Work injuries happen every day in the state of Georgia. Employees are entitled to compensation benefits if they are hurt while on the job. Unfortunately, not every employee receives compensation for injuries sustained while at work.
You should reach out to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer if your employer has denied, devalued, or delayed your compensation benefits. Employees have the right to raise workers’ compensation disputes in Stockbridge, GA. A knowledgeable lawyer can help you secure maximum benefits for your workplace accident.
The Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition is ready to look into the details of your workers’ compensation case and advise you accordingly. Our attorneys are prepared to aggressively represent you in your Stockbridge workers’ compensation dispute. Workers’ compensation insurance is meant to reimburse your medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault.
Call 470-518-5026 today to speak to a work injury lawyer about your case. We offer free consultations to all our clients. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.
Table of Contents
Causes of Stockbridge Workers’ Compensation Disputes
After a work injury, there are certain responsibilities that you have as an employee. Disregarding these responsibilities may end up hurting your workers’ compensation claim. For instance, it’s your responsibility to seek medical care immediately after sustaining a work injury.
Workers’ compensation claim disputes in Stockbridge, GA may also arise from insurance bad faith. Insurance companies may at times use blatantly unfair practices to deny workers’ compensation claims. Your employer’s insurance carrier may refuse to pay your claim without conducting proper investigations into your workplace accident or without a reasonable basis.
Here are some of the common causes of workers’ compensation disputes in Stockbridge, GA:
- Employment status issues such as independent contractor, subcontractor, or freelancer classification
- Missed deadlines
- Outside scope of employment
- Lack of causation
- Inadequate information about your workplace injury
It’s important to reach out to a Stockbridge workers’ compensation lawyer if you are having trouble with your workers’ comp claim. Remember, your employer’s insurance provider will look for any reason to limit or deny your claim.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied in Georgia
If your claim has been denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You can request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) to appeal your denied claim. You have one year to file your claim in the state of Georgia.
It’s advisable to begin this process earlier. You can preserve evidence if you appeal the insurer’s decision soon enough. Still, the appeals process typically takes a long time. Filing your appeal as early as possible ensures your lawyer can gather relevant evidence to build a strong case.
You need the legal help of a reliable law firm in Stockbridge, GA, to help you secure maximum compensation benefits. By working with the experienced legal team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition, you can rest assured that our attorneys know how to go about the appeals process in Georgia. We will professionally handle your workers’ compensation dispute and protect your rights every step of the way.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Disputes
The Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition is ready to help you once your employer and their insurance carrier have denied your claim. There are various reasons why these parties may deny your compensation claim after a work-related accident. Your Stockbridge work injury lawyer can advise you on the best way forward during a workers’ compensation dispute.
Here are the types of disputes that may arise during workers’ compensation cases:
Medical Disputes
In Georgia, insurance companies must cover 100% of the medical costs associated with work injuries. Medical disputes may arise if:
- You have a pre-existing medical condition
- You didn’t seek medical treatment from an authorized physician
- You didn’t follow the physician’s orders
- Investigations reveal your injuries are self-inflicted
- Your injury was caused by gross negligence or misconduct such as operating machinery while intoxicated
Claim Disputes
These disputes are related to workers’ compensation claims. They may arise if:
- Your injury isn’t related to the scope of your work.
- You failed to inform your supervisor about your injury within 30 days.
- You didn’t file an appeal with the SBWC within one year from the date of your accident.
If you are facing a medical or claim dispute, contact the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition today for a free case review. There are times when a workers’ compensation dispute may simply arise from clerical errors when filing for compensation. Let us offer you legal assistance to resolve your dispute.
Workers’ Compensation Dispute and Appeals Process in Georgia
Workers’ compensation insurance covers all employees in Georgia. This insurance policy pays for compensation benefits, including medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages after a workplace accident. If your employer or their insurance carrier bars you from receiving these benefits, you can file a dispute to kickstart the appeals process.
Here’s how the process works in Georgia:
- File a Claim: A knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer in Stockbridge, GA, can help you complete the WC-14 form and request a hearing before the SBWC.
- Mediation: This is an informal session between you and your employer and the insurance adjusters. Most workers’ compensation disputes are resolved during mediation.
- Hearing: The SBWC will schedule a hearing regarding your case if you can’t reach an agreement through mediation.
- Appeals to the Appellate Division: You can appeal the decision to SBWC’s Appellate Division which must deliver a judgment within 20 days.
- Courts: If the decision is still unfavorable, you can file an appeal to the Georgia Court of Appeals and the Georgia Supreme Court.
Call Us Today About Your Stockbridge Workers’ Compensation Dispute
Employers and insurance companies have many reasons why they limit or deny compensation benefits after work injuries. These parties may have valid reasons for denying claims. However, they may at times use deceptive tactics to refuse to pay compensation benefits.
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, devalued, or delayed, you have the right to raise a workers’ compensation dispute in Stockbridge, GA. Call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition today to speak to a competent attorney about your case. We will offer sound legal counsel throughout the appeals process. Get started now before it’s too late.
