Keys to a Successful Workers’ Compensation Claim

Work injuries come in many forms and severities, but regardless of the injury it takes a toll on the injured worker and their family in some way. Some injuries are small inconveniences while others are catastrophic and have life-changing consequences. Thankfully, injured Atlanta workers can file a claim with the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation to receive compensation for their injuries.   Often times, however, injured workers are nervous about filing a claim or fail to do so correctly. Enlisting the help of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you have a successful claim and receive maximum benefits. A successful claim is possible for most workers and injuries and depends on a few factors.  

Steps to Filing a Successful Workers’ Compensation Claim

  In order to file a successful claim, an injured worker must follow the appropriate steps from the time the injury occurs. A significant number of claims are denied simply because the injured worker did not adhere properly to workers’ compensation guidelines. Each injured worker should make sure to complete all paperwork within the timeframe as well as follow these key steps:    

• Report the Injury to the Employer – Reporting accidents and injuries is a mandatory step in any workers’ compensation claim. It is best to inform management of injury immediately, but a worker must report the injury to their employer within 30 days, or they risk having benefits denied.

     

• Inform All Medical Providers of the Workplace Accident – Workers’ compensation insurance relies heavily on medical records to assess the severity of a worker’s injuries. It is extremely important to fully disclose the accident and how the injury occurred when seeking any type of medical treatment, whether it is for immediate emergency treatment or if you wait a few weeks before visiting a medical facility. Discrepancies between an accident report and initial medical records could create problems for the claim down the line.

     

• Follow Medical Advice/Treatment – When a medical provider gives any type of treatment or orders any tests, it is crucial that the injured worker follow the orders to a T. Ignoring the doctor’s orders may cast doubt on the extent of an injury and cause an insurance adjuster to remove benefits.

     

• Do Not Depend on Advice from the Employer/Insurance Company – Paying workers’ compensation benefits to an injured worker hurts both the employer and insurance provider. Their goal is to get the worker off of workers’ compensation and back on the job as quickly as possible. For this reason it is important to seek advice regarding your injury from an qualified workers’ compensation attorney.

   

Get the Advice You Need Regarding Workers’ Compensation

  Occupational injuries often put the worker and their family in difficult positions, whether minor inconveniences or major expenses. Injured workers deserve to be compensated for their injuries and the last reason anyone should have their claim denied is because they did not adhere to the guidelines. If you are an Atlanta worker that has been injured at work, get the advice you need to file a successful claim. Contact one of the experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at Workers Compensation Lawyers by calling us directly to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney about the specifics of your case. ]]>