A. Any employee who, in the course of employment, is sexually assaulted, as defined in §§ 18.2-61, 18.2-67.1, 18.2-67.3, or § 18.2-67.4, and promptly reports the assault to the appropriate law-enforcement authority, where the nature of such employment substantially increases the risk of such assault, upon a proper showing of damages compensable under this title, shall be deemed to have suffered an injury arising out of the employment and shall have a valid claim for workers' compensation benefits.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of this title, an employee who is sexually assaulted and can identify the attacker may elect to pursue an action-at-law against the attacker, even if the attacker is the assaulted employee's employer or co-employee, for full damages resulting from such assault in lieu of pursuing benefits under this title, and upon repayment of any benefits received under this title.
C. Nothing in this title shall create a remedy for sexual harassment nor shall this title bar any action at law, that might otherwise exist, by an employee who is sexually harassed.
1982, c. 303, § 65.1-23.1; 1986, c. 395; 1988, c. 635; 1991, c. 355; 1992, c. 469.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 65.2 - Workers' Compensation
Chapter 3 - Application and Effect of Title
§ 65.2-300. Presumption of acceptance of provisions of title; exemptions; notice and rejection
§ 65.2-301. Victims of sexual assault
§ 65.2-301.1. Public safety officers
§ 65.2-301.2. Employee classification; disaster; personal protective equipment not considered
§ 65.2-302. Statutory employer
§ 65.2-303. Recovery from subcontractor; proceedings against owner or contractor
§ 65.2-304. Indemnity of principal from subcontractor
§ 65.2-306. When compensation not allowed for injury or death; burden of proof
§ 65.2-307. Employee's rights under Act exclude all others; exception
§ 65.2-308. Discharge of employee for exercising rights prohibited; civil action; relief
§ 65.2-310. Protection of employer when employee sues third party
§ 65.2-311. Expenses and attorney's fees in action under § 65.2-309 or § 65.2-310
§ 65.2-312. False statements, representations, etc., in connection with an award; penalties