In the aftermath of a job-related accident, even the hardest working Georgian may find it impossible to get back on their feet and return to work on their own strength.
That’s why Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation system was set up to make sure that injured workers received certain entitlements after a work-related injury or illness. These entitlements replace the lost income when you are unable to work and help you heal and recover completely as fast as possible.
Injured workers rely on workers’ compensation to make ends meet and pay their bills while they recover and lose out on workdays. After all, these benefits are there to help you relieve some of the financial stress your work-related injury may cause.
Unfortunately, many injured workers will encounter hurdles in their pursuit of compensation, and face workers’ compensation dispute, even when they have a genuine claim. At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we have seen legitimate claims improperly investigated, undervalued, and wrongly denied just because of bad faith or human error.
We understand the toll of work-related injuries and their long-lasting implications. Our McDonough workers’ compensation lawyers have helped countless workers find success in their pursuit for compensation and recovery from devastating injuries.
To find out more about your rights and how we can help with your case, please call 470-518-5026 and receive a free initial consultation from our experienced legal team.
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What is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is state-managed insurance coverage for eligible workers who get hurt or fall sick on the job. Workers’ compensation covers an injured workers’ lost wages and medical costs until they can return to work in exchange for mandatory relinquishment of the worker’s right to file a lawsuit against their employer.
What Should I Do if I Sustain a Work-Related Injury?
When you get hurt on the job, it can be difficult to know the steps to take. If you have suffered an injury at work in McDonough, GA, read to discover the crucial steps to take to ensure your health, safety, and rights are taken care of.
Tell your employer you are hurt
If your injury is not severe and does not require immediate medical attention, notify your employer about the accident and your injury. According to Georgia law, a worker who has suffered a work-related injury has 30 days from the date of the incident to report the injury to their employer.
Seek medical attention
You should seek medical attention as soon as possible after suffering a work-related injury. In many cases, your employer will refer you to an authorized medical provider. Make sure to be honest with your treating physician and follow their instructions.
Document your injury and symptoms, and take photos of your injury
It is necessary to start and keep a record of your injuries and symptoms and, if possible, take photos of your injuries. Doing so will increase the chances of a successful claim.
File a workers’ comp claim with the assistance of a McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer
Before you file your claim for work-related illness or injury, speak with an experienced McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer. Your attorney will help file your claim while avoiding mistakes that could cause a delayed or denied claim.
Rest and recuperate
It is crucial to completely follow the doctor’s instructions and follow through with your treatment to ensure a fast recovery. Don’t return to work until you have a disability rating and medical clearance.
What are the Most Common Work-Related Accidents & Injuries?
According to a report released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 207 worker fatalities in Georgia in 2019. Some of the top 10 common work-related injuries in Georgia include:
- Neck and back injuries from overexertion
- Burns
- Hearing Loss
- Accidents while working with machinery or tools.
- Fractures
- Respiratory problems
- Amputations
- Repetitive motion injuries such as pulled, sprained, or strained muscles
- Slip and Fall
- Traffic accidents while traveling for business
No matter what type of accident or injury you have sustained on the job, you could be entitled to benefits. The best way to determine if your injury is covered under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is to speak with a skilled McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer.
Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition for a free case review.
Why Should I Hire a McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Workers who have been injured or fallen sick on the job need to know their legal responsibilities and rights, as well as those of their employers. Workers need to know their options and how to protect their interests, and retaining an experienced McDonough worker’ compensation lawyer can help you through the claims process.
Below are a few ways a lawyer can help with your workers’ comp case:
- Advise you on your eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits
- Ensure your workers’ comp claim is filed properly and within the set time limits
- Gather important evidence to make your case
- Negotiate a favorable settlement
- Represent you in workers’ compensation hearings or your trial
- Your McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer will make you aware of all your options
How Much Will it Cost You to Hire a McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
At the McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we work for injured workers on a contingency fee basis, which means that our fees are only due if we win your case. Our McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer will only send you a bill if you receive a successful outcome or monetary settlement.
Georgia law sets the amount of the fee, which is usually 25% of your award.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
Injured workers whose claims for workers’ comp benefits are denied have a right to appeal and get their day in court.
If you disagree with the reason(s) for denying your claim, you can appeal your case before an administrative law judge and prove that you deserve to receive entitlements. Injured workers may also request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to appeal a denied claim.
Because of the complexity of these hearings and the strict deadlines, you may wish to consult an experienced McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer.
What are the Employee’s Responsibilities When Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
When an employee is injured in Georgia, they have the following duties and responsibilities in the workers’ comp claim process:
- Obtain medical treatment
- Notify an employer about the accident and injury
- Follow doctor’s instructions
- Attempt to take on a job approved by their treating physician
- Notify employer and their insurance carrier when they can return to work
What Responsibilities Do Employers Have in Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Process?
If a worker falls ill or becomes injured at work, the employer has the responsibility to:
- Provide first aid
- Report the injury to the insurance company in a timely manner
- Support and keep in touch with the injured worker
- Advise injured workers on their obligations
- Provide suitable job options to support the injured employee’s recovery at work or return to work
- Cooperate with all investigative parties, including the McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Can I Be Fired for Claiming Workers’ Comp Benefits?
No – workers who are injured on the job cannot be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim in Georgia. If you fear retaliation for claiming entitlements after a workplace injury, you can lodge a discrimination claim.
Additionally, a McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer from the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can advise you on your rights and what to do next.
Is There a Deadline to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in McDonough, GA?
If you are injured or fall sick on the job, there are important deadlines you must adhere to in order to ensure the best outcome for your claim:
- You must report the accident and injury to your employer or supervisor within 30 days of the injury date.
- You must file your workers’ compensation claim in Georgia within 1 year of your injury.
Bottom line, if you are hurt or fall ill on the job, timing is everything! Call our McDonough workers’ compensation lawyers now to stay on top of all time limits relevant to your case.
Can I Sue My Employer?
No. When workers get hurt or suffer a work-related illness, they can pursue benefits for medical care and lost wages through Georgia’s workers’ compensation system; however, by doing so, they give up their right to sue the employer for personal injury.
Your McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer can explain this more if you have any more questions.
Are Independent Contractors Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
No – According to Georgia law, independent contractors do not qualify to file for workers’ compensation entitlements, and employers are not required to provide coverage for them.
What is My McDonough Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
The value of every workers’ compensation claim in Georgia is different. When considering how much your claim is worth, several factors come into play, including the severity of your injuries, parts of the body affected, and your need for medical treatment.
Your McDonough workers’ compensation lawyers can help you to get the compensation that you deserve.
Typically, workers’ compensation will pay for:
- Your medical treatment (with authorized treating physicians)
- Hospital stays and prescription medication
- Any rehab expenses
- A percentage of your lost wages
- Any necessary travel expenses related to the treatment of your injury
- Your income loss replacement benefit (two-thirds of your average weekly wage with a maximum cap of $675 per week.
- Travel costs related to your treatment
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) & an additional sum of money if the authorized treating physician issues a disability rating in compliance with the American Medical Association Guidelines
Call Our McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today for Your Free Consultation
Any worker who experiences an injury at work in McDonough will naturally have questions regarding how to claim entitlements through Georgia’s workers’ compensation program.
The McDonough workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Coalition have extensive experience representing workers who have suffered work-related injuries or illnesses.
Hardworking Georgians have been counting on our legal team for years to fight for their rights, and you can too! Call us today at 470-518-5026 . The initial consultation is free, and every discussion is personalized.
We’re the experienced, skilled, and fearless McDonough worker’s compensation lawyer and their legal team you want on your side.
