Why do you need an attorney?

There are a few reasons why those injured in a Georgia workplace accident should consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney to represent them. First, there are an array of deadlines that must be carefully paid attention to. Missing even one may mean that your claim is barred from court and you lose your ability to collect money for your serious injury. Another reason why an attorney can be of use is that some employers look for ways to deprive workers of the full range of benefits they are entitled to. You may think your employer has done all they can to secure you the compensation you need, but only an experienced workers’ comp lawyer will know whether you are missing out on benefits that you would otherwise be entitled to.

When does an employer have to carry workers' compensation insurance?

Georgia law says that any company that regularly employs three or more people are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. This count includes part-time employees.

What benefits are injured workers entitled to receive?

The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act contains all the necessary rules and regulations pertaining to those injured in a workplace accident. The law says that anyone who has been injured in a workplace accident and who is unable to work is entitled to receive certain benefits. These benefits include payment of two/thirds of your weekly income (not to exceed $550 per week) for up to 400 weeks. In some especially serious cases, those who have suffered truly catastrophic harm may be entitled to receive income benefits for the rest of their life. Additionally, employers are obligated to pay any and all reasonable medical expenses that result from your workplace injury.

What if you have a preexisting injury?

Some people may worry that a preexisting injury will prevent them from filing a successful workers’ comp claim. For instance, someone who had prior back pain may worry that they will be prevented from collecting in a workers’ comp case because the employer may simply blame any medical problems on the prior injury. The good news is that in Georgia, workers are entitled to workers’ comp benefits even if an injury aggravates or exacerbates a preexisting condition. The reality is that many people have preexisting conditions and to exclude everyone who has ever been injured in their life would mean that almost no workers would have protection under the law.

In most cases involving an injury, it matters a great deal who was at fault. For example, in a personal injury case, the very first thing a plaintiff would have to do is demonstrate that the defendant was in some way responsible for the harm suffered by the plaintiff. If the plaintiff were later found to be responsible for some of the harm suffered, he or she could see their claim disappear or the damages reduced by the percentage of their fault. That is not how it workers under the Georgia workers’ compensation system which operates on a no-fault basis.

What does no-fault mean?

In Georgia, the workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, meaning that the employee is not required to establish fault on the part of the employer or another coworker to recover benefits. This makes it dramatically easier to bring a successful workers’ comp claim because injured workers do not have to spend time and energy fighting over who was to blame for a workplace accident.

Does it matter if the injury is your fault?

The short answer to this question is, no, it doesn’t usually matter whether you as the employee caused the workplace accident. For example, if you slipped and fell on wet floor after a machine you were working on leaked water, the fact that you were somewhat responsible for causing your injury would not prevent you from receiving benefits under the Georgia workers’ compensation system. The workers’ comp system is designed to protect all workers, even those responsible for causing their own injuries.

Are there any exceptions?

Though the Georgia workers’ comp system operates on a no-fault basis, there are a few exceptions. The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act clearly states that “No compensation shall be allowed for an injury or death due to intoxication by alcohol or being under the influence of marijuana or a controlled substance.” This means that if a worker is drunk or high at the time of the injury, his or her claim for workers’ comp benefits may be denied. That being said, having drugs or alcohol in your system at the time of an accident is not a guaranteed bar to recovery. If an employee can prove that the accident or injury would have occurred regardless of the intoxication, meaning the intoxication was not the cause of the accident, the claim may be allowed to move forward.

What should you do after an injury?

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident, the very first thing you should do is seek medical care. Injuries, left untreated, can be made worse, increasing your recovery time and potentially leading to complications. Your health is the most important thing and serious injuries need to be addressed as soon as possible.

What happens after receiving medical care?

If your injuries were not severe and you are able to wait, or you already received medical care, the next thing you need to do is report the incident to a supervisor. It’s unfortunate that those injured in a workplace accident aren’t able to just focus on their recovery, but the law says that speedy reporting is essential to a successful workers’ comp claim. If you’ve been injured, you need to report the incident to your employer as soon as you are safely able to do so. This may mean your boss, your foreman, a supervisor; anyone in a position of authority that can initiate the process.

What happens if you wait to report the injury?

Some people may be unaware of the urgency with which injuries need to be reported. In these cases, waiting can prove very costly. Those who have been injured and wait longer than 30 days to report the injury to their employer may actually lose the ability to collect important benefits, including payments for medical care and lost wages.

How long do you have to file a workers’ compensation claim?

In Georgia, the law says that injured workers have one year from the date of their accident to file a notice of claim. In some cases where a worker is able to continue working following the injury this deadline can be extended, but this should always be discussed first with an experienced Georgia workers’ comp attorney who can advise you with more specific detail about the deadlines applicable to your case.

How much is your workers’ compensation claim worth?

You may know someone who was injured on the job and have an idea of how the process works. Many people hope that if someone they know received a sizable payment for a workers’ comp claim that means they are entitled to a similar payment. The reality is that workers’ comp claims vary greatly depending on the particular facts of the case. Every claim is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts. Only after an experienced lawyer has reviewed your case file and familiarized him or herself with the circumstances would they be able to provide an estimate of how much you stand to collect.

What about independent contractors?

Under Georgia law, true independent contractors are not considered employees and are thus not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. The key word in the last sentence is “true” independent contractors. This means that just because an employer labels a worker an independent contractor doesn’t necessarily make it so. If the employer controls the time, manner and means of employment for the worker, then that person will be deemed an employee rather than an independent contractor and will have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits in the event of a workplace injury.

Can you file a personal injury lawsuit as well?

The downside to the easy no-fault workers’ comp system in Georgia is that workers are unable to sue the employer even if the employer is at fault. The workers’ comp system is what’s known as an exclusive remedy for employees against their employers and co-workers. That means if the employer was negligent, the employee will not be able to sue for personal injury. The same goes with coworkers, they too cannot be sued in the event of a workplace accident. That being said, workers are allowed to make claims against third parties who are not coworkers or employers. That means if someone from another company came in and their actions resulted in your injury, you could file a third-party claim for damages in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

Beneficios de indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs: Beneficios de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo disponibles en Sandy Springs

El seguro de indemnización laboral está diseñado para cubrir a los trabajadores contra las pérdidas causadas por accidentes laborales. Su objetivo principal es garantizar que los trabajadores lesionados reciban los beneficios y la atención médica que necesitan para tratar sus lesiones y cubrir facturas y otros costos. Si sufre una lesión o enfermedad debido a su trabajo, puede obtener beneficios de indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs.

En Georgia, los trabajadores lesionados tienen derecho a recibir una indemnización por gastos de tratamiento, salarios perdidos, incapacidad temporal/permanente o fallecimiento. Si bien ese es el caso, vale la pena señalar que la mayoría de los empleadores no están contentos con gastar dinero de la empresa en reclamaciones de indemnización y están dispuestos a hacer todo lo posible para garantizar que una reclamación sea rechazada o que el monto se reduzca.

Dado que los empleadores y las compañías de seguros utilizan una variedad de tácticas para ahorrar dinero, su mejor opción para asegurarse de recibir los máximos beneficios es contar con un abogado de indemnización laboral de Sandy Springs profesional que lo represente.

At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we have experienced attorneys who specialize in helping injured workers receive the benefits they deserve and can help you too! Our attorneys have the skills and experience needed to file and pursue a claim and will fight aggressively to ensure that your case is heard and that you are well compensated for your injuries.

To receive expert legal counsel and representation, call 470-518-5026 now to book a free-of-charge case review and consultation with one of our attorneys.

¿Cuáles son los límites de los beneficios de indemnización laboral en Georgia?

Las leyes de indemnización laboral de Georgia dictan que los beneficios a los que califican los empleados dependen de sus límites de ingresos y otros factores como lo que ganaban antes del incidente y cuándo ocurrió el accidente.

A partir del 1 de julio de 2019, los trabajadores lesionados en Georgia tienen derecho a recibir dos tercios (2/3) de su ingreso semanal con un pago máximo por incapacidad temporal total de $675. El límite para los trabajadores con incapacidad temporal parcial es de $450, mientras que el de incapacidad permanente parcial máxima es de $675

Sin embargo, vale la pena señalar que los límites de ingresos en el estado tienen algunas similitudes. Por ejemplo, los beneficios que se le otorguen también podrían cubrir sus honorarios de servicios legales, gastos de litigio y cargos judiciales. En tales casos, su abogado se centrará, desde el día en que comience la reclamación, en garantizar que los beneficios que reciba incorporen todos los costos.

En general, comprender o determinar los límites de los beneficios al presentar una reclamación de indemnización puede resultar frustrante sin la ayuda de un abogado profesional y competente en indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs, GA. Si se ha lesionado en el trabajo y desea saber cuál es su límite de beneficios, póngase en contacto con Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition.

Tipos de beneficios de indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs, GA

Existen cuatro tipos de beneficios de indemnización laboral otorgados en Georgia, cada uno diferenciado y concedido según la gravedad y la naturaleza de la lesión o la discapacidad resultante. Los beneficios otorgados incluyen:

TTD – Beneficios por incapacidad temporal total

El código 34-9-621 de la ley de indemnización laboral de Georgia dicta que los empleados lesionados califican para la incapacidad temporal total si se están recuperando después del tratamiento pero aún no están en condiciones de reanudar el trabajo. Los beneficios de TTD en Georgia están sujetos a un período de espera de una semana, que puede ser anulado si no hay posibilidad de que el trabajador lesionado se haya recuperado en el plazo de una semana y, por lo tanto, no pueda volver a trabajar.

La incapacidad temporal total en Georgia tiene un pago máximo de $675/semana pagadero durante 400 semanas a partir del día en que ocurrió el accidente. Sin embargo, vale la pena señalar que este período se puede reducir a 52 semanas si se considera que el trabajador está en condiciones de reanudar el trabajo, pero solo si realiza tareas ligeras.

TPD – Beneficios por incapacidad temporal parcial

Los trabajadores lesionados en Georgia califican para beneficios de TPD si el médico tratante determina que sus lesiones o enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo causaron una incapacidad total.

Si bien los trabajadores pueden volver a trabajar después de una lesión con capacidad de tareas ligeras, existe la necesidad de proteger su bienestar financiero considerando que, en tales casos, ganarán menos que antes de lesionarse. Ahí es donde entran en juego los beneficios de TPD.

Los beneficios por incapacidad temporal parcial están diseñados para cubrir la diferencia de ingresos y son pagaderos durante 350 semanas (o más) con un límite semanal máximo de $450.

PPD – Beneficios por incapacidad permanente parcial

Los trabajadores lesionados en Georgia califican para beneficios de PPD solo si el médico tratante determina que su enfermedad o lesión ha alcanzado la máxima mejoría médica (MMI), lo que significa que no pueden mejorar incluso con más tratamiento. Una persona que ha alcanzado la MMI puede tener que vivir con una discapacidad, lidiar con dolor crónico o desfiguración por el resto de su vida.

Los beneficios por incapacidad permanente parcial están destinados generalmente a compensar a los trabajadores lesionados por sus pérdidas y lesiones, y se calculan en función de la gravedad de sus lesiones y las discapacidades resultantes. Los beneficios de PPD son pagaderos durante 200 semanas.

PTD – Beneficios por incapacidad permanente total

Cuando se trata de los beneficios por PTD, existe una «zona gris» que tiende a complicar las cosas, ya que las leyes de Georgia dictan que los reclamantes deben cumplir primero con algunos requisitos, dado que la PTD es un beneficio de por vida. La Incapacidad Total Permanente es una compensación otorgada a los trabajadores lesionados que perdieron los ojos, extremidades o dos o más partes de su cuerpo en un accidente laboral.

¿Cómo se calculan los beneficios de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo en Georgia?

El valor de su reclamo de indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs, GA, se determina por dos factores clave: la gravedad de su lesión o enfermedad y la causa del accidente. Para determinar cuánto vale su reclamo, hay tres cosas que su abogado considerará:

Si trabajó continuamente durante tres meses. Esto les permite calcular su tasa salarial.
Su ingreso semanal promedio, calculando el pago promedio por el trabajo que realizó durante los últimos tres meses antes de lesionarse.
Alternativas para aprovechar la estrategia de la tasa de contratación acordada si ninguna de las dos opciones anteriores se aplica a su situación.

¿Los beneficios de indemnización laboral en Georgia pagan impuestos?

Los beneficios de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo en Georgia, y en todos los estados del país, no están sujetos a impuestos. Sin embargo, vale la pena señalar que su acuerdo sí puede, en algunas situaciones, ser reportado.

Llame a nuestros abogados de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo en Sandy Springs para obtener ayuda

Si se lesiona en el transcurso de su trabajo, puede obtener una indemnización por tratamiento médico y salarios perdidos. Al presentar un reclamo de indemnización laboral, vale la pena señalar que podría enfrentar algunos desafíos que compliquen todo el proceso.

Para comprender más fácilmente para qué beneficios califica y cuánto debe esperar recibir como indemnización por las lesiones sufridas, considere contratar los servicios de un abogado profesional de indemnización laboral.

En Coalición de Abogados de Indemnización Laboral, ¡contamos con abogados competentes y experimentados que se especializan en ayudar a los trabajadores lesionados a obtener los beneficios que necesitan y también pueden ayudarlo a usted! Los abogados son expertos en lo que respecta a las leyes de indemnización laboral de Georgia y pueden ayudar a garantizar que reciba el monto total de los beneficios de indemnización laboral que se merece.

To learn more about workers’ compensation benefits in Sandy Springs or for help filing a workers’ compensation claim, call 470-518-5026 now to set up a free initial consultation with our attorneys.

Beneficios de indemnización laboral en Sandy Springs