Accidents that happen on the job can have serious consequences, particularly for workers whose injuries prevent them from resuming work indefinitely or temporarily. Workplace injuries in Georgia not only cause physical harm but also may result in costly medical bills and lost income due to time off work.
If you or your loved one has suffered a workplace injury in Carrollton, Georgia, you should consult our Carrollton workers’ compensation lawyers at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. We serve clients throughout Georgia and can help victims of on-the-job accidents pursue the financial compensation they are entitled to. Contact us today at 470-518-5026 for your free case evaluation.
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What Are Compensable Work Injuries in Carrollton, GA?
A workplace injury is “compensable” under Georgia state law if it meets the two requirements below:
The injury “arises out of” the work done: Simply put, there must be some kind of cause-effect relationship between the injury and the nature of your work.
The injury occurred “in the course of” undertaking your work duties: That means that it occurred while you were working or “on the clock” and while you were at your place of work.
What Are Common Compensable Work Injuries?
Common workplace injuries include, but are not limited to:
Amputations
Freak accidents occur fairly regularly in work environments where heavy machinery/equipment is utilized. It isn’t that surprising to see the limbs of employees being ripped off their bodies.
Fractures
Bone fractures are another common workplace injury. Employees can get fractures to the bones in many different ways while at the workplace. Fractures can be caused by slip and fall accidents or being injured by machinery/equipment.
Construction Accidents
Many workplace injuries occur on construction sites. Construction accidents include getting struck by objects, getting caught in-between, falls, electrocution, and usually result in serious injuries and sometimes even death.
Hearing Loss
It is a type of injury commonly associated with the construction industry. Extreme loudness and noise can lead to workers in such environments suffering from hearing loss if they fail to take the right precautions.
Slip and Fall
It is a type of accident that can occur in just about any workplace. It can be caused by wet or icy floors, uneven cords, scattered debris, unstable walking places, or even poor lighting.
Back/Neck Injuries
The vast majority of injuries sustained at work are related to the neck and spine. Employees often sustain back or neck injuries in accidents that occur while carrying out work-related duties.
Burns
In some workplaces, some roles will have you working with extreme heat or fire. Employees that work in such environments often end up suffering from burn injuries while on the job.
Joint Pain
Workers may suffer from joint pain after overexerting themselves during heavy lifting. This is commonly seen in physically demanding jobs.
Accidents While Operating Machinery or Tools
Workers may also get injuries while operating machinery or tools at work. Injuries occur when operators become stuck in the machine, are hit by exposed parts, or flying objects coming from the machines.
Accidents While Traveling for Work-Related Activities
Workers may also sustain injuries while traveling for business purposes. Since such employees are representing the company, that qualifies as a workplace injury.
What Types of Compensation Can You Claim?
If you are an employee that’s injured on the job in Carrollton, GA, the law allows you to recover workers’ compensation benefits. There are generally 4 different categories of benefits that you can claim:
Disability Benefits
If your work-related injury affects your ability to work, you could be eligible for disability benefits via workers’ compensation. The benefits generally fall into 1 of 4 different categories:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): Are benefits that replace lost wages for a limited time in case an employee is unable to work due to injury or illness.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): Are benefits that replace lost income incase the injury or illness cause the employee to work only light-duty or if their working hours are reduced.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): Are benefits paid to workers that suffer some type of permanent physical loss. The injury determines the length of time the benefits are awarded.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Are benefits that take over after the expiry of the TTD or TPD timeline. A physician must declare the employee permanently partially impaired.
Medical Benefits
If you are injured at work and file a workers’ compensation claim, you are entitled to compensation for your medical costs, which include:
- Prescription medications
- Medical tests
- Hospital stays
- Doctor visits
- Physical therapy
- Medical equipment, such as crutches or wheelchairs
- Mileage reimbursement for travel to and from doctor appointments
Any costs that result from your work-related injury should be covered through workers’ compensation. Still, you must see the right medical provider to qualify for compensation.
Rehabilitation Benefits
The work-related injury may prevent you from returning to the same place of employment or position. If that happens, workers’ compensation benefits should help with vocational rehabilitation along with other career support services.
Death Benefits
Nobody ever wants to think about losing their life due to a work-related injury. If it happens, however, you need to be sure that your dependents will be taken care of. Fortunately, workers’ compensation offers death benefits to the deceased worker’s spouse, minor children, and other dependents they may have. Death benefits also cover funeral and burial costs.
How Long Do You Have to File for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
The time limit for filing for workers’ compensation in Georgia is 1 year starting from the date of the accident. Still, it is worth noting that you are required to inform your employer about the injury within 30 days. If a worker loses their life on the job, their spouse or family is required to file a claim for death benefits within 1 year of the death.
Hire the Best Attorneys for Compensable Work Injuries in Carrollton, GA
If you suffer an injury while on the job in Georgia, you are entitled to certain rights under the law. If you consult with our workers’ compensation lawyers, you can better understand the different types and amounts of benefits that you are entitled to.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding compensable work injuries in Carrollton, Georgia, we invite you to schedule a free consultation today with one of our work injury lawyers at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition to learn more about your rights under the law.
