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.

Compensación de Trabajadores Máxima Mejora Médica en Woodstock

La máxima mejoría médica es un diagnóstico común en las lesiones laborales y es algo que debe tomarse en serio como cliente. Aquí tiene todo lo que necesita saber sobre un diagnóstico de máxima mejoría médica en Woodstock.

Si se encuentra en una situación como esta, querrá saber cuál es el siguiente paso a seguir. Esta es una situación que probablemente no sabrá cómo manejar y que también puede acarrear graves consecuencias a largo plazo.

For those who want to avoid legal issues associated with compensation later, it’s best to reach out to the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition at 470-518-5026. Our Woodstock workers’ compensation attorneys will take the time to assess your case and move forward with a comprehensive workers’ compensation claim.

¿Qué es la Máxima Mejoría Médica (MMI)?

La máxima mejoría médica es un diagnóstico especializado que otorgan los profesionales médicos una vez que el paciente presenta síntomas no tratables. Esto puede incluir una discapacidad permanente que no va a desaparecer independientemente de los métodos de tratamiento empleados para la situación del paciente.

Esto se ve con frecuencia en accidentes de trabajo, dependiendo de cómo se haya lesionado la persona. Cuando esto sucede, el diagnóstico de MMI lo hace oficial. Esto significa que se ha hecho todo lo posible y que ya nada está funcionando para mejorar la condición más allá del estado en el que se encuentra actualmente.

¿Quién decide cuándo alcanza la máxima mejoría médica?

Debe comprender que cada situación va a ser diferente cuando se trata de un diagnóstico de máxima mejoría médica en Woodstock, Georgia. Sin embargo, lo único que se mantendrá constante es el profesional médico. Va a necesitar a un profesional médico certificado para que le dé el diagnóstico.

Esto se hará mediante un documento oficial que cite lo sucedido y cuáles fueron los métodos de tratamiento. Esta es información clave cuando se trata de sus futuros reclamos en el estado de Georgia.

Para obtener más información sobre lo que esto implica, tómese el tiempo de llamarnos al 470-518-5026.

¿Puede continuar con un plan de tratamiento después de un diagnóstico de MMI?

Cuando llega el momento de realizar un tratamiento médico, querrá saber si debe detenerse o no. En general, puede continuar con el tratamiento médico tal como lo hacía antes de que llegara el diagnóstico de MMI.

La idea es que aún se le puedan tratar los síntomas subyacentes con los que está lidiando debido a la afección. Esto es común, ya que muchas personas se enfrentan a síntomas persistentes que no desaparecen.

Esto puede incluir dolor y/o cualquier otro síntoma que le siga molestando. Si se encuentra en este tipo de situación, la mejor opción es avanzar con el tratamiento y solicitar beneficios de indemnización por accidentes laborales en Georgia.

Para obtener más información sobre lo que esto implica, tómese el tiempo de llamarnos al 470-518-5026.

¿Qué pasa si no puede trabajar al mismo nivel después de un diagnóstico de MMI?

Lo único que querrá considerar será si puede o no trabajar al mismo nivel después de un diagnóstico de MMI.

Este es un detalle que muchos clientes se preguntarán y con toda razón. Cuando se enfrenta a una condición médica que deja síntomas permanentes, se vuelve fundamental conocer cuáles son sus opciones. Esto es imprescindible.

Si no puede trabajar al mismo nivel, querrá presentar una reclamación de indemnización por accidentes laborales en Woodstock. Seremos el bufete de abogados adecuado para sus necesidades al abordar una situación como esta.

Nuestro objetivo será ayudar en cada paso del camino y determinar cuáles son sus opciones legales. Nuestra experiencia se hará evidente cuando llegue el momento de encajar las piezas y comprender mejor lo que se debe hacer a medida que avanza el caso.

Si se encuentra en esta situación, tómese el tiempo de llamarnos al 470-518-5026. Uno de nuestros especialistas legales de confianza comenzará a diseñar una estrategia que se adapte a sus necesidades.

¿Por qué contratar a un abogado de indemnización laboral en Woodstock?

Es esencial elegir un bufete de abogados que no le haga perder el tiempo y se asegure de que las cosas se hagan con mucho esmero. Nuestro objetivo sigue siendo comprender sus necesidades y aportar valor en cada paso del camino. Al optar por nuestro equipo, sentirá que tiene el control de todo.

Este es el beneficio de elegir un bufete de abogados que esté a su lado y vaya a trabajar con usted. Sabemos que este es un diagnóstico difícil y que le generará preguntas. Aquí es donde entran en juego nuestros especialistas legales de Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition.

Nos destacamos por ser un equipo legal calificado y con gran experiencia en este tipo de casos. Debido a nuestra trayectoria en el manejo de estas situaciones, recibirá el asesoramiento jurídico adecuado desde el inicio del proceso. Esto es lo que nos convierte en la mejor opción para sus necesidades a corto y largo plazo como cliente. Si ha recibido un diagnóstico de MMI en Woodstock y desea asistencia inmediata, tómese el tiempo de llamarnos al 470-518-5026.

Obtenga ayuda con su caso de máxima mejoría médica en Woodstock

Los obstáculos asociados con un caso de máxima mejoría médica pueden ser difíciles de identificar. Muchos clientes sentirán aprensión respecto a sus opciones y no sabrán qué dirección tomar. Es por eso que es importante considerar cuáles son sus opciones legales en una situación como esta.

En la Coalición de Abogados de Compensación de Trabajadores, nos enorgullece ofrecer una excelente selección de servicios legales a nuestros clientes. Nos tomaremos el tiempo para entender lo que requiere y cómo procesar el caso para asegurarnos de que su reclamo salga adelante.

Sabemos que esta es una situación que será desafiante y generará varias preguntas. Debido a esto, nuestro objetivo sigue siendo entender lo que busca antes de seguir adelante con una estrategia legal.

Para obtener más información sobre lo que tenemos para ofrecerle, no dude en llamarnos al 470-518-5026.