Virginia Workers’ Compensation Guide 2026

Report the accident immediately and in writing

Virginia Code § 65.2-600 calls for written notice immediately or as soon as practicable. The notice should identify the worker, address, time and place, cause, and nature of the accident and injury. The general outer limit is 30 days, subject to the statute’s reasonable-excuse and employer-prejudice provisions. VWC separately tells workers to report an occupational disease immediately and no later than 60 days from communication.

Keep the written report, delivery proof, photographs, witness details, payroll records, work restrictions, referrals, prescriptions, bills, and travel records. An employer’s First Report of Injury is not the worker’s Claim Form.

File a Claim Form with VWC to protect your rights

For an accident, § 65.2-601 generally bars compensation unless a claim is filed with the Commission within two years. Occupational disease, death, recurrence, and other claims have distinct rules and exceptions. Voluntary medical or wage payments do not replace the worker’s filing.

VWC accepts its Claim Form through WebFile, by mail to 333 E. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23219, by fax to 804-823-6956, or in person at a Commission office. Filing creates a jurisdiction claim number and PIN for online access.

Choose from the employer’s panel of at least three physicians

Under § 65.2-603, the employer must furnish necessary medical attention without charge and provide a panel of at least three physicians. The worker chooses from that panel. Once treatment begins, changing physicians generally requires employer or insurer approval or a Commission order. Emergency care, failure to provide care, and other good reasons can support treatment outside the panel under the statute.

Cooperate with authorized treatment and keep work-status notes current. An unjustified refusal of medical or vocational rehabilitation services can suspend compensation. Necessary claim-related medical care can continue as long as required; the Commission does not schedule appointments and the carrier, not VWC, pays benefits.

Main benefit categories

Review the Virginia Benefits Chart for current rates, schedules, waiting days, mileage, and filing rules.

A carrier denial is not the Commission’s final decision

VWC explains that a denial means the employer or carrier will not pay voluntarily. A worker may request a hearing, where evidence must establish a compensable injury or disease and the claimed disability. If released to light duty and suitable work is unavailable, evidence of active efforts to market remaining capacity can matter.

VWC offers free mediation through Alternative Dispute Resolution and impartial education through Ombudsman Services. Neither substitutes for filing a timely claim or for advice about the worker’s facts.

Practical next steps

1. Report in writing now.Do not wait for the 30-day outer limit.
2. Obtain authorized care.Choose from the panel and save every restriction.
3. File the VWC Claim Form.The employer’s report does not protect your filing deadline.
4. Monitor WebFile and mail.Keep the Commission’s address record current.