Getting injured at work can have devastating consequences to the victim as well as his/her family. Countless doctor visits, medical bills, pain, suffering, and the constant battles with your employer can be quite stressful and shocking at times. On the other hand, claiming disability benefits for your injuries isn’t a smooth process. You should negotiate with your employer’s insurance company to obtain your rightful benefits. Insurance companies will do their best to pay out the least amount of money to workers who are injured at work.
You need to hire the best workers’ compensation attorney in Decatur, Georgia to handle your workers’ compensation claim and obtain disability benefits. With hundreds of personal injury law firms operating in Decatur, how will you select the best WC lawyer? That is where the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Decatur GA comes in handy. We are your trusted personal injury law firm in Decatur to get you the maximum compensation possible.
We have worked with hundreds of similar clients in the past and won millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf. Our experienced personal injury lawyers know the ins and outs of workers’ compensation laws in Georgia. Call us today at 470-518-5026 to claim the maximum disability benefits for your workplace injuries in Decatur, Georgia.
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What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation insurance exists to help injured workers claim their rightful benefits. The system will pay injured workers for medical treatments, lost wages, rehabilitation needs, physiotherapy, and disability benefits. The law covers the injured employee as well as the employer. It shields the employer from liability lawsuits filed by employees who are injured at work. An injured worker will be eligible to receive the following benefits under workers’ compensation law in Georgia:
- Medical expenses and hospital stays
- Prescription drugs, physiotherapy, rehabilitation
- Travel expenses to-from the hospital or doctor’s office
- Disability benefits depending on the extent of the employee’s injuries and how long they take to recover
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt On The Job?
The first step is to seek immediate medical attention depending on the extent of your injuries. Your employer should provide the necessary transportation to take you to an authorized medical center or healthcare provider. The employer will pay for emergency treatments. The most important thing is to follow the instruction of the medical professional as well as the work restrictions given by the employer.
The next step is to notify your employer or immediate supervisor within 30 days of the accident and subsequent injuries. You should remember that delaying to report the incident can affect your ability to claim disability benefits. Don’t forget to keep a written journal of your injuries and symptoms.
Take photos and video the scene of the accident and your visible injuries. It will help you later on when filing the workers’ compensation claim. The final but most important step is to consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Decatur GA to evaluate your claim and recommend the best course of action.
What Are The Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
There are some accidents that are more common in workplaces across Georgia. In fact, workplaces that require more physical labor from their employees tend to have more workplace-related accidents than others. Here are some of the most common workplace injuries in Decatur GA:
- Back injuries
- Neck, shoulder, and knee injuries
- Fractures
- Burns
- Amputations
- Hearing loss and vision loss
- Carpal tunnel
- Occupational illnesses
Why Should I Hire A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer In Decatur?
Even though the workers’ compensation insurance system is designed to compensate injured employees in Decatur GA, it doesn’t mean you can easily claim benefits from the insurance company. Insurance companies will try their best to pay out the least possible amount of money to injured workers.
They will be represented by experienced WC lawyers in Decatur. If you don’t hire the best workers’ compensation lawyer in Decatur GA, you are at a disadvantage of receiving the least possible compensation for your injuries. A good WC lawyer can evaluate your claim and recommend the best course of action to obtain the maximum benefits for your injuries.
Some workers’ compensation claims can be straightforward while some claims can be confusing and complicated. If your claim process becomes more complex, it is in your best interest to work with a reliable workers’ compensation lawyer at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition to get your rightful benefits.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
It doesn’t cost you anything to hire the best WC lawyer at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition because we work on a contingency fee. Our lawyers will charge you only after they win your case. If we don’t win your claim, you don’t have to pay us anything.
What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim Is Denied In Decatur?
You have the right to file an appeal when your WC claim is denied for whatever reason. You can dispute the claim and request for an official hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. An administrative judge will hear your case and make a decision based on your injuries.
The judge will listen to both sides of the case – you and your employer. That is why you need to hire the best workers’ compensation lawyer in town to handle your claim. A good WC lawyer can help you present the information in such a way that you have a higher chance of winning your claim.
What Responsibility Does The Employee Have In Filing a Workers Compensation Claim In Georgia?
The employee has many responsibilities when performing his/her job. If the employee has not adhered to the following responsibilities, his/her claim can be denied even if they are injured while performing their job.
- The employee should follow all written rules and procedures of safety when performing his/her job
- He or she should report the accident to the employer or immediate supervisor within 30 days
- Take immediate medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Submit a drug test after the accident if asked to do so
- File the WC claim within the stipulated time frame in the state
What Responsibility Does An Employer Have In The Workers’ Compensation Process?
The employer is responsible for paying all medical costs, lost wages, and disability benefits through his insurance company when an employee is injured at work. The employer should follow these duties besides providing the injured employee with workers compensation coverage:
- Offer immediate medical treatments to the injured employee
- File and submit a report of the injury to the nearest workers compensation board’s office, and file a copy with their insurance company
- Provide a safe working environment to all employees
- Provide the necessary safety gear to all employees
Can I Be Fired For Claiming A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Georgia is an employment-at-will state. Hence, some workers may try to fire you for filing a WC claim. Unless you have an employment contract, you could be fired for whatever reason including filing a WC claim. Work with a qualified WC lawyer to evaluate your claim and know what you should do in case you are fired by the employer.
Is There A Time Limit To File A Workers’ Compensation Claim In Georgia?
Yes, you have one year from the date of the accident to file your claim. If not, Georgia’s statute of limits will come into effect. Also, you should notify the employer or immediate supervisor about the accident within 30 days.
Can I Sue My Employer?
Yes, if you have a valid claim and the employer denies it, you can sue the employer with the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Decatur GA.
Can An Independent Contractor File A Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Independent contractors are not covered under workers’ compensation insurance in Georgia. There are some situations where an independent contractor may qualify for WC benefits such as:
- Receiving a structured work schedule from a third party
- The company determines the means by which the victim completes the job
What Is My Decatur Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
WC insurance pays for medical expenses and 2/3 of the weekly wage while the injured employee is away from work. Here are some of the WC benefits in Georgia:
- Your medical bills
- Any rehab costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Prescription medication
- Travel expenses related to the treatment of your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) & an additional sum of money if the authorized treating physician issues a disability rating
When you are injured at work in Decatur GA, you are entitled to claim compensation under workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation laws in Georgia are quite complex. You need to hire the best WC lawyer in Decatur GA to handle your claim. With a host of personal injury law firms in Decatur, choosing the best lawyer isn’t easy. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition is your trusted partner to handle your WC claim. Call us today at 470-518-5026 to claim the maximum disability benefits for your workplace injuries in Decatur, Georgia.
