Have you ever been involved in an accident while at work? If your answer is yes, then you need to know that you have the right to seek compensation for work-related injuries. According to the law in Georgia, employees should be insured for work-related illnesses and injuries. That is why the workers’ compensation insurance policy has been put in place. However, this insurance policy only applies to business owners who have hired no less than two employees.
However, you also need to understand that there are various legal steps that you are required to take in order to seek compensation for work-related injuries or illnesses. The first legal step that you should take is to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Reporting a work injury in Jeffersonville, GA has proved to be a challenge for many employees who have been injured or fallen ill while on duty. For this reason, you should contact our Jeffersonville workers’ compensation lawyers for help. Call 470-518-5026 to schedule your free case review today.
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How Long Do I Have in Reporting a Work Injury in Jeffersonville, GA?
Even though some injuries may take longer to treat, you still have to make sure that you file your claim on time. As an employee in Georgia, you are required to report the work-related injury or illness in less than thirty days. Therefore, make sure that your employer, manager, or supervisor is notified within this period.
The reason why the law requires you to report the matter within 30 days is to give the employer enough time to investigate your injury claim. Reporting your work-related injury immediately will also increase your chances of getting your claim as soon as possible.
Who Do I Have to Report a Work Injury to?
There are certain procedures that an employee is required to follow after sustaining a work-related injury or illness. You also need to understand that both the employer as well as the employee have different procedures that the law requires them to follow when it comes to workplace injury claims. As an employee, it is your responsibility to report the work-related illness or injury to your employer.
You can also report the matter to someone who has been given the same authority as the employer such as a supervisor, manager, or team leader. After reporting the matter, your employer will make sure that you get medical attention.
Employer Responsibilities After a Workplace Injury?
In Georgia, workers’ compensation laws require the employer to fulfill various responsibilities after an employee has been injured while on duty. Some of these responsibilities include providing medical care for the injured employee, report the workplace accident at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) As soon as possible. It is also the responsibility of the employer to do the following:
Notify the Relevant Authorities About the Work Accident
The employer is required by law to notify the relevant authorities about the work accident that the injured employee was involved in. If the accident occurred at a constructions site, the employer should notify the Department of Labor within the given timeframe. After that, the state and health committee will play the role of investigating the matter.
Report the Illness or Injury
Your employer will notify the WSIB of the injured employee’s status and inform the board whether the injured employee is able to recover or not.
Ensure the Employee Receives Employment Contribution Benefits
Besides providing medical care to the injured employee, it is also the responsibility of the employer to ensure that the injured victim continues to receive employment contribution benefits such as health insurance, pension, and even life insurance.
Allow Employee to Resume Work After Full Recovery
The employer is responsible for securing the injured employee’s working position. That means an injured employee cannot be fired for sustain work-related injuries, but he or she can be assigned to a different post with fewer responsibilities.
Employee Responsibilities After a Workplace Injury?
As an injured employee in Jeffersonville, Georgia, the law requires you to fulfill certain responsibilities after being involved in an accident while on duty. Moreover, you must also fulfill these responsibilities if you want to successfully receive the workers’ compensation benefits.
Report the Injury
The first responsibility that an injured employee has is to report the work-related injury or illness. Your employer, supervisor, team leader, or manager, should be the first person to be notified about the accident and injuries sustained by the employee. After writing a report of the incident and submitting it to someone who is in charge, an occupation injury form will be given to you and you will be required to fill it before seeking medical attention.
Get Medical Care
After reporting the matter, make sure that you get medical attention. If necessary book an appointment with a health specialist and get treated for your injuries. After getting treated by the doctor, request a copy of all your medical reports because such documents can be used to support your case when filing for a workers’ compensation claim.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Furthermore, an injured employee must obtain a WC-14 form and make sure that it is correctly filled before submit it to the state’s workers’ compensation board. This particular form must be filled by the employer as well.
Employees are also advised to make sure that they follow the state’s guidelines and instructions when filing for a workers’ compensation claim. An injured employee is also required by law to be honest when making statements. Any misleading or false information used to make such a claim is considered to be an offense and according to the law in Georgia, you can be charged for such an act.
Because of this reason, it is important that consult an experienced legal representative about such a case. The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition will be glad to assist you. Furthermore, we will help you avoid costly mistakes when filing your claim.
Contact Our Jeffersonville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you have sustained an injury while on duty, it is your legal right to seek compensation. You need to follow the right procedures when reporting a work injury in Jeffersonville, GA.
By contacting the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Jeffersonville, Georgia, we can guide you through the legal process of filing your claim after a free case evaluation is done by our team.