You don’t go to work expecting to be injured, but workplace and work-related accidents still happen. Injured workers can be left unable to work for long periods and facing massive medical bills. People sometimes even lose their loved ones. If you have been injured on the job, our lawyers can help you with the workers’ compensation claims process in Powder Springs.
The experienced Powder Springs workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition can guide you through the Georgia workers’ compensation laws and claims process to increase your chances of a fair resolution. Contact us today either at 470-518-5026 or online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.
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How Can I Know If My Injury Will Be Covered By Workers’ Comp?
Under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits if you were injured on the job or while engaging in an activity that benefits your employer. The vast majority of such injuries will occur on your employer’s physical property, but this isn’t always the case.
In some instances, you could be injured while running an errand or traveling while representing your employer. If that’s the case, you probably would still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. To receive benefits, you are required to prove the following:
- You were an employee of your employer when the injury occurred
- You were injured at work or while engaging in work-related activities
- Your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance
Common Injuries Covered by Workers’ Compensation
In Georgia, any injury suffered at work should be covered by workers’ compensation. The most common injuries that are covered include but are not limited to:
- Falling objects
- Industrial accidents
- Overexertion or repetitive motion injuries
- Vehicle accidents
- Slip and falls
- Equipment-related injuries
More dangerous jobs such as construction typically have the highest rate of serious workplace injuries. Still, it is worth noting that you can sustain a work-related injury while in any type of employment, including a desk job. Never assume that your injury is not covered simply because you don’t hold a dangerous job.
Injuries Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation
While the vast majority of work injuries are automatically covered via workers’ compensation in Georgia, there are certain situations where your benefits could be either denied completely or at least reduced. Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Failure to use the safety devices provided
- Injuries from engaging in a personal altercation not related to your employment
- Failure to follow safety rules aimed at preventing accidents
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol when the accident happened
- Injuring yourself or providing false information to receive benefits
Obviously, your employer or their insurance provider could always claim that you were engaging in any of the above things when you actually weren’t. If that happens, you need to contact the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition in Powder Springs, GA immediately.
How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?
If you were injured while working in Georgia, it is important to pursue the benefits you are entitled to without delay to avoid being barred by the statute of limitations. The statute of limitation refers to the timeframe within which you are required to bring forth a legal proceeding.
In Georgia, the statute of limitations when it comes to work-related injuries is 1 year from the date of the injury to file your claim for benefits or you risk forfeiting your right to compensation.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?
If you have been injured at work in Georgia, you are entitled to certain rights under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. The Act requires employers to have insurance coverage to provide medical treatment for injuries and weekly disability income benefits aimed at replacing lost wages.
Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia might sound like a simple process, but it is always important to remember that certain steps can go disastrously wrong. That’s why it is always advisable to speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer such as those at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition in Powder Springs, Georgia.
If you have been injured on the job, it is important to know how to properly file a workers’ compensation claim. It is important to follow all the steps below to submit a valid claim. Ensure that you:
Report the Injury
Report the injury to your immediate supervisor, foreperson, or boss within 30 days of the accident. Avoid reporting it later than 30 days after the accident happens since that could mean losing your benefits.
File Your Claim
Obtain a WC-14, which is the official Workers’ Compensation Claim form by writing to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Alternatively, you could always get in touch with the board via phone.
Complete and file your WC-14 form with the Georgia State of Workers’ Compensation. Don’t forget to send a copy of the same form to your employer as well as your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider within 1 year of the accident to claim your rights under the law.
Request a Hearing If Your Claim Is Denied
Keep in mind that Georgia law guarantees you the right to request a hearing in case your claim has been denied. Such hearings are typically scheduled about 2 months after a hearing has been approved, a judge assigned, and the judge has received the completed WC-14 form.
Get Help With the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process in Powder Springs
Employees that are injured at work in Powder Springs, GA have the right to workers’ compensation benefits under the law. Unfortunately, the steps involved in claiming this coverage are usually complex, frustrating, and many claims are often denied.
If you were hurt in a workplace or work-related accident in Powder Springs, GA, you should get in touch with the workers’ compensation lawyers at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition today. We can help you pursue the compensation that you are rightfully entitled to under the law and guide you through the workers’ compensation claims process in Powder Springs.
Call us today at 470-518-5026 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.
