Have you sustained an on-the-job injury? As per Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, obtaining these benefits is not a walk in the park. It can be frustrating to pursue these claims because employers and their insurance companies usually make it difficult through delayed payments, claim denials, and low settlement offers. A qualified Jeffersonville workers’ compensation lawyer who understands the Georgia workers’ compensation system can be of great significance in such crucial situations.
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Jeffersonville, GA, we understand the laws and procedures involving workers’ compensation claims. We can assist you in pursuing compensation for whatever type of work-related injuries. We have loads of experience that we can apply to your case. Our Jeffersonville workers’ compensation lawyers are efficient and professional.
Get our legal services by calling the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition attorneys at 470-518-5026 or contact us online.
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What Is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system that provides support for employees or workers who have sustained on-the-job injuries. Georgia employers are legally required to have a workers compensation policy to offer them protection against workers’ compensation claims. A workers’ compensation claim can help you recover:
- Medical and hospital expenses paid for by your employer’s insurance company.
- Weekly wage benefits, including temporary total disability benefit for the statutory amount of time.
- Physical therapy
- Prescriptions
- Necessary mileage expenses.
- Vocational rehabilitation if you need to learn skills for a new capacity or occupation.
Workers’ compensation laws are different across states. That is why you should hire an attorney who specializes in Georgia workers’ compensation laws.
What Should I Do If I Suffer an Injury on the Job?
- Notify your supervisor or employer that you are hurt immediately or before the end of 30 days after your workplace injury so that they can file a First Report of Injury.
- Get medical attention as soon as possible and follow the physician’s instructions to the letter.
- Record your injuries and symptoms in writing and keep the written records safe.
- Photograph your injury or take videos to act as evidence in case you need proof in the future.
- Get a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney to help you file a workers’ compensation claim.
- Rest and recuperate. Let your workers’ compensation attorney handle your legal matters as you rest and recover.
What Are the Most Common On-the-Job Accident Injuries?
Some workplace injuries are more common because they happen across various job environments. Others are only common in certain job industries. But anyone can be injured at work. These are typical on-the-job injuries:
- Back / Neck Injuries: Most employees have to sit at work for prolonged hours. This can cause back and neck injuries.
- Burns: Employees who work with or around fire or heat often suffer burn injuries.
- Fractures: A worker can sustain a fracture if they experience any form of physical trauma. Fractures are not limited to any job industry. An employee may get a fracture from falling, being hit by flying objects, etc.
- Amputations: When workers fail to observe safety in the workplace, they risk suffering freak accidents that may cause limb loss.
- Hearing Loss: Being in a noise-polluted environment constantly can cause an employee hearing problems. Hearing loss often affects individuals whose workplaces are extremely noisy.
- Joint Pain: Standing for too long or carrying heavy loads can strain your joints and cause pain. Joint pain affects workers in most industries.
- Slip and Fall: Employees often slip and fall in the workplace due to wet floors, exposed cords and cables, etc. These types of accidents are common and may cause a variety of injuries.
- Construction Accidents: Construction site accidents are common because of the many hazards that contribute to injury-causing accidents. In these accidents, you may get hurt by a flying or falling object, unguarded machinery or equipment, trip and fall accidents, etc.
- Accidents While Traveling for Business: Workers often get injuries in vehicle accidents while traveling for business. This primarily affects company car drivers and truckers.
- Accidents While Working With Machinery or Tools: However helpful machines and tools are, they can also be dangerous when you don’t observe safety measures.
Why Should I Hire a Jeffersonville Workers’ Comp Lawyer?
Having a Jeffersonville workers’ comp lawyer can make the entire claims process easier and move faster. With the help of an attorney, you can avoid the stress that may arise from attempting to go through the workers’ compensation claims process on your own. Here is why you should hire a workers compensation attorney:
An Attorney Knows and Understands Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers’ compensation law is tricky. Furthermore, your employer’s insurance carrier can take advantage of you and lowball you or unlawfully deny or delay your claim. Your Jeffersonville workers’ compensation attorney is knowledgeable and will fight to ensure the resolution of your claim is just and fair.
Your attorney can also get you more compensation benefits for your on-the-job injuries than you might get without their help. More importantly, your lawyer has your interests, rights and concerns at heart.
A Workers Compensation Attorney Will Negotiate a Fair Settlement
Most insurance carriers will avoid paying you the amount you deserve by trying to lowball you. It takes more than just a good negotiator to get the best possible settlement award. On top of good negotiation skills, you need experience, knowledge, and leverage to get the best possible compensation award – something a Jeffersonville workers’ comp lawyer can offer. Without an attorney, insurance companies can use shady and exploitative tactics. An attorney will go the distance if your case moves to trial.
A Jeffersonville Attorney Can Prevent Retaliation by Your Employer
When you hire a workers’ compensation attorney, your boss and the insurance company are less likely to retaliate. That way, you can live without fear of being discriminated against, fired, demoted, or having your pay reduced.
Attorneys at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Jeffersonville, Georgia, are experienced and ready to help you.
How Much Does a Jeffersonville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost?
A Jeffersonville workers’ compensation attorney will cost nothing upfront. We take cases on contingency. We don’t require retainer or upfront fees to file your claim. Workers’ compensation attorneys receive a percentage of your compensation benefits if we manage to secure money for you. You do not owe us anything if we fail to win your case.
What Should I Do if Insurance Denies My Workers Compensation Claim?
If insurance denies your Jeffersonville workers’ compensation claim, you can appeal with the Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia with the assistance of an attorney.
Employee Responsibilities in Filing a Workers Comp Claim?
As an employee, you have certain responsibilities when filing for workers’ compensation benefits. If you get an on-the-job injury or illness:
- Report the Injury: You are required to promptly report the details of your work-related injury or illness to your supervisor or employer.
- Be Cooperative: During the workers’ compensation claims process, you must cooperate with the case manager, employer, claims manager, and rehabilitation provider to return to work.
- Notify Changes to Contact Details: Employees on workers’ compensation benefits should report any changes to their names and addresses should they remarry or relocate. They should also report any changes to their employment, medical condition, earnings, and bank account details.
- Returning to Work: State laws require you to accept part-time or modified work if your employer can accommodate the restrictions and your authorized doctor allows you to resume work. You risk losing some or all your workers’ compensation benefits by refusing to work light duty.
Employer Responsibilities in the Workers Compensation Process?
Employers have specific responsibilities when an employee files a workers’ compensation claim. They include:
- Filing a First Report of Injury: If an employee sustains a job-related injury or illness, employers must file a First Report of Injury and forward it to their workers’ compensation provider.
- Cooperating With Investigators: Following an on-the-job injury, there must be investigations. Employers must cooperate with the investigators and avail all necessary documents.
- Welcoming Recovered Employees Back: As an employer, you are responsible for allowing employees who have made full recoveries back to work.
- Cooperating With Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Board: It’s your responsibility as an employer to assist Georgia’s workers’ compensation board in avoiding exaggerated or fraudulent claims.
Can I Be Fired For Claiming a Workers Comp Claim?
No. Georgia law doesn’t allow employers to retaliate when an employee claims workers’ compensation benefits. You should be able to continue working without the fear of facing the sack.
Is There a Deadline for Filing Workers Comp Claims in Jeffersonville, Georgia?
Georgia employees have one year from the date of injury to bring a workers’ compensation claim. If you don’t file your claim within this period, you risk losing out on your right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No one bears fault for an on-the-job injury because a no-fault system guides it. Thus, you cannot sue your employer, but you can recoup lost wages, medical benefits and other types of benefits through a workers’ compensation claim.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Comp Claim?
In Georgia, an independent contractor cannot bring a workers’ compensation claim unless they control the time, manner and means of employment.
What Is My Jeffersonville Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
The value of your Jeffersonville Workers Compensation Claim depends primarily on your medical and wage loss replacement benefits. Workers’ comp will pay for:
- Your medical expenses as long as you get medical treatment from your assigned WC physician.
- Any rehabilitation costs
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Prescription medication
- Mileage costs associated with the treatment of your injury or illness. For example, travel costs to and fro doctor’s appointments.
- Wage loss reimbursement benefit. Workers compensation will pay you up to two-thirds of your average weekly income, capped at $575.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): When your authorized treating physician determines that you are permanently partially impaired, you may be eligible for permanent partial disability benefits.
Schedule Your Free Case Review
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Jeffersonville, we have earned the trust of many hardworking Georgia employees through our dedication to quality legal representation in workers’ compensation. Allow our lawyers to use their vast experience and knowledge to pursue your workers’ compensation claim.
Get started today with a free case evaluation. Contact us online or call our Jeffersonville workers’ compensation lawyers at 470-518-5026 to arrange your free case review.
