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.

Reportar una lesión laboral en Sargent | Revisión de caso gratuita

If you happen to get injured while fulfilling your work duties, you must report the incident to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Georgia’s workers’ comp code of practice can be complicated. Not reporting a work injury in Sargent, GA within due time or correctly may bar you from seeking the benefits you are eligible to receive.

Por otro lado, si emplea los procedimientos de notificación adecuados, se colocará en una mejor posición para recibir un reembolso financiero o beneficios para cubrir los costos médicos y los salarios perdidos mientras se recupera. Sin contar con un asesor legal profesional, puede resultar difícil recibir la máxima indemnización por su reclamo. Contar con un abogado de indemnización laboral de Sargent desde el principio le dará a su caso una mejor base para recibir los beneficios máximos.

Aquí, en la Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition en Sargent, GA, tenemos una amplia experiencia en el manejo de reclamos de indemnización laboral y conocemos los protocolos legales correctos a seguir al reportar una lesión relacionada con el trabajo. Nuestro bufete de abogados ha ayudado a miles de empleados en Sargent, GA a obtener los beneficios que merecen por las lesiones sufridas. Si desea contratar a un abogado de indemnización laboral experimentado y dedicado, llame a nuestras oficinas al 470-518-5026 para recibir una evaluación de su caso de forma gratuita.

¿Cuánto tiempo tengo para reportar una lesión laboral en Sargent, GA?

Según las leyes de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo en Georgia, si ha sido víctima de una lesión laboral, tiene 30 días para reportar el incidente a su empleador. (Por ejemplo, si se lesiona al levantar un objeto pesado, el temporizador comienza a contar de inmediato. Si sufre una lesión por movimientos repetitivos, el plazo comenzará a contar cuando conozca su pronóstico).

Asegúrese de haber reportado la lesión antes de la fecha límite. Si pospone dar el aviso, el empleador y/o la aseguradora pueden alegar que se lesionó en otro lugar que no es el centro de trabajo. Este es un vacío legal en el sistema de indemnización laboral que permite a las aseguradoras librarse de pagar cualquier indemnización. Para que su caso sea sólido y más creíble, reporte la lesión laboral de inmediato.

Hay algunas incidencias en las que un empleador puede alegar que, según la política de la empresa, el plazo requerido para presentar un informe es inferior a los 30 días establecidos por el estado. Es importante tener en cuenta que el límite de tiempo para presentar un reclamo en Georgia no se puede acortar. Si este es el caso, consulte con nosotros en la Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition en Sargent, GA, para ayudar a salvaguardar sus intereses y garantizar que todo cumpla con la ley.

En definitiva, se aconseja reportar su lesión laboral lo antes posible si desea recibir su pago rápidamente.

¿A quién debo reportar una lesión laboral?

Si se lesiona mientras cumple con sus obligaciones en el trabajo en Sargent, GA, es vital que notifique a la(s) persona(s) adecuada(s) dentro del plazo estipulado; de lo contrario, corre el riesgo de perder su reclamo.

Además de su empleador, las personas a las que puede notificar incluyen a su supervisor, capataz o asistente personal del empleador.

Responsabilidades del empleador tras una lesión laboral

Incluso antes de que ocurra la lesión laboral, es responsabilidad del empleador crear un entorno de trabajo seguro para los empleados.

Después de que haya ocurrido el accidente laboral, es deber del empleador asegurarse de que sus empleados reciban atención médica. El empleador tendrá que remitir al empleado lesionado a uno de sus médicos de la lista que estén familiarizados con los procedimientos de indemnización laboral.

Si ocurre un accidente laboral, se requiere que el empleador obtenga la mayor cantidad de información posible sobre el accidente. La ley de Georgia estipula que los empleadores están obligados a notificar a sus aseguradoras sobre las lesiones de los empleados, sin importar lo pequeñas que sean. La información sobre las lesiones de los empleados se envía al proveedor de seguros en el Primer Informe de Lesión.

Después de notificar la lesión laboral en Sargent al proveedor de seguros, este transmitirá la información a la Administración de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (OSHA) en las siguientes 24 horas. Es responsabilidad del empleador asegurarse de que la compañía de seguros esté al tanto.

Responsabilidad del empleado tras una lesión laboral

Estas son las responsabilidades de los empleados después de una lesión laboral.

Reportar la lesión;

Cuando ocurre un percance laboral, hay varios pasos que la persona lesionada debe tomar si desea defender su derecho a solicitar beneficios de indemnización laboral. La primera responsabilidad es reportar la lesión a su empleador de inmediato o antes de que venza el plazo. El plazo para reportar la lesión a su empleador es de 30 días.

Buscar tratamiento médico;

Tras la lesión laboral, el empleado debe priorizar su salud ante todo. Debe buscar atención médica de la lista autorizada de médicos proporcionada por su empleador. Obtener atención médica de un médico no autorizado podría hacerle perder su derecho a recibir cobertura médica por las lesiones sufridas.

Presentar un reclamo;

Para iniciar los procedimientos legales, se requiere que las víctimas de lesiones laborales presenten su reclamo de indemnización laboral ante la Junta de Indemnización Laboral del Estado de Georgia completando el Formulario WC-14. A partir de ahí, el empleado debe enviar una copia del formulario al empleador y a su aseguradora.

Manejar registros;

La documentación que tenga para demostrar la extensión de sus lesiones es clave para recibir el monto máximo compensable. El empleado debe mantener seguros todos los registros pertenecientes a su reclamo de indemnización laboral. Esto incluye el Formulario WC-14 y los registros médicos.

Llámenos hoy mismo al reportar una lesión laboral en Sargent

Tiene derecho a recibir una indemnización completa y justa por cualquier lesión que sufra mientras desempeña sus funciones en el lugar de trabajo. Antes de comenzar su proceso de reclamo en Sargent, GA, es prudente consultar con un abogado de indemnización por accidentes de trabajo experimentado.

Al comunicarse con nosotros en la Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition en Sargent, GA, nuestro equipo de abogados capacitados le ayudará a evitar errores comunes cometidos durante la presentación de un reclamo de indemnización laboral. Hemos ayudado a víctimas de lesiones laborales como usted a recibir millones de dólares en compensación. Por lo tanto, si desea obtener un alivio mental, físico y financiero, comuníquese con nuestras oficinas al 470-518-5026 para obtener información adicional sobre sus opciones legales.

Informar Una Lesión Laboral en Sargent