As a worker in Georgia, you qualify for workers’ compensation on the very first day of your employment, which means that you automatically qualify to receive medical care and treatment if you get injured on your first at work.
However, while workers’ compensation protects your rights as a worker, it still can be hard for you to tell if you have compensable work injuries in Norcross.
It’s worth noting that despite there being workers’ compensation laws in place to protect you, employers, and the companies that insure them, still work hard to ensure that your claim is either denied or that they payout the least amount possible.
To accomplish this, employers and insurance companies will sometimes question the authenticity of your injuries to discredit your claim.
If you’ve been injured while performing your duties at work, a qualified Norcross workers’ comp attorney can help you determine if you qualify to pursue a workers’ injury claim.
For professional counsel and dependable representation, get in touch with the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition today and book a meeting with our legal team to have your claim reviewed for free. Call 470-518-5026 now to speak to a lawyer.
Table of Contents
What Are Compensable Work Injuries in Norcross, Georgia?
In Georgia, workplace injuries are considered to be compensable if they satisfy two conditions:
The Injury Was Caused by the Work You Do
As an injured worker, you have to prove that there’s a connection between injuries sustained and what you do. There has to be what’s known as a cause-and-effect connection. Without it, chances are your claim won’t be valid.
The injury Was Sustained While You Were Performing Your Duties
Injuries sustained while performing your duties at work are considered compensable and you should be eligible to receive benefits and treatment. On the other hand, injuries sustained outside the workplace, like during a coffee break, aren’t compensable since they’re outside the scope of your employment.
However, if you got injured while having lunch with a client, you should receive benefits for your injuries since the meeting was work-related.
Provided that your injuries are a result of either one of these scenarios, you’re free to seek treatment and benefits for your damages.
Common Workplace Injuries in Georgia
All occupations pose different injury risks to workers even though some occupations, like construction, pose greater risks than others. Furthermore, workplace accidents can happen at any time without warning, which is why workers need to be careful while at work by ensuring they follow safety rules to guarantee their wellbeing.
Common injuries sustained by workers in different occupations include:
Back, Head, and Neck Injuries
Back, head, and neck injuries are quite common amongst workers in virtually all occupations and can be caused by anything from being struck by falling objects to auto accidents to a slip and fall accident.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents are amongst the most common accidents in workplaces around the nation and can be caused by anything from uneven cords, scattered debris, poor lighting, and unstable walkways, to icy/wet floors amongst other things.
Common injuries sustained include fractured disks and backbones, broken hands and legs, neck, back, and head injuries, etc.
Amputations
Amputations are often the result of freak workplace accidents and are quite common in environments where heavy equipment and machinery are used.
Hearing Loss
Injuries that involve loss of hearing are common in occupations where loudness and extreme noise are common like in the construction and aviation industries. A common injury many workers in these industries sustain is ruptured eardrums.
Construction Accidents
Construction sites are choke-full of risks that constantly put workers at risk. The problem with construction site injuries is that they tend to be severe, and in some cases, fatal. Common injuries include electrocution, fractures, sprained ankles, broken bones, etc.
Joint Pain
Employees whose work involves lifting heavy things are generally more prone to suffering from joint pain due to overexertion. Common injuries include neck pain, back pain, ankle pain, etc.
Burns
Since some jobs involve working around fires, extreme heat, and harsh chemicals, people who work in such surroundings are more prone to sustaining serious burn injuries, which range from normal burns to chemical burns.
Fractures
Fractures are quite common in virtually all occupations and may be caused by anything from being struck by a heavy object to slipping and falling. Injuries include broken ribs, fractured skulls, broken hands, and legs, etc.
Accidents While Traveling for Business
Business trips also pose a significant risk to workers as they could end up being involved in a hit and run, a car accident, or a plane crash that could cause serious injuries like broken bones, back pain, paralysis, head injuries, or even death, etc.
Accidents While Operating Company Machinery/Tools
Workers who operate heavy machinery and equipment are always at risk of being decapitated or injured. Common injuries include fractured bones, head injuries, severed or broken limbs, etc.
What Compensation Can Workers in Georgia Claim?
As an injured worker who qualifies for workers’ compensation, you are entitled to claim the following things:
- Medical care costs: Covers all the costs related to your treatment, hospital stay, and surgical fees, etc.
- Prescription and medication
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Travel expenses
To have an easier time pursuing benefits and to ensure that you receive maximum compensation, consider retaining the services of a qualified workers’ compensation attorney familiar with Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. Our team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you get the compensation you deserve in Norcross, GA.
How Long Do I Have to File for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
You have one year from the day you got injured or were diagnosed with a work-related ailment to file a compensation claim. Once the statute of limitations comes to an end, you forfeit your right to seek compensation for your injuries.
To ensure that you file your claim on time, hire the services of our workers’ compensation attorneys immediately after sustaining injuries to receive the guidance and counsel you need regarding your workers’ comp case.
Call Our Norcross Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today
Determining which injuries are compensable and which aren’t might seem complicated to someone seeking to know if they have a compensation claim to pursue.
As an injured worker, working with people who understand how Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws work can make things a lot easier for you, especially when it comes to pursuing compensation for your injuries.
At the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we can help you understand the implications of your injuries, how they affect your case, and the best course of action to take going forward.
To learn more about how we can help, get in touch with us today and schedule a no-cost consultation with our legal team for more information. Call 470-518-5026 now to speak to a qualified Norcross workers’ compensation attorney.
