Virginia runs a clean, well-documented system through the Workers’ Compensation Commission — with a 30-day notice rule and a hard two-year claim bar every employer should know.

Official Virginia resources

• Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission — the state agency
• Verify an employer’s coverage — NCCI’s verification service for VA
• Employer forms — the VWC’s forms library
• Employer resources — VWC guidance on reporting and compliance

Key employer forms

Virginia’s First Report of Injury (FROI) is filed electronically with the Commission, typically by your carrier, and the VWC’s “Reporting an Accident” guidance walks through the employer sequence. Employee claims are filed with the Commission via its claim forms and online portal (WebFile).

What to do when an employee is injured

1. Get the employee medical care — offer a panel of physicians where applicable
2. Report the injury to your carrier immediately so the FROI is filed with the Commission
3. Document the accident: written statements, witnesses, and the work being performed
4. Register for VWC WebFile to track filings on your claims
5. Calendar the deadlines: 30-day employee notice, two-year claim filing bar

Deadlines that matter

Employees must give written notice within 30 days of the accident (Va. Code § 65.2-600). A claim must be filed with the Commission within two years of the accident or it is forever barred (§ 65.2-601).

For rate context, see Virginia workers’ comp rates, or start with our full Virginia coverage guide. Need proof of coverage for a contract? We issue same-day certificates.

Virginia forms FAQs

How long does an employee have to report an injury in Virginia?

Written notice to the employer within 30 days of the accident, per Va. Code § 65.2-600 — and a claim must be filed with the Commission within two years or it is barred.

How is the First Report of Injury filed in Virginia?

Electronically with the Workers’ Compensation Commission, typically by your insurance carrier after you report the incident. Employers can track claims through VWC WebFile.

How do I check if a Virginia contractor has workers’ comp coverage?

Use NCCI’s coverage verification service (ewccv.com), linked from the VWC — and require certificates naming you as holder on every job.