Getting a job-related injury can be very stressful. Not only will you have to miss work and some wages while you are away, but you will also have to deal with medical bills and pressure from the insurance company. Everything can be very chaotic. Fortunately, you do not have to go through all this alone.
Our Carrollton workers’ compensation lawyers can help if you get hurt while on the job. We are well versed in the ins and outs of workers’ compensation law. So whether you have recently sustained a job injury or dealing with a denied claim, we can help navigate these murky waters.
Call 470-518-5026 today to speak with skilled attorneys from the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Carrollton, GA, and find out how we can help with your claim.
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What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a program for helping employees or workers who have sustained job-related injuries recover benefits no matter who was responsible. These benefits are meant to compensate for lost wages and medical expenses.
What Should I Do If I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you sustain an injury on the job, you should take the following measures to protect your right to compensation:
- Tell Your Employer You Are Hurt: Inform your employer, manager, or supervisor as soon as possible so that they can file a workers’ compensation claim with their insurer.
- Get to a doctor as soon as you can and follow your doctor’s instructions: You should see an authorized physician as soon as possible and follow their instructions to the letter.
- Start and keep a written record of your injury and symptoms: Document your injuries and symptoms in writing and keep the records safe.
- Take photographs of your injury, if visible: Take pictures of your injuries in case your employer tries to deny that your injuries were job-related.
- File a workers’ compensation claim: Get a qualified attorney from the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Carrollton, GA, to help you file your claim.
- Rest and recuperate: Let your attorney deal with your case as you recover from your injuries.
Which Workplace Accident Injuries Are Most Common?
No matter the job environment, you can still get an injury whether you are a banker or work in the construction injury. Some job environments pose more risk of injury than others. But anyone can be injured at work. These are typical injuries:
- Back/Neck Injuries: Back and neck injuries tend to affect workers in almost any job environment. For example, some employees may suffer back or neck injuries due to prolonged sitting hours. Other workers may sustain back or neck injuries after falling.
- Hearing Loss: Workers in noise-polluted job environments often suffer hearing loss due to constant exposure to excessive noise.
- Falls from Heights: Employees whose jobs entail climbing elevated places may suffer injuries after falling from heights.
- Slip and Falls: Another common job-related injury involves slipping and falling. These types of injury are so common because it is not limited to any job environment.
- Construction accidents: Construction sites are naturally dangerous. Construction accidents can cause various injuries from electrocution, falls, being hit by falling objects, etc.
- Electrocution: Workers who operate dangerous electrical equipment and machinery tend to suffer electrocution if they fail to follow safety protocols.
- Accidents while traveling for business: Workers and employees who are constantly on the road for business tend to suffer accident injuries.
- Burns: Burn injuries tend to affect employees whose job requires the use of heat like chefs.
- Amputations: Workers who operate machinery and heavy equipment tend to be the victims of freak accidents that often cause limb loss.
- Accidents while working with machinery or tools: These injuries are prevalent and usually occur when the machines or tools malfunction or the worker fails to observe safety protocols.
Why Should I Hire a Carrollton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Georgia law does not require you to get a workers’ compensation attorney. However, hiring a lawyer is a smart move. You are more likely to recover benefits with the help of an attorney than without one. Here is why you should hire a Carrollton workers’ compensation attorney:
- Case Preparation/Filing Claim: A lawyer will handle case preparations from conducting investigations, determining liability, and finally filing the claim on your behalf. They will also make sure your claim is filed before the deadline set by the statute of limitations.
- Settlement Negotiations: An attorney will also deal with all settlement negotiations with the insurance company and get you the best deal possible. Besides, a lawyer can defend you against underhand tactics used by insurers.
- Trial Preparation/Representation: If you don’t settle, an attorney can prepare your case for trial by gathering and organizing evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim and presenting it before a judge or jury.
- Appealing a Denied Claim: A lawyer can also help you file an appeal for a denied claim or an inadequate settlement award.
What Is the Cost of Hiring a Carrollton Workers Compensation Attorney?
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we take cases on contingency. This means that we only get paid if we manage to recoup compensation for you.
How Should I Deal With a Denied Workers Compensation Claim?
If the insurance company denies your claim, do not lose hope just yet. Instead, get a Carrollton workers’ compensation attorney to file an appeal. If your appeal proceeds to a hearing, a judge will decide whether to award or reject your claim after both sides present their case.
What Responsibilities Do Georgia Employees Have in Filing a Workers Comp Claim?
You have the following responsibilities after being hurt on the job:
- Report job-related injuries to their supervisor, manager, or employer within 30 days.
- Accept any reasonable treatment as mandated by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
- Inform the employer or insurance carrier when you are ready to resume work on a part-time or full-time basis.
- Inform the insurer or employer of your new address in case you remarry, relocate, or change your address.
- Attempt a job approved by the assigned workers’ compensation doctor even if it pays less than the previous job.
- If you are denied benefits, file a claim within one year from your appointment with an authorized physician or within two years after your last weekly benefits payment.
- Agree to take a drug test if asked or provide reasonable cause for your refusal.
- Be honest.
What Responsibility Do Georgia Employers Have in the Workers Compensation Process?
Employers are responsible for the following:
- File a First Report of Injury: Georgia employers are required to file and send this report to the assigned WC doctor and the insurance carrier.
- Cooperate With Investigators: Employers must cooperate during investigations and submit all the requested documents.
- Allowing Workers to Return: Employers must recall workers and employees to resume their duties once they are ready.
Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers Compensation Claim?
The law prohibits employers from taking retaliatory action against employees who file workers’ compensation claims.
Is There a Deadline for Filing for Workers’ Comp Benefits in Carrollton, GA?
Injured Georgia employees have one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim to be eligible for receiving compensation or benefits.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No. Since workers’ compensation follows a no-fault system, you cannot sue your employer. However, you can collect benefits for your injuries and lost wages.
Can Independent Contractors in Georgia File a Workers Comp Claim?
In Georgia, an independent contractor cannot file a workers’ compensation claim unless:
- A third party gives them a structured work schedule
- Their working conditions are controlled by someone else
- Another individual, entity, or company dictates how they complete their job
What Is My Carrollton Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
The value of your workers’ compensation claim will mostly depend on two factors; Your medical expenses and lost income or wages. Workers’ compensation will pay for:
- All our medical expenses (with authorized treating physicians).
- Any rehabilitation or therapy costs, such as occupational or physical therapy.
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Prescription medication
- Any necessary travel costs related to the treatment of your injury or illness, such as ambulance rides to mileage to and from follow-up appointments.
- Replacement benefit for your income or wage loss: These benefits will cover your period of temporary disability and will pay for two-thirds of your average weekly wage (with a cap of $575 per week).
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): Your workers’ compensation should pay an additional sum of money if you get a disability rating that complies with the American Medical Association Guidelines from your authorized treating physician.
Contact Our Carrollton Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we can help you pursue workers’ compensation benefits for your job injury. We understand the process quite well, and we can help you navigate the workers’ compensation claims process from start to finish.
If you have any queries about workers’ compensation claims in Georgia, please call us at 470-518-5026 today. The lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Carrollton, GA, have experience dealing with workers’ compensation claims and disputes and are ready to help.
