If you are injured during the course of your work in Athens, you can claim benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages. These benefits are covered under the workers compensation program. However, there are times when your employer or their insurance provider may file workers’ compensation disputes in Athens in regards to your workers’ compensation claim. What do you do then? Do you give up and pay your expensive medical bills?
There are various reasons why employers dispute compensation claims in Georgia. During such times, you should have an experienced Athens workers compensation disputes lawyer by your side. At Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition, our Athens workers compensation attorneys can offer you world-class legal advice about what to do during your workers’ compensation disputes in Athens. We can build a viable case to compel the insurance company to award you maximum benefits for your workplace injury.
Contact us today at 470-518-5026 to learn more about your legal options. Our lawyers know how insurance companies operate. We’ve been dealing with insurance adjusters for years. We can help you get the compensation you deserve. Get started now before it’s too late!
What are the Causes of Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Athens?
Employers in Georgia must carry workers compensation insurance. This policy protects injured employees at the workplace. However, you aren’t guaranteed to receive benefits after a workplace accident. There are various reasons why an employer may deny your workers comp claim in Athens, GA.
You should be ready to deal with a denial from an insurance company after filing a claim. A knowledgeable workers compensation lawyer in Athens can help you with the appeals process after you receive a letter of denial. Here are some of the reasons for workers compensation disputes in Athens:
Employment Status
If you aren’t a permanent employee, your employer may deny your claim. Workers comp coverage doesn’t include independent contractors or subcontractors from other companies.
Outside Scope of Employment
If the insurance company believes a work-related task didn’t cause your injuries, they can deny your claim. For instance, if you are on work duty delivering a product to a client and you take a detour to a restaurant, if you slip and fall, the insurer may argue the injury was outside the scope of work.
Lack Of Causation
If you have a pre-existing condition, your employer may deny your claim and blame your injury on your pre-existing condition. Still, if you hurt yourself but don’t you can’t link the injury to the workplace, your employer may deny your claim.
Missed Deadline
You should report your workplace injury in Georgia to your employer within 30 days. If you miss the deadline, the insurance company may deny your claim.
Inadequate Information
When filing your claim, you must provide relevant details linking your injury to the workplace accident. Medical records, surveillance footage, or eyewitness statements can help build a strong claim.
What to do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied in Georgia?
You should act fast once your employer denies your claim. Remember, you have the right to appeal the insurance company’s decision. Reach out to a reliable workers compensation lawyer in Athens for sound legal advice after your claim has been denied. At Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition, our lawyers will evaluate the details of your case and determine the benefits you’re entitled to. We will aggressively fight for your rights, ensuring you receive maximum benefits for your injuries.
Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition will also help you file a WC-14 Notice of Claim Form. You have one year from when your workplace accident occurred to file a claim and request a hearing with the State Board of Workers Compensation (SBWC).
What are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Athens?
There are various types of workers’ compensation disputes in Athens, GA. These disputes are raised by aggrieved employees seeking benefits after suffering injuries while on the job. They include:
Medical Disputes
Medical disputes arise when an employer or insurance company denies covering medical expenses, including physical therapy costs, surgery costs, prescription medication, and hospital stays.
Claim Disputes
Various disputes may arise from a workers’ compensation claim in Athens. They include compensability, disability, the severity of the injury, and average weekly wage disputes. You require the help of a reputable Athens law firm to deal with your employer and insurance provider for you to secure a full and fair settlement.
What is the Process of Appealing Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Athens?
You can appeal the decision of an insurance company to deny your claim in Georgia. Their decision isn’t final. Here’s how the appeals process in Georgia works:
File A Claim
The first thing to do when you decide to appeal your denied claim is filing a WC-14 form. This should be done within a year from the date of your workplace injury and submitted to SBWC.
Mediation
An administrative law judge may set up this informal process. Still, the insurance company may reach out to resolve your workers’ compensation disputes in Athens through medication.
Workers Compensation Hearing
A hearing will be scheduled to take place within 60 days if mediation doesn’t work out. The hearing will take place in a Clarke County courtroom. A ruling must be delivered within 30 days.
Appellate Review
If you are dissatisfied with the ruling, you may appeal your claim to the Appellate Division of SBWC. They must deliver their decision within 20 days after you file your appeal.
Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court
The last resort is an appeal to Georgia courts. The Georgia Court of Appeals and Supreme Court will hear and determine your case. An experienced Athens workers compensation appeal lawyer can help you overturn a denial from the insurance company.
Call Our Reliable Attorneys Now To Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Athens
After a workplace injury, you may be entitled to certain benefits. Your employer’s workers compensation policy should pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. Regrettably, your employer and their insurer may deny your claim after a workplace accident.
Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition is ready to help you with your workers compensation disputes in Athens, GA. Contact us now for a free case review. Our legal team won’t rest until we help you get the justice you deserve. Call 470-518-5026 to find out if you have a case.
