Anyone in the workplace may suffer work injuries. However, workers in industries like construction, oil and gas, logistics, manufacturing, and agriculture are more prone to sustaining work injuries. Still, work-related injuries aren’t limited to these occupations. They can happen to any employee within the workplace.
All employers in Georgia with three or more employees must possess workers’ compensation insurance. This insurance policy protects employees who sustain work-related injuries. It pays for their medical expenses and lost wages after workplace accidents. Regrettably, not every employee who gets hurt in the workplace receives compensation benefits.
If your employer or insurer has denied your compensation claim in Snellville, GA, you should immediately contact a workers’ compensation attorney. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition is experienced in handling Snellville workers’ compensation disputes. We know all about the tactics and tricks that insurance companies use to deny or limit claims.
Our Snellville workers’ comp lawyers are well-versed with Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. We are ready to fight for your legal rights and secure the medical and financial assistance you deserve. Call 470-518-5026 today to find out if you have a case.
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Causes of Snellville Workers’ Compensation Disputes
Insurance companies always conduct investigations to find reasons to dispute claims. This is how they make money. Your employer’s insurance carrier may have valid reasons for denying your claim. However, there are instances when they can deny your claim without any reasonable basis. Such action may lead to a workers’ compensation dispute in Snellville, GA.
Some of the common causes of disputes include:
Employment Status
In Georgia, workers’ compensation insurance protects employees after work injuries. This insurance coverage doesn’t protect independent contractors or subcontractors. If your employer classifies you as an independent contractor, reach out to a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer in Snellville to help you determine if you’ve been misclassified.
Outside Scope of Employment
If you are hurt while performing duties outside the scope of your employment, you may not be eligible for compensation benefits. For instance, if you are carrying out tasks that aren’t in your job description or if you suffer an illness unrelated to your line of work, the insurance company may argue your injury isn’t covered under your employer’s workers’ comp coverage.
Lack of Causation
To receive compensation benefits in Snellville, Georgia, you must prove your work injury was directly connected to your workplace accident. If there is no proof linking these two aspects, the insurance company may deny your claim. Your employer may also blame your injury on a pre-existing condition. An experienced Snellville workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather and analyze evidence to link your workplace accident to your injury.
Missed Deadline
You should act fast once you are involved in a work-related injury. Remember, you have 30 days to report your work injury to your employer. If you miss this deadline, you will forfeit your right to receive benefits.
Inadequate Information
After a work injury, you should provide all necessary information about the injury to your employer, their insurance company, and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia.
Hiring a reputable workers’ compensation lawyer near Snellville is your best legal recourse if you want to resolve your workers’ compensation dispute. Contact Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition for legal help if you’ve received a letter of denial from your employer’s insurance company.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in Georgia?
You shouldn’t lose hope when an insurance company denies your workers’ comp claim in Georgia. You can appeal and overturn the decision. It’s advisable to hire a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney in Snellville to help you resolve your workers’ compensation dispute. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can guide you throughout the appeals process.
Our legal team will complete and file a Notice of Claim form before it’s too late. You have one year from the date of your workplace accident to file a claim. Our reliable attorneys will make sure we fill out this form without any clerical errors that could jeopardize your claim.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes
Insurance companies may at times make mistakes or act in bad faith. Sometimes, your claim may be approved, but you disagree with the duration, amount, and types of benefits awarded. Insurance adjusters are notorious for devaluing compensation claims. You may also have issues collecting your benefits. Your employer’s insurance provider may delay paying your compensation. Such issues may result in workers’ compensation disputes in Snellville, GA, including:
Medical Disputes
Your employer’s insurance provider is required by Georgia workers’ compensation laws to cover all your medical expenses related to your work injury. Unfortunately, the insurer may deny paying bills associated with your surgery, physical therapy, medications, or assistive devices. They may also delay your payment or offer a lowball settlement for your work injury.
Claim Disputes
These types of disputes are unrelated to your medical bills. Instead, they involve other injustices within your workers’ comp claim. For instance, you can raise a dispute if you are forced to return to work before fully recovering. You may also raise a workers’ compensation dispute if your compensation benefits aren’t based on the actual wage you earn or if you receive a zero-impairment rating.
despite being permanently disabled after a work injury.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute and Appeals Process in Georgia
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you dispute the insurance company’s decision to deny your claim. We are well-versed in the appeals process in Georgia. Our legal team will offer sound legal counsel throughout this process that involves:
- Filing a Notice of Claim form (WC-14 form)
- Mediation between the employee, employer, and insurer’s representatives
- Workers’ compensation hearing that should be held within 60 days
- An appeal before the Appellate Division of the SBWC
- Additional appeals before the Georgia Court of Appeals and then the Georgia Supreme Court, respectively
Contact Us To Resolve Your Snellville Workers’ Compensation Dispute
Workplace accidents happen every day in Georgia. No employee is immune to workplace accidents. Workers’ compensation insurance should cover your medical bills and lost wages after a work injury. Regrettably, not every employee receives workers’ comp after sustaining a work injury.
Without legal representation, you risk losing your compensation benefits. You may be forced to pay for your medical bills after a workplace accident. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you dispute the insurance company’s decision. Our attorneys won’t let your employer or their insurance carrier bully or intimidate you.
Contact us today if you have any questions regarding workers’ compensation disputes in Snellville, GA. We are ready to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. Find out more by scheduling your free initial consultation now.