for one initial visit to any emergency room as well as all medical care deemed necessary by a physician from the institution’s panel.  If you seek medical treatment for the injury/illness from any other physician, the third-party administrator may deny your claim.

How long will I have medical benefits?
In general, we will provide you with medical coverage for a period of up to two years from the date of injury/illness. If you are disabled from work for more than seven calendar days (as determined by the panel physician), you will be eligible to receive medical benefits for as long as necessary. 

How does Workers' Compensation affect the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)?
These two laws may cover employees with an occupational injury/disease. They require supervisors to notify employees of their rights and responsibilities and also allow employees to use workers’ compensation leave concurrently with FMLA leave. 

If I lose time from my job, how will I be compensated?
Salaried employees with a medically certified disability are eligible to receive workers’ compensation leave for up to 92 calendar days.  Once you file a claim, the supervisor may record your time away from the job as workers’ compensation leave.  The Workers’ Compensation office will authorize workers’ compensation leave after you have seen the selected panel physician. 

Hourly workers are also subject to the same seven-day waiting period under the Workers’ Compensation Act before becoming eligible for lost time benefits.  Their compensation is paid directly by the third party administrator. Leave authorizations are not available for hourly employees. 

If my claim is denied, how will this action affect my lost time?
We will notify you if the third-party administrator denies your claim. We will amend your leave records using your available leave.  If you do not have sufficient leave to cover the time missed, you must reimburse the institution for any unauthorized leave time taken. 

If I cannot work my regular shift temporarily, how will this change affect my department?
You must fully comply with the physician's instructions, even if they include working at reduced hours and/or with restrictions (e.g., light duty or modified work). The Act requires departments to attempt to provide you with a job that meets your medical restrictions.