If you are hurt in Dublin, Georgia in the course of carrying out your work-related duties, you are allowed to seek compensation for your injuries and losses under the law. The best course of action would be reporting a work injury in Dublin, GA, and filing a claim under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance policy.
If you have been injured while carrying out work-related duties, contact our experienced Dublin workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition to help you pursue the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. Contact us today at 470-518-5026 or online for your free consultation and case review.
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How Long Do You Have for Reporting a Work Injury in Dublin, GA?
Georgia workers’ compensation law requires you to report a workplace injury within 30 days. If you sustain a sudden injury such as hurting your back while you’re lifting a heavy object, the timeline to report the injury starts immediately. If you suffer a repetitive motion injury, the timeline for reporting a work-related injury starts immediately after you learn of your diagnosis.
You need to report your workplace injury promptly. If you delay reporting the injury, your employer may argue that you sustained injuries at home or somewhere other than at work. If you report your workplace injury promptly, you will appear more credible.
Your employer might claim that its rules require that you report your injuries within a shorter period than 30 days as required by Georgia law. However, you need to know that employers cannot legally shorten the time to report your workplace injury.
If your employer denies your claim for not reporting a work-related injury in less than 30 days, you should get in touch with the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition to protect your interests.
Who Do I Have to Report a Workplace Injury To?
If you suffer a workplace injury, you need to report it to your supervisor without delay. Your employer may also have an employee handbook or separate document explaining how to report your injury if injured at your workplace. Failure to report a work injury in Dublin, Georgia to the appropriate person and within the appropriate timeframe may jeopardize your legal rights.
If your supervisor tries to intimidate you so you don’t report a workplace injury, contact our legal team at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition.
Employer Responsibilities After a Workplace Injury
If an employee suffers an injury at the workplace, the Georgia Department of Labor requires the employer to investigate without delay. Facts about the accident should be gathered and made ready for sharing with the insurance company at their request. Employers are also required by law to inform their insurance providers of any injuries to their employees, no matter how minor they are.
It is important to report your workplace injury on time since your employer’s insurance provider cannot pay you benefits if it is not aware of the details of your injury. It is due to this reason that timely filing requirements often have a penalty for lateness.
Once the employer reports the accidents to their insurance provider, the insurer is then required to report the accident or incident to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) within 24 hours.
Employee Responsibilities After a Workplace Injury
If you suffer a workplace injury, you should do the following:
Report to a Supervisor
You should quickly report a work injury in Dublin to your supervisor and preferably in writing. It isn’t sufficient to simply tell a coworker that isn’t a supervisor or manager. If you miss the 30-day deadline for reporting a work injury in Dublin, Georgia, you may lose your opportunity to receive full benefits.
Seek Medical Assistance
If your injury requires emergency medical care, call 911 to receive it. Otherwise, ask your employer for the contact details of approved doctors to schedule an appointment for treatment.
File a Formal Claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
You need to complete form WC-14, file it with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and send a copy to your employer and their insurance provider. The form can be downloaded and completed online or you can request a physical copy from the State Board. Please note that there are some exceptions to this rule that your attorney will discuss with you.
Request a Copy of the Report
Ask your employer to provide a copy of the report they filed with the insurance company. You should also remember to save a copy of the Form WC-14 you filed with the State Board.
Update Your Employer
If your doctor either gives you work restrictions or excuses you from work, get this in writing and give it to your employer. Don’t forget to keep a copy for yourself. If you are excused from work indefinitely, find out how frequently you are expected to call in by your employer and ensure that you comply with those requirements.
Keep the Insurance Provider Informed
Always ensure that the insurance provided is aware of the injury. Employers typically have workers’ compensation insurance with another company that handles the claim. The insurance company cannot help unless it knows about the injury. If you cannot work, ensure that the insurance provider knows that, too.
Hire a Lawyer
If you believe that you need to file a workers’ compensation claim, get in touch with our experienced attorneys at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. We typically don’t charge lawyers’ fees if we are unable to help you receive the full benefits that you are entitled to under the law for your injuries.
Contact Our Dublin Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
Have you been hurt in a workplace accident in Dublin, Georgia? If so, it is important to know your rights as an employee. Workers’ compensation should provide you with the benefits needed to recover from your injuries and resume your work duties.
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition, we can help protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Get in touch with us today either by calling 470-518-5026 or using the online form provided for your free consultation and case evaluation.
