Who is covered by Virginia Workers Compensation Insurance?
If you’ve been injured at work in Virginia, you are probably wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.In general, if you work for an employer who has three or more employees, you are probably covered under the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.However, there are exceptions.
For some employees, it can be difficult to determine if they are in fact covered by workers’ compensation insurance.Below is a list that summarizes occupations that typically are and are not eligible for Virginia workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident or injury.
Virginia workers eligible for workers’ comp benefits
Part-time employees
Family members working for the employer
Apprentices and trainees (if the training relates to the job)
Officers & employees of the state of Virginia
Local government employees in Virginia
Volunteer police, rescue workers, and firefighters if they receive coverage through the locality where they work or if the volunteer unit provides workers’ comp insurance
Virginia National Guard Members
Virginia State Defense Force members
U.S. Defense Corps of Virginia members
Employees of an independent contractor or subcontractor, if the employees are doing the same sort of work as the individuals contracting for the work
Sole proprietors
Corporate officers
Virginia workers not eligible for workers’ comp benefits
Independent contractors (if properly classified)
Elected state or local officials
Domestic workers
Farm workers (if the employer has only one or two employees)
Railroad workers (for common carriers engaged in interstate / foreign commerce)
Casual workers
Taxicab drivers and executive sedan drivers, if excluded from taxation because of the Federal Unemployment Act
Employees, officers, and directors of non-profit corporations who do not receive compensation
