workplace injuries happen every day throughout Georgia. A workplace accident can result in severe injuries and completely alter your day-to-day life. You may be unable to get back to work after your workplace accident. This may end up affecting your physical health and finances. If you have been hurt while on the job, you should speak to an experienced lawyer regarding legal options in Acworth workers’ compensation disputes.
A competent Acworth workers’ compensation lawyer can protect your rights after a workplace injury. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition will fight to secure maximum benefits in your workers’ compensation dispute in Acworth, GA.
Call 470-518-5026 now to book your free case review. We can help you understand and interpret Georgia’s complex compensation laws. Our knowledgeable legal team will review all the legal aspects of your case and advise you accordingly. Get started now before Georgia’s deadline for filing workers’ compensation disputes runs out.
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Causes of Workers’ Compensation Disputes
To secure compensation after your workplace injury, you must file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer or the employer’s insurance provider. However, there is no guarantee that you’ll receive any benefits after filing your claim. Insurance companies are always looking for reasons to limit or deny claims. Here are some of the leading causes of workers’ compensation disputes in Acworth, GA:
Employment Status
If you are an independent contractor, you may not receive any compensation for a workplace injury. However, you should note that some employers misclassify their employees as independent contractors to avoid paying insurance premiums or due to bias. If your employer has incorrectly classified you as an independent contractor, reach out to an experienced Acworth workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss your legal options immediately.
Outside Scope of Employment
If your employer’s insurer believes a work-related task or activity didn’t cause your injury, they may deny your claim. You require the help of a reputable Acworth law firm to prove your injuries were brought about by workplace-related activities.
Lack of Causation
If you cannot link your injury to a workplace accident, insurance adjusters will deny your claim. At times, insurance companies may require independent medical examinations to prove your injuries occurred at the workplace.
Missed Deadline
In Georgia, you have 30 days from the date of your injury to file your claim. If you miss this deadline, the employer’s insurance company may deny your claim.
Inadequate Information
If you fail to provide relevant documentation to prove your workplace injuries, an insurer may deny your claim. They may also deny your claim if you provide incomplete medical information about your injuries.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in Georgia?
If your claim has been denied, reach out to a reliable workers’ compensation lawyer in Acworth, GA. At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, our attorneys take every case seriously. We will gather evidence, conduct investigations, and offer you sound legal counsel. Our legal team will work tirelessly to resolve your Acworth workers’ compensation disputes. We’ve mastered how the appeals process in Georgia works.
Our respected legal team in Acworth will request a hearing with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) or appeal for a hearing before an administrative law judge. We will build a solid workers’ comp case to prove you deserve maximum compensation for your workplace injury.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes
After a workplace injury, your employer and their insurance company may deny your claim. There are two common types of workers’ compensation disputes between employees and employers or insurance providers in Georgia.
Medical Disputes
These disputes arise from the actual treatment costs of an injured employee. An insurance company may deny paying bills, including surgery expenses, prescriptions, assistive devices, physical therapy, and hospital stays. We will aggressively negotiate with insurance adjusters to ensure you receive a full and fair settlement. If this doesn’t work out, we will appeal the denial.
Claim Disputes
Claims disputes may also arise in a workers’ compensation claim in Acworth, GA. They include the extent of your injury, disability, average weekly wage benefits, and compensability.
You need an experienced lawyer by your side during Acworth workers’ compensation disputes to determine if your employer and the insurance company acted in bad faith.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute and Appeals Process in Georgia
A seasoned Acworth workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the appeals process if your claim has been denied. Here’s how it works in the state of Georgia:
File a Claim
At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we will challenge the denial of your workers’ compensation claim by filing a WC-14 Notice of Claim Form. This should be done within one year from the date of your injury, or one year from the last medical treatment, or two years from your last disability benefit. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you file this claim with the SBWC.
Mediation
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation may request a medication session between you, your employer, and the insurance company. If this isn’t feasible, the hearing phase begins.
Hearing
Our lawyers will present evidence to prove you deserve compensation for your injuries during this stage. The hearing typically takes place in a county courtroom. The judge must rule on the case within 30 days.
Appellate Review
You may appeal the judge’s ruling to the SBWC’s appellate division. They have 20 days to review your appeal once our lawyers file it. After that, they’ll decide after reviewing both parties’ written arguments.
Court
If you are still dissatisfied with the decision, you can appeal to the Georgia Court of Appeals. You can subsequently file your Acworth workers’ compensation dispute at the Georgia Supreme Court. This should be done within 20 days after SBWC’s final decision.
Get Help From an Experienced Acworth Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you’ve been hurt in a workplace accident, you should reach out to a reliable law firm in Acworth, GA.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you secure the compensation you deserve. We can push for maximum compensation and handle appeals. Our lawyers will deal with all settlement talks while you rest and recuperate.
Contact us today to find out if you have a case. We are ready to protect your rights and help you get justice. Call 470-518-5026 now for your free case evaluation.
