Workplaces can be safe and secure or have a potential for health risks and safety hazards. But if you have been injured while on the job, it is important that you fully understand what to do next. By understanding the process of reporting a work-related injury in Fairburn, GA you can benefit from workplace compensation benefits that will support you financially until such a time as you are able to resume your regular professional activities.
If you have been injured in a Fairburn Workplace accident, and are unsure of how to proceed or would like professional assistance in pursuing your worker’s compensation, we are here to help. Call Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Fairburn, GA and get professional advice and perspective for your situation.
In the following article we will share with your our expertise on the subject of reporting a work-related injury in Fairburn, GA:
How Long Do I Have In Reporting A Work-Related Injury In Fairburn, GA?
There is a time limit in which you will have complete the process of reporting a work-related injury in Fairburn of your injuries to your employer, so it is important to act fast. This time limit is 30 days from the date of the injury, but we recommend handling this important task as soon as possible. This time frame will allow your employer a chance to investigate the accident and subsequent injuries and make their report to their insurance carrier. If you wait too long and the 30-day time frame expires, you could lose your chance to gain compensation for your injuries.
It is important to note that the 30-day time frame begins from the day you suffered your injuries. But there are also conditions that can be caused by repetitive motion or working in an unhealthy environment. If you are suffering an “occupational” disease or condition, like COPD, you will have 30 days from the date a qualified doctor diagnoses your condition.
As professionals in the worker’s compensation system in Georgia, we recommend that you complete the process of reporting your work-related injury in Fairburn as soon as possible. This way you will collect your benefits before your situation gets desperate or get a head start on finding solutions if you run into obstacles on the way to your rightful compensation.
Who do I Have To Report When it comes to Reporting a Work-Related Injury in Fairburn, GA?
After you have been injured in the workplace, you will need to receive medical attention for the injury as soon as possible and this should be your priority. But as soon as you possibly can, you will want to report the injury to your employer, immediate supervisor or perhaps the foreman of your work location.
While it is not required to submit your report in writing, there are many reasons that a written report is a better idea than simply making a verbal report. Most importantly, a written report provides evidence that the report was made. This can be very important as employers have been known to forget, or deny that any report was made when they are given verbally and a written report is providing proof that this important step in the claims process was taken.
Employer Responsibilities After A Workplace Injury
After learning that their employee was injured on the job, here are some things the employer is required to do:
Seek Medical Attention
The employer should make sure that the injured employee receives proper medical attention
Record and Report the Injury
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that employers keep a log of all accidents that occur in the workplace. If the injury resulted in hospitalization or the death of an employee, the employer must make this report within 8 hours. If the employee suffers an amputation or the loss of an eye, this report must be made within 24 hours.
Report the Injury to the Insurance Carrier
The employer must file the Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease — the WC-1 Form— with their insurance provider. It is required that the employer make this report for all injuries that cause the employer to be released from their work responsibilities for more than 7 days.
The employer has 21 days to make this report from the date they receive the injury report from their injured employee. There are penalties that can be applied against employers who fail to make this report in this 21-day time frame.
Employee’s Responsibilities After a Workplace Accident
Obtain medical treatment
It is essential that the injured employee receive medical attention for their injuries. The employer for the injured employee or their worker’s compensation insurance carrier will pay for these medical expenses even if the employee does not go to one of the approved worker’s compensation doctors. It is very important to follow the recommendations made by your medical professional.
Get list of approved doctors
It will also be important to have your injuries or condition examined by a health care provider on the list of “approved” doctors. If you are not sure where to find one, your employer or the HR department will provide you with this list.
Furthermore, there should be a list posted in full view for all employers to see. If there is a list of approved doctors posted and you do not have your injuries examined by one of these doctors, your employer or the insurance carrier may use this as grounds to deny your compensation.
Report to your Employer
If this doctor excuses you from work, make sure you get this in writing and add this to the report made to your employer. You will also want to ask your employer for a copy of the report they made to their insurance provider to keep with your records.
File Your claim with State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia
Visit the SBWC website and get ahold of the WC-14 form which you will need to fill out and file with the SBWC. You will also need to provide your employer with this form and it is a good idea to keep a third copy for your own records as well. If you have any further questions about this form, call [xxx-xxx-xxxx] and speak with our reputable legal professionals.
Make sure the insurer is informed
Make sure that the insurance provider handling your claims has been notified of your injury. Your employer can provide you with the information needed to contact the claims adjuster handling your case. Make sure that you call and find out if your employer or HR department has filed the claim.
Final Notes on Reporting a Work-Related Injury in Fairburn, GA
Our team of legal professionals at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Fairburn, has over [XX] years of experience handling workplace injuries, occupational diseases and even preexisting conditions and have successfully recovered millions in compensation for our valued clients. Call [xxx-xxx-xxxx] and arrange a totally FREE appointment with our team today. We will look over the details and give you advice on moving on from here.
