It’s not a guarantee that you’ll receive workers’ compensation benefits after a work injury. Your employer and their insurance company may use various grounds to deny, devalue, or delay your benefits after an injury while on the job. Such actions by employers and insurance companies often lead to workers’ compensation disputes in Redan, Georgia.
If your employer’s insurance carrier has denied your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced Redan workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you throughout the appeals process. Our team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can determine if the insurer acted in bad faith and unfairly denied you the compensation you deserve.
Call 470-518-5026 today to speak to a knowledgeable lawyer about your Redan workers’ compensation dispute. Our legal team can help you gather and analyze relevant evidence to appeal your workers’ comp case. Get started now before Georgia’s statute of limitations catches up. Book your free case review today.
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Causes of Redan Workers’ Compensation Disputes
There are various reasons why employers in Georgia may deny your claim after a workplace injury. If your claim has been denied, a work injury attorney can help you file an appeal. Here are some causes of workers’ disputes in Redan, GA:
Employment Status
Workers’ comp insurance must cover all employees in Georgia. However, independent contractors and subcontractors aren’t covered by this insurance policy. If you are not an employee, your employer’s insurance provider will deny your claim.
Outside Scope of Employment
Your employer and their insurance company would deny your claim if your accident didn’t happen in your workplace. To avoid workers’ compensation disputes in Redan, you must prove your injury occurred during the scope of your work. For instance, you won’t receive compensation for an injury that happened while you were catching up with an old friend in a restaurant during your lunch break.
Lack of Causation
To receive workers’ compensation benefits, you must prove your workplace accident caused your injury. This can be complicated if you have a pre-existing condition. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Redan will use relevant evidence, including medical records and video footage, to prove causation.
Missed Deadline
In Georgia, you must report your work injury within 30 days. If you don’t report your injury to your employer within this period, you won’t be eligible for compensation benefits.
Inadequate Information
If there are no witnesses, your employer’s insurance carrier may dispute your claim. They may even suggest your injury is self-inflicted. Adequate information, including medical records, can help prove your work injury.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in Georgia
Insurance companies make money from insurance premiums. They’ll look for just about any reason to deny your claim. Still, this doesn’t mean that you won’t get any compensation benefits for your work injury in Redan.
If your claim has been denied, reach out to the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition immediately. We will engage with the insurance company to determine if the denial was due to a minor paperwork issue. Our workers’ compensation attorneys will also help you file a formal appeal with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). Once we request a hearing with this board, an informal mediation process will commence resolving your workers’ compensation disputes in Redan.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes in Redan, GA
There are many reasons why workers’ comp disputes happen all over Georgia. Here are some of the most common disputes:
Medical Disputes
These types of disputes arise if an insurance company denies paying all medical expenses for an employee’s work injury. They may also occur if you disagree with the medical opinion of the authorized doctor. Our reliable workers’ compensation law firm in Redan can help you change doctors or request an Independent Medical Exam (IME) to resolve your medical dispute.
Claim Disputes
These are disputes relating to the workers’ compensation claim. They include:
- Compensability: The insurer may argue that you aren’t even eligible to receive any compensation benefits.
- Disability: The insurance company may blame other factors, including pre-existing conditions, for your disability.
- Extent of the Injury: The insurance carrier may argue that some of your injuries weren’t caused by your workplace accident.
- Average Weekly Wage: You may receive indemnity benefits lower than what you are entitled to as your average weekly wage benefits.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute and Appeals Process in Georgia
If you have a workers’ compensation dispute in Redan, GA, you may be able to resolve it to receive maximum compensation benefits. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition’s legal team is well-versed with the appeals process. We will protect your rights and interests, ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
Here’s how the process works in Georgia:
- File a Claim: This is the first step of the appeals process. You must file your comp claim within one year from the date of the work injury. A WC-14 form should be submitted to SBWC within this period.
- Mediation: The next process after filing a claim is an informal mediation session. This stage aims to amicably resolve workers’ compensation disputes before any formal process begins.
- Hearing: If mediation doesn’t work, a workers’ compensation hearing will take place within 60 days.
- Appeals to the Appellate Division: If you disagree with the workers’ compensation hearing, you can appeal your claim to the Appellate Division of SBWC, which must give a ruling within 20 days.
- Court: The final stage of the process is appealing to the Georgia Court of Appeals and then the Georgia Superior Court.
Call Us Now For Legal Assistance
After a work injury, tension can build up between you and your employer. Your employer may dispute your claim and deny paying compensation benefits. If you or your loved one is in such a situation, contact a seasoned workers’ compensation dispute lawyer immediately.
Our team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can guide you on how to deal with your Redan workers’ compensation dispute. Our attorneys won’t allow the insurance company to bully you. We are ready to protect your rights and ensure you get maximum benefits for your medical expenses and lost wages.
Contact us today at 470-518-5026 or online to schedule your free case evaluation. We will help you complete any complicated paperwork and file your claim on time. Our legal team is available 24/7!