The statutes and regulations that govern workers’ compensation are not inherently complex, but certain insurance providers will take every opportunity to misconstrue the law in an effort to avoid payment. Every day, there are injured employees who have their claims denied for a variety of reasons. That’s where our highly trained team of Redan workers’ compensation lawyers comes into play.
The attorneys at Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition have unique insight into how insurance companies analyze claims and approach litigation. Some have previous experience representing insurance companies while others have spent the majority of their career representing injured victims in cases just like yours.
We are confident that this is the best legal representation available in Redan and any of the surrounding cities. Pick up a phone and call us today at 470-518-5026 if you need help with your workers’ comp claim.
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What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory insurance program designed to provide benefits for injured employees while providing some degree of liability protection to employers. Every business in Georgia that employs at least three workers, including part-time workers, must invest in a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Your coverage begins your very first day of work.
There are a few key types of benefits that are available depending on the details of the claim. They include:
Medical Treatment
The insurance provider will pay for all authorized treatments that are specifically for the injury you received at work. This includes the doctor bills, cost of prescriptions, hospital fees, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and all travel expenses required to receive the treatment.
Disability Benefits
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits are made available on a weekly basis for employees who are unable to return to work because of their injury. These benefits will amount to 2/3rds of your pre-injury weekly wage and are capped at a maximum of $675.00 per week. If you are able to return to work but receive a lower wage, then you will receive a modified weekly benefit amount that reflects your loss of income.
Vocational Rehabilitation Benefits
These are services designed to help disabled workers find gainful employment in competitive fields. It often involves job training, educational programs, counseling, assistance with resumes, and work evaluations.
Death Benefits
In the case of an injury that leads to death, certain benefits will be made available to your dependents. This includes any spouse or children who were reliant on your income. Death benefits may also provide compensation to cover funeral expenses up to a maximum of $7,500.
If you’ve been injured on the job, then you may be eligible for one or more of these benefits. It’s crucial that you report your injury as soon as possible and then contact a Redan workers’ compensation lawyer. Workers’ comp law varies according to state so it is important to work with a local attorney who understands the legal statutes in Georgia.
What Should I Do If I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you’re injured at work in Redan, GA, you need to do the following
Tell Your Employer You Are Hurt
You have a maximum of 30 days to report your injury to your employer. You shouldn’t wait nearly this long. You cannot begin the filing process or receive any benefits until you have reported the injury.
Visit a Doctor as Soon as Possible
Your doctor’s assessment of the injury, its cause, and the required treatment will be very important in determining benefit status. Workers’ comp covers doctor visits with authorized physicians only. Your employer should make a list available with at least six doctors. They may also provide the information for a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization that includes authorized physicians.
Maintain a Written Record of Symptoms
Written records are very helpful when gauging recovery progress and can be useful when applying for specific treatments in the future. You should also preserve any written reports you receive from medical care providers along the way.
Take Photographs of the Injury
Much like written records, photographs can be extremely helpful if a claim or treatment is ever disputed by the insurance provider. You should take photographs of the injury as soon as possible and continue to take photographs as the treatment progresses.
File a Workers’ Comp Claim With the Help of an Attorney
It’s important to begin the filing process as soon as possible. If you want to increase the likelihood that your claim will be approved, then we recommend filing with the help of a certified attorney from the beginning. We can help gather and preserve useful evidence and ensure that documents are properly filed.
Rest and Recuperate
Recovery should be your primary concern following any serious injury. With the assistance of a legal team, you can focus entirely on recuperating instead of burdening yourself with confusing legal processes.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
Some of the most common work-related injuries include:
Amputations
These are most common in workplace accidents that involve heavy machinery. Ongoing disability benefits will be calculated according to the extremity that was amputated. The loss of two major limbs can be classified as a catastrophic accident.
Back/Neck Injuries
These injuries typically occur because of repetitive motions, such as lifting heavy objects on a daily basis. The most severe back injuries can involve the spine and lead to paralysis.
Burns
Burn injuries often result in lifelong scarring and can require ongoing pain management even after medical treatment ends. Burns can result from fire, hot liquids, steam, electricity, friction, radiation, or chemicals.
Construction Accidents
Roughly 20 percent of all workplace fatalities occur in the construction industry. Slips, trips, falls, heavy machinery accidents, chemical poisoning, and repetitive stress injuries are all extremely common in the construction industry.
Fractures
Fractures and broken bones are common dangers in every industry. They are more common and generally more severe in older employees.
Hearing Loss
The loss of hearing and sight are both covered by Georgia workers’ compensation law. It must be shown that the loss of a particular sense was caused by the normal scope of your work.
Joint Pain
Many people suffer from chronic joint pain because of repetitive stress injuries suffered at their place of work. Any medical treatment, physical therapy, or pain management related to this joint pain can be covered by workers’ comp insurance.
Accidents Involving Machinery or Tools
These injuries are common in the construction industry and in warehouses. They can involve the loss of a limb, burns, or the loss of hearing.
Slip & Fall Accidents
These are by far the most common workplace accidents. They can occur in any industry and involve a number of injuries. They most often involve fractures, broken bones, bruises, and cuts.
Accidents While Traveling
Various injuries that could occur while traveling to work conferences or off-site meetings are covered as well. Delivery drivers can also be also hurt in car accidents.
Why Should I Hire a Redan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
There are many reasons why you should work with a professional workers’ comp attorney from the beginning of the process. First and foremost, the insurance provider may attempt to dispute your claim or specific treatment. Working with a Redan workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to.
Lawyers can also help speed up the filing, approval, and settlement process significantly. Finally, there may be a third party liable for your injuries. An attorney can help identify this third party and gather the evidence necessary to pursue compensation.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Redan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Our Redan workers’ compensation lawyers do not require any upfront payments or legal fees. Furthermore, you are only required to pay for your representation if you win your case. This is known as a contingency fee and is calculated as a small percentage of the settlement you receive. There’s no financial risk or obligation involved with contacting our staff for a case evaluation.
What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
Georgia law allows for various stages of appeal if your claim is denied. Your initial appeal will begin with filing a WC-14 form with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. We recommend contacting a professional workers’ comp attorney before you begin the appeal process. You have one year from the injury date to file for an appeal.
What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Georgia workers’ comp law outlines the key responsibilities of all employees who wish to receive workers’ compensation. A few of the most responsibilities include:
- Following safety rules and procedures
- Reporting the accident within 30 days
- Accepting reasonable medical treatment
- Submitting reimbursement claims within one year
- Attempting to work if approved by a physician
- Passing a drug test following an injury
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers’ Compensation Process?
Every employer has specific responsibilities outlined by Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act. They include:
- Having an active workers’ compensation insurance policy that covers all employees
- Making an effort to help the employee return to their previous position
- Maintaining a reasonably safe place of work
- Prompt reporting to the insurance provider and to the employee
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
Absolutely not. It is every employee’s right to file a workers’ compensation claim if they are injured on the job. It is unlawful for your employer to fire you for exercising this right.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Redan, Georgia?
Yes. You have one year from the date of injury to file your claim. If you develop a work-related illness, then you have one year from the date of diagnosis.
Can I Sue My Employer?
In most cases, you will be unable to sue your employer. Workers’ comp laws provide employers with some degree of protection from liability. However, it may be possible to sue a third party depending on the circumstances of the accident. All of these options will be discussed when you contact a workers’ comp attorney.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Comp Claim?
An independent contractor is typically considered self-employed and is not covered by a company’s workers’ compensation insurance policy. There have been cases in Georgia where it was determined that an employee-employer relationship existed even when the worker didn’t receive a standard W2. You can speak with a workers’ comp attorney to determine if you might fit into this category.
What Is My Redan Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Any workers’ comp claim that does not involve the death of the employee will include benefits separated into two categories. The first category covers all medical treatments and related expenses. The second category is a form of income reimbursement for workers who are unable to return to work at full capacity because of their injury.
The overall worth of your claim will involve calculating these benefits for their maximum duration. This is the amount that you may receive during a settlement. Some specific examples include:
- Income Loss Replacement – A weekly compensation equal to 2/3rds of your average weekly income capped at a state maximum of $675. These benefits generally end after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI) or after 400 weeks.
- Medical Bills – The cost of receiving treatment from an authorized physician. It also includes ongoing pain management treatments that can occur after reaching MMI.
- Travel Expenses – The cost of traveling to and from your doctor for approved treatments.
- Prescription Medication – The cost of filling any medications prescribed by your doctor specifically for your workplace injury.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits – An ongoing form of income loss replacement that is calculated using a disability rating provided by your physician. PPD benefits begin after reaching MMI.
Contact Us Today
Every Redan employee has the right to receive benefits if they are injured on the job. Even something as minor as joint pain can be covered if it was caused during the normal scope of your employment. It’s not uncommon for insurance providers to dispute claims in hopes of saving money.
But you can fight back against greedy insurance providers with the help of a professional Redan workers’ compensation lawyer. Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition today at 470-518-5026 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
