How Long Do You Have to Report a High Fall at Work in Virginia?

 Posted on June 14, 2025 in Workers' Compensation

Falls from heights on the job are not uncommon, especially for industrial and construction workers. These accidents can result in devastating injuries and significant financial losses due to the cost of medical care and lost wages.

Under Virginia law, you have 30 days to file a report with your employer and two years to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, the specifics of your incident can impact when the clock on those deadlines starts to tick. An experienced Front Royal, VA workers’ compensation attorney can help you report your accident and file your claim to ensure you access all available benefits.

What Is the Process for Reporting a Job-Related Injury in Virginia?

According to Virginia law, the 30-day window to report your injury starts from the date of the accident or the date that a doctor informs you that you have a work-related injury. The law also stipulates requirements for what qualifies as a work-related injury:

• It must be due to a specific work activity.

• It must have happened while you were on the job site or at an event related to the job.

• It must have occurred at a specific time. 

The first thing you do after sustaining a workplace injury is to seek medical attention. Falling from a high place typically results in the need for emergency medical care. Next, you should report the accident and injury to your employer as soon as possible.

What Are Some Tips for Reporting a Work-Related Injury To Your Employer?

When filing your report, be as detailed and specific as possible. Consider how the fall occurred, what caused it, and how the outcome has affected you. Be honest about your symptoms and the medical care that you need. The law protects you from retaliation after a workers’ compensation claim. Therefore, do not be afraid to be direct about the medical care you require. Downplaying the severity of your injuries is not good for your claim.

Keep track of your medical visits and expenses. Falling from heights commonly results in severe injuries that require extensive treatment. Each time you have a doctor visit or another expense related to your injury, keep track of the bills.

What Do You Do if You Are Denied Compensation After a Fall at Work in Virginia?

Not all claims are accepted, and cases involving significant injuries and damages can result in a more combative insurer. If your claim is denied, talk to an attorney with experience in workers’ compensation cases. You may be able to file an appeal with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission (VWC) or use mediation to resolve disputes regarding your claim.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Winchester, VA Workers’ Compensation Attorney

The sooner you report a serious fall at work and file for workers’ compensation benefits, the better it will be for your claim. Insurance companies are known to protect their bottom line, but the Haymarket, VA workers’ compensation lawyers at Parthemos, Curran, Buelow and Polizzi, PLLC offer aggressive representation. We have over 120 years of combined experience and use it to ensure our clients can access fair compensation. Call 540-662-4222 to schedule your free consultation today.