Dollar General Employee hospitalized after car drives through building

March 31, 2015- Henrico, Va.

A cashier was hospitalized last Thursday after a car crashed into the Dollar General in the 3800 block of Mechanicsville Turnpike.

According to NBC12 news, a woman accidentally floored her vehicle into the building, striking the cashier, after reportedly backing into another vehicle in the store’s parking lot. The cashier was taken to VCU Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police informed NBC12 that charges are pending against the driver.

Virginians who are injured on the job or during a job-related activity are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Virginia law limits an employee’s right to recover for compensable injuries on the job to the benefits allowed under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Therefore, an employee generally cannot sue their employer for personal injury.

However, when an employee is injured on the job by a negligent third party, the employee may have both a workers’ compensation claim against the employer and a personal injury claim against that third party.

This is important because workers’ compensation benefits do not cover damages for pain and suffering. Rather, workers’ compensation benefits are limited to medical expense coverage, temporary or permanent disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, educational assistance, and death benefits.

If you or a loved one is injured by a negligent third party while at work, it is crucial that you report your injury as soon as possible, but not later than thirty days from the date of the accident. Failure to do so may cause your claim to be denied and your right to compensation and medical care barred.

Dual workers’ compensation and personal injury claims arising out of the same accident can be particularly complex. The attorneys at ReidGoodwin have both the workers’ compensation and personal injury experience necessary to ensure maximum compensation. Contact ReidGoodwin today to schedule your free evaluation.