Workers’ compensation disputes in Douglasville happen after the employer or insurance carrier denied to compensate employees who are injured at work. Just because you are injured in the workplace, you are not automatically entitled to receive workers’ compensation claim benefits. There have been many instances where the employer or his insurance carrier has denied WC benefits or suggested a lower payout to the injured worker. In fact, workers’ compensation laws in Georgia are complex and hard to navigate with professional assistance.
You need to hire a reliable workers’ compensation attorney in Douglasville, Georgia to handle your claim and obtain your rightful dues. Douglasville has its own share of personal injury lawyers but all of these professionals are not created alike. You should do the homework properly before selecting the best candidate to handle your WC claim. The right lawyer should be able to deal with whatever workers’ compensation dispute that arises after filing your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Douglasville, GA is your trusted law firm to handle WC disputes and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries. Our team of workers’ compensation attorneys has dealt with hundreds of workers’ compensation claims in Douglasville in the past and won millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. Your claim is always in safe hands when you rely on us. Contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Douglasville, GA today at 470-518-5026 to handle your workers’ compensation dispute and get the maximum amount of compensation that you rightly deserve.
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Causes of Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Douglasville?
There are reasons for your employer or his insurance carrier to deny part or all of your workers’ compensation claim benefits. Here are some of the most common reasons why your claim benefits could be denied in Douglasville GA:
Accident Happens Outside of work
If your employer claims or proves that your injuries occurred outside the scope of employment, the insurance company can deny or reject your claim.
Failure to Report the Injury to the Employer Before the Deadline
If you don’t report an injury before 30 days, the employer can deny your claim benefits. Even a minor injury should be reported as soon as possible if you plan to claim benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. Regardless of the severity of your injury, make sure you report it within 30 days of the injury to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
Inadequate Information
This is another cause of WC disputes in Douglasville. You should take photos of the accident and keep records of all the details to prove that you were actually injured as a result of a workplace accident. If the employer or his insurance carrier finds that your claim lacks sufficient information to prove the injury, they may reject or deny your claim.
Not Getting Immediate Medical Attention
Seeking immediate medical attention is important when you have been injured at work. Failing to do so not only jeopardizes your own health but runs the risk of your claim being rejected. Your employer can claim that the injuries occurred somewhere else and not while performing your job.
A Pre-Existing Condition
If you fail to disclose any prior existing injuries when you have been injured at work, the insurance company can deny your claim. If you have any prior injuries and they become worse after the accident, you can claim benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. But you should disclose any pre-existing condition in the claim form to avoid a denial.
Failure to Pass a Drug Test
Workers’ compensation benefits are denied if the injured worker was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the accident. The employer may request you to submit an alcohol or drug sample for testing soon after an accident. If you refuse to take the test or fail the test, your claim can be denied or rejected by the insurance company.
What to do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied in Douglasville?
The insurance carrier should provide a valid reason for denying your claim. You have the right to file an appeal before the State Board Of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia. An administrative judge is going to hear your case and decide whether you should receive the benefits or not. The hearing will begin within 60 days after you have submitted the WC-14 Form. You should have a reliable workers’ compensation lawyer by your side when appealing your case. They know how to present the right information to the judge to make your case less stressful or overwhelming. You need to file the claim within one year of the accident to legally obtain workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Douglasville
There are different types of workers’ compensation disputes in the state of Georgia. But the two most common types of disputes that affect an injured employee are medical and claim disputes.
Medical Disputes
Medical disputes involve medical opinions relevant to the treatments of the injured employee. Getting help from an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help speed up the resolving of medical disputes.
Claim Disputes
An attorney can help resolve claim disputes by negotiating with the employer or his insurance carrier. Common claim disputes include weekly wage disputes, compensation disputes, disability, the extent of injury disputes, and more.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute & Appeals Process in Georgia
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied in Georgia, you have the right to appeal the decision. You should file a notice of claim to begin the process. The WC-14 Form should be filed with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia with a copy sent to your employer and his insurance provider. An administrative law judge will take up your appeal within 60 days of submitting it. He or she will make a decision based on the facts presented and the applicable law.
Summarizing Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Douglasville
When you are injured at work in Douglasville, you can claim benefits from workers’ compensation insurance. You should hire the best lawyer in town to handle your claim. Contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Douglasville, GA today at 470-518-5026 to handle your workers’ compensation dispute and get the maximum amount of compensation that you rightly deserve.
