Workplace accidents and occupational illnesses are not uncommon in the state of Georgia, and that’s why workers’ compensation is mandatory for any business with three or more employees. Workers’ compensation or workers’ comp is a form of coverage designed to provide monetary benefits to employees who fall sick or get injured while at work so reporting a work injury in Rex is important.
These benefits are meant to cover the lost wages and medical expenses of ill or injured employees who find themselves off their job for a long period. If you fall victim to a workplace accident, it’s important to be aware of these benefits. This entails knowing how to go about the reporting process. Failure to do so, or doing it incorrectly puts you at risk of losing everything you may be eligible for.
Given the seriousness of reporting a work injury, it’s best to get ideal legal representation from a firm like Workers Compensation Lawyers Coalition. Our Rex workers’ compensation lawyers will tell you your legal options and guide you through the claims process. Call us today at 470-518-5026 and schedule a free, no-obligation initial consultation.
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How Long Do I Have to Report a Work Injury in Rex?
In order to receive workers’ comp benefits, you need to follow the state’s work-related injury claims process. This often entails reporting the injury to your employer and filing a claim with their insurance company before the deadline. In Georgia, you have 30 days from the date of injury to notify your employer or supervisor. Next, the employer should notify the insurance company and the state board of workers’ compensation if needed.
If the injury is severe, you should ensure you get the necessary medical attention as soon as possible.
Who Do I Have to Report a Workplace Injury To?
If you fall ill or sustain injury following a workplace accident, it is important that you report the injury or illness to your employer in a timely fashion. If the employer is absent, you should report it to their representative, your supervisor, or foreman.
What Are the Responsibilities of an Employer in a Work-Related Injury?
In the unfortunate event of an employees injury at work, the employer is expected to do the following:
Address the Injury & Safety Issues
After the accident, the first thing is to determine the level of emergency. If the injured requires immediate medical attention, the employer should call 911. If the injury is less severe, the employer should contact one of the approved doctors in their panel of physicians.
Report the Injury to the Insurance Company
The employer should also report the injury to the workers’ comp carrier in a timely fashion. They should provide details about the accident like:
- Date & time of the accident
- Location of the accident
- When they became aware of the injury
- Description of the injury
Assess Workplace Safety & Training Needs
More often than not, work-related accidents call for improved safety measures and/or additional staff training. An employer should work with both the insurance carrier and the state board of workers’ comp to learn the best practices for workplace safety. An excellent way to prevent future accidents is by conducting a safety audit.
Employee Responsibilities Following a Work-Related Injury
After suffering a workplace injury, there are few important things you should do in order to reserve your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Report the Accident
If the injury isn’t severe and does not require immediate medical attention, the first thing should be reporting the work injury in Rex to your employer. Ensure you do this as soon as possible, as you have a maximum of 30 days.
Seek Medical Treatment
This is another important responsibility following a workplace injury. If you fail to seek medical treatment in a timely manner, your employer or their insurance carrier may have legal grounds to claim that your injury isn’t as severe as you claim. To prevent this and increase the chances of getting fairly compensated, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Keep in mind that in order to get compensated, you can only seek medical treatment from a medical care provider in your employer’s panel of physicians list. Seeking treatment from another doctor could see you lose the right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
File a Claim
To recover workers’ comp benefits in Georgia, you’re expected to complete and file a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Ensure you send a copy of the same to your employer and the insurance company.
Keep Records
Another important thing is to keep the different reports in your workers’ compensation claim safe. You should ask your employer for a copy of the report they filed with the insurance carrier. Also, make sure you keep a copy of the Notice of Claim or Form WC-14.
Keep the Employer Up to Date
Last but not least, you should notify your employer or supervisor of any changes or developments in regards to your injury and treatment. An example is when the physician asks to take some time off work or seek more specialized care.
Why Hire a Lawyer When Reporting a Work Injury in Rex?
Before you start the claims process, it is advisable to reach out to a seasoned workers’ comp lawyer. There are numerous pitfalls in the claims process, and an ideal attorney will help you avoid them when reporting a work-related injury in Rex.
Call Our Lawyers Today for Help With Your Claim
Workers’ compensation is a mandatory form of coverage designed to protect workers financially in case of work-related injuries or occupational diseases. Those who sustain injuries or get sick in the course of employment are eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
Workers’ compensation claims are meant to be straightforward, but this is not always the case. This is especially true when employers or their insurance carriers come up with reasons to deny or dispute your claim. With a competent workers’ comp lawyer by your side, however, you will be in a better position to protect your rights and get the desired results when reporting a work injury in Rex, Georgia.
Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition at 470-518-5026 and get the legal representation you deserve.
