Workers’ Compensation Defense
Vandeventer Black’s Workers’ Compensation Defense team works primarily with insurance carriers, mutual associations and self-insured businesses – offering legal defense strategies for both state and federal workers’ compensation claims. We operate on a simple philosophy: Quick and efficient claims resolution. Litigation in this area is expensive and the cost of covering workplace injuries is even more so. As a result, resolution of claims is best accomplished without overt litigation and we, thus, assist our clients in providing recommendations intended to reduce their overall exposure. However, when litigation becomes necessary, we offer an aggressive strategy and have years of successful trial experience in all venues throughout Virginia. We adhere to individual client-generated reporting requirements and we make definitive, logical recommendations to our insurance clients, so they, in turn, can make appropriate recommendations to their clients.
We advise all employers and insurers on the multifaceted aspects of claims filed by injured employees, including disability and employment issues. The workers’ compensation group is a subset of the Employment Law Section with litigators experienced in all administrative agencies and state and federal courts. With six attorneys, at present and a support staff dedicated to workers’ compensation defense, we primarily serve clients throughout the East coast, including North Carolina, New York, the District of Columbia and Florida, as well as Virginia. The depth and experience of the practice extends beyond state workers’ compensation and employment issues. We are renowned in the maritime and shipbuilding industries for our experience and success in Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) defense, and provide legal services across the country on these claims. We are also seasoned in litigating concurrent state and LHWCA claims.
Vandeventer Black’s workers’ compensation team is particularly strong when combined with the firm’s construction, public contracts, shipbuilding and maritime teams. This combination brings value to our clients. We know the trends and unique traits of these very specialized businesses.
Workers’ Compensation Defense Areas
Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act
Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act
Personal Injury Defense
Disability Discrimination
Self-Insured Employers
OSHA Defense
Jones Act Defense
ADA Defense
Workers’ Compensation Defense Group
Workers’ Compensation Defense Publications
>> Preventing Workers' Compensation Fraud by Lisa L. Thatch, May 29,2006
>> Using Pre-Injury Physical Demands Analysis Forms To Determine Whether An Employee Can Return To Full Duty Work by Brian Sykes, May 15, 2006
>> A Valid Panel Of Physicians: Avoiding A Workers’ Compensation Pitfall by Thomas S. Berkley - October 17, 2005
>> Workers’ Compensation Issues: Employer Accident Report by Lisa L. Thatch - October 3, 2005
>> Workers’ Compensation Claims For Psychological and Emotional Disorders by Brian L. Sykes - September 26, 2005
>> Preparation For Workers' Compensation Litigation by Brian L. Sykes - May 16, 2005
>> The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act and The Independent Medical Examination by Adam S. Rafal - April 18, 2005