Riverdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Injuries resulting from work-related accidents can take a physical, financial, and emotional toll on you and your loved ones. Time away from work because of disability can lead to uncertainty for the future of your family and significant financial strain. Furthermore, insurance providers often seek to delay, deny, or devalue your case regardless of the severity of your injuries but a Riverdale workers’ compensation lawyer can help you.

If you have suffered a workplace or work-related injury or illness,  the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help. Workplace injuries might be complex, but you can always count on us to recover the compensation you are rightfully entitled to. Contact us today at 470-518-5026 or online to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.

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What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is state-mandated insurance aimed at compensating those injured at work or while engaging in work-related activities. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation requires businesses having 3 or more employees to carry this type of insurance, and that benefits be made available to both minor and part-time employees.

What Should I Do If I’m Hurt on the Job?

Riverdale Workers Compensation Infographic

If you are hurt on the job, here are the steps you should take:

  1. Inform your employer of your workplace or work-related injury or illness without delay so that your employer and their insurance provider don’t deny your claim since it wasn’t reported promptly.
  2. Get to an authorized doctor without delay and follow the doctor’s instructions. When you go to the doctor, it is important to notify them that it is a workplace or work-related injury or illness.
  3. Start and maintain a written record of your symptoms and injuries.
  4. Take photographs of the injury if it is visible.
  5. File a workers’ compensation claim with the assistance of the competent workers’ compensation claim at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Riverdale, Georgia.
  6. Rest and recuperate to allow your workplace or work-related injury or illness to heal.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?

Here are some of the most commonly reported workplace accident injuries in Riverdale, Georgia:

  • Broken bones
  • Neck and head injuries
  • Electrocution
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals or fumes
  • Respiratory problems
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Burns
  • Deafness
  • Crushed limbs
  • Strained, pulled, or strained muscles
  • Back injuries
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Respiratory problems
  • Blindness
  • Cuts, scrapes, and bruises

If you suffer a life-altering injury at work, it is essential that you get the full and fair amount of workers’ compensation benefits possible. Speak with an experienced Riverdale workers’ compensation lawyer at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition immediately. We will ensure that your workers’ compensation claims are submitted on time and backed with the strong evidence required to recover maximum benefits.

Why Should I Hire a Riverdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

You may consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer for a variety of reasons, but the 3 most important ones are:

Gathering Evidence to Make Your Case

If you have a competent Riverdale workers’ compensation lawyer representing you such as those at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, they will ensure that you have all the necessary evidence. Our experienced attorneys know what type of evidence is required to increase your chances of a favorable outcome.

Negotiating a Settlement

Having a lawyer on your side can help you properly estimate the value of your claim and ensure that you recover the maximum compensation amount. Your lawyer will also ensure that the settlement agreement is properly written before signing to avoid unintended consequences later on.

Taking Your Case to Trial

If settlement negotiations fail, your worker’s compensation case will move to the next level, which is a trial. At your trial, your lawyer will present your case backed with the strongest evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony to maximize your chances of a favorable verdict.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Riverdale Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Workers’ compensation lawyers are usually paid on a contingency fee basis. That means that they won’t get paid unless you are awarded benefits from a worker’s compensation judge or the case is settled. The maximum amount that Georgia workers’ compensation lawyers can collect in contingency fees as set by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation is 25%.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you can file a request to have an appeal hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. In that hearing a judge who specializes in workers’ compensation cases hears the claim and decides on your injuries and whether you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation.

Riverdale workers' compensation lawyer

What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Here are the responsibilities of employees with regards to filing workers’ compensation claims:

  • Working responsibly, which refers to abiding by the set safety protocols
  • Reporting the injury to the appropriate authority (supervisor, foreperson, boss, etc.) within at least 30 days of the injury occurring.
  • Seeking immediate medical attention for the workplace or work-related injury or illness
  • Maintaining accurate records (i.e. correspondence and forms) from doctors, workers’ compensation carriers, and lawyers
  • Cooperating with the employer’s insurance provider
  • Acting responsibly after the injury i.e. following the doctor’s orders

What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers’ Compensation Process?

Employers in Riverdale, GA have the following responsibilities in the workers’ compensation process:

  • Carrying workers’ compensation insurance for employees
  • Providing employees with a safe work environment
  • Filing a First Report of Injury and forwarding the document to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier
  • Respecting the rights of employees
  • Cooperating with investigative parties
  • Allowing employees that recover from their injuries or illness to resume their positions
  • Cooperating with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Can I Be Fired for Claiming Workers’ Compensation?

No. Your employer cannot fire you in an attempt to prevent you from either filing a workers’ compensation claim or getting the benefits you are entitled to under the law.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Riverdale, GA?

You generally have 1 year from the date of the injury to file your claim. Missing that deadline means your claim will be barred and this could be devastating for you and your loved ones.

Can I Sue My Employer?

You cannot sue your employer in most cases for a workplace or work-related injury or illness. However, if a third party was responsible for the workplace or work-related accident, it is possible to file a lawsuit against them to recover compensation for your losses.

Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Independent contractors in Georgia aren’t entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, the laws that define independent contractors are complex, and often, even you might not be a regular employee, you could still be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

What Is My Riverdale, GA Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

If you have been injured in a workplace accident in Georgia, you are probably wondering what your claim could be worth. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to provide an accurate figure of what your claim could be worth. Fortunately, you can count on us to take the time to learn the full extent of your injury or illness to determine the most suitable compensation amount to pursue.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation in Georgia is intended to provide workers with benefits no matter what following a workplace or work-related injury or illness. It generally covers 2 broad areas:

Medical Treatment

Medical costs covered under workers’ compensation in Georgia include:

  • Hospital stays
  • Doctor visits
  • X-rays, lab, and other tests
  • Physical therapy
  • Prescription medication
  • Travel to and from medical appointments
  • Physical therapy

Income Benefits If Your Injury Prevents You From Working

Besides medical compensation, you are also entitled to regular payments if your work injury prevents you from working for over 7 days. You can start receiving temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.

TTD benefits provide two-thirds of your average weekly wages or up to $675 weekly. You are eligible to keep receiving TTD benefits until you are able to resume your work duties or 400 weeks have passed.

If you are still able to work but are earning less, you can receive temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. Such benefits are usually equal to two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wages earned prior to and after the workplace or work-related injury.

Contact Us Today

Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Riverdale, GA can be both time-consuming and complex. Furthermore, you are required to meet numerous filing deadlines to ensure that you have access to benefits.

If you feel that you have a valid claim or need help appealing a decision, contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and case evaluation.