For those who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses, life immediately changes. In an instant, the future is uncertain and filled with potential hardships. You’re hurt, in pain, confused, scared, and broke. The loss of wages now accompanies your pain and disability. Bills pile up – what are your options?
Workers’ compensation in Georgia provides coverage to help workers injured on the job get back on their feet and return to work. But Georgia’s workers’ comp system is complicated, and many injured employees with valid claims may have their claims denied. Our Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping workers who are hurt on the job get the maximum benefits they need and deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition has provided timely and committed representation to thousands of injured workers across Georgia for decades. We know what it’s like to cope with an injury while at the same time fighting for medical treatment and compensation. Our workers’ comp attorneys will advocate on your behalf throughout the entire claim process, including handling a disputed or denied claim.
There is no initial consultation fee to review your case with our firm and no upfront fees if you hire our lawyers. Call 470-518-5026 today to get started.
Table of Contents
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance put in place to offer protection for both employees and employers. The main objective of the Georgia Workers’ Compensations Act is to provide injured workers with financial assistance in the event of a work-related illness or injury.
What Should I Do If I Suffer an Injury on the Job?
If your injury/disease is related to your work, you’re covered under Georgia workers’ compensation regardless of whose fault caused the accident. Follow the following steps to file your Gainesville work injury claim:
Notify Your Employer
You should notify your employer about the accident and your injuries as soon as possible and provide whatever info is requested of you. Failure to immediately inform your boss of a work accident may result in you not being covered by workers’ comp. Besides, your employer will refer you to a medical care provider.
Get Medical Care and Keep Records of Your Injury
See an authorized physician or medical provider immediately. Describe your injury and symptoms as specifically as you can, and make sure to follow the doctor’s instructions. Delaying medical help could hurt your claim.
If possible, start and keep a record of your injury and symptoms. You should also take photos of your injury if it’s visible.
Let a Lawyer Handle Your Claim While You Recover
File a workers’ comp claim with the assistance of a Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyer. An attorney can advise you, help you submit all required paperwork, and protect your interests.
Injured workers must prioritize their health and wellbeing. While you rest and recuperate, let our lawyer handle all other aspects of your workers’ compensation claim.
What Are the Most Common Work-Related Injuries?
Many workers in Gainesville and throughout the state of Georgia face workplace hazards and too often sustain injuries related to their work. The following are some of the most common workplace injuries we see at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition:
- Fractures
- Back / Neck Injuries
- Fractures
- Burns & electrocutions
- Hearing Loss
- Amputations
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Exposure to toxic material
- Road accidents while traveling for business
- Accidents while using machinery or tools
How Much Does a Gainesville Workers Comp Lawyer Charge?
The Georgia workers’ compensation system can be extremely complicated. You are likely to make mistakes if you attempt to handle everything yourself. Instead, turn to the dedicated Gainesville workers comp lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. Our lawyers can:
- Explain Georgia’s workers’ comp system and the benefits available to you
- Negotiate with your employer’s insurance carrier
- Bring your case before the State Board of Workers Compensation
- Represent you at a hearing
- Identify other liable parties and file a third-party lawsuit if another party was at fault for your injuries
Whatever your industry or the type of injury you suffered, it costs nothing to speak with our lawyers. Our initial consultations are 100% free. We can give you straightforward answers and advice about the next steps for your claim.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
The sad truth is that not all workers’ compensation claims in Georgia are accepted. A denied claim can be scary and discouraging, but it doesn’t have to be the end of the line for your workers’ compensation case. You can still appeal with the State Board of Workers Compensation.
If you have experienced a denied workers’ comp claim, you have a limited window to appeal. Generally, you have 20 days to file a request for a hearing.
Don’t delay! If your claim has been denied, call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition immediately to discuss the next steps. Our lawyers know how to resolve workers’ compensation disputes and denials more favorably.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Employee and Employer in the Workers’ Compensation Claim Process?
Employers and employees in Georgia have rights and responsibilities in filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Employee Responsibilities
If you have a work-related illness or injury:
- Immediately report any work-related accident and injury to your employer or direct supervisor
- Get medical treatment with an authorized physician. If you require emergency medical attention, obtain care first, and then report your injury to your boss as soon as possible after receiving treatment
- Provide all medical records to your supervisor
- Keep the employer informed of your medical progress
- Discuss with your employer about the availability of light-duty work
- Complete required forms on time
- Avoid activities that might aggravate the condition or injury
Employer Responsibilities
Your employer is responsible for the following:
- Complete injury report
- Report employee’s injury to appropriate parties
- Maintain contact with the insurance provider on the employee’s claim
- Establish a timeline and plan for the employee’s return to work
- Return the employee to work or provide suitable alternative duties
Can I Be Fired or Laid Off for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Fortunately, no.
Georgia law prohibits employers from firing injured workers specifically because they filed a claim for workers’ comp benefits, and your boss cannot prevent you from filing a claim by laying you off. If you believe that you’re a victim of such retaliatory action, please get in touch with our Gainesville workers’ comp lawyers.
Are There Time Limits for Filing a Workers Comp Claim in Gainesville, Georgia?
Yes. The clock is ticking on your workers’ compensation claim. If you suffer a work-related disease or injury, you have 30 days from the date of the injury to report the event to your employer and one year to file your workers’ comp claim.
Can I Sue My Employer?
In almost all cases, no.
Injured workers who file for workers’ comp benefit in Georgia CANNOT sue their employers. However, the trade-off in Georgia’s no-fault workers’ comp system is that you can collect benefits even when you at fault for your injuries.
Can Independent Contractors Claim Workers’ Comp Benefits?
If a worker, in fact, an independent contractor, then Georgia does not require the employer to purchase workers’ compensation coverage for the worker.
That said, it can be difficult for you to know if you have been misclassified as an independent contractor. In these circumstances, it’s vital you consult an experienced Gainesville workers’ comp lawyer to understand your rights. Please don’t take your boss by their word. Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition for a free consultation today.
What Is My Gainesville Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
Workers’ comp benefits in Georgia will pay for:
- Your medical expenses (with authorized medical providers)
- Nursing and rehab costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Mileage benefits, i.e., any expenses related to the treatment of your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit (usually two-thirds of your AWW (average weekly wage))
- PPD (Permanent Partial Disability) benefits if provided by an authorized medical provider and is based upon the body part and the workers’ comp rate as provided by Georgia Code (O.C.G.A 34-9-263).
Other factors that could potentially determine how much your claim is worth:
- The salary you were earning
- Which body part was affected
- Your current medical expenses
- Your age
- Your percentage of disability
- Whether or not you can return to work
Remember, amounts recovered through a workers’ comp claim are full and final – meaning you are barred from pursuing any additional money for your injury or condition, even if it worsens later in the future. For this reason, it’s vital that you work with an experienced Gainesville workers’ comp lawyer.
Contact Our Gainesville Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
If you suffered an on-the-job illness or injury, don’t spend valuable time trying to navigate Georgia’s complex workers’ compensation laws alone. Don’t let the stress and anxiety about claiming the benefits you need distract you from focusing on your health and wellbeing.
Trust the experienced and compassionate Gainesville workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition to help you obtain the maximum benefits you deserve.
Call us at 470-518-5026 for prompt, professional, and reliable representation. We offer free initial consultations.
