In Georgia, when an employee becomes ill or sustains an injury while at work, they are eligible for several benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Workers’ compensation is a form of coverage that is designed to help injured employees manage their financial needs as they recover.
Although most occupational diseases and workplace injuries are covered under Georgia’s Workers’ Comp Act, it can be hard for many employees to navigate the claims process, especially if it’s their first time. That’s because some employers and insurance companies have a habit of lowballing the settlement amount or outright denying claims, citing different reasons.
That’s why it is imperative to have proper legal representation by your side. A reliable lawyer will handle the workers’ compensation claims process in Suwanee and negotiate with the relevant parties to ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Unfortunately, with the numerous workers’ compensation lawyers in Suwanee, GA, and surrounding areas, choosing the right one for your needs is no walk in the park. You need to do your homework in picking the right attorney to handle your workers’ compensation claims process.
When on the search for the best workers’ comp lawyers, look no further than our firm. The Workers Compensation Lawyer Coalition is a trusted name throughout Georgia. Our team of competent lawyers has years of experience in workers’ compensation claims and has won millions of dollars in settlements over the years.
If your employer or their insurance carrier tries to dispute or deny your claim, we will fight aggressively to protect your rights. We’ll leverage our resources, knowledge, and skills to ensure you are fairly compensated. Call us today at 470-518-5026 and get a free, initial consultation with one of our legal experts.
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How to Tell If Your Injury Is Covered by a Workers’ Compensation Claim
According to state law, every company with three or more employees, including part-time workers should purchase workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures that any employee who sustains an injury while performing their duties is financially covered. Some of the common injuries covered under workers’ comp include:
- Slip and falls
- Electrocutions
- Amputations
- Industrial accidents
- Injuries from falling items
- Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries
- Machinery or heavy equipment-related injuries.
Note that in order to be eligible for benefits, your injury must have arisen within the scope of your employment. This means it should have been sustained while performing your work duties. There needs to be a causal link between the injury and the nature of your work.
Injuries sustained while traveling to and from work or while on a break are not usually covered under the Workers’ Compensation Act. However, if you were injured while handling business errands, then you qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
Also, injuries resulting from failure to follow the recommended workplace safety procedures like using safety gear are not covered under Georgia workers’ compensation. Other injuries that don’t qualify include self-inflicted injuries, those sustained when fighting or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
If you’re worried your employer or their insurance carrier will not cover your workplace injury or disease, consider contacting a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer. Our firm will assess your claim and make suggestions for the best course of action.
How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Suwanee, GA?
When it comes to making a workers’ comp claim, there are specific deadlines to be met. Failure to meet these deadlines voids your right to pursue compensation. According to Georgia code 34-9-82 9 (a), the statute of limitation for workers’ compensation claims is one year. This means you have one year from the date of injury to file a workers’ compensation claim.
However, if your employer has already provided the necessary medical treatment and weekly wage benefits, you have up to two years from the last weekly payment or medical treatment to file a workers’ compensation claim.
Also, it’s important to note that you need to report the injury or illness to your employer in order to preserve your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. In Georgia, the time limit to notify your employer is 30 days from the date of the accident. Failure to do this gives both the employer and their insurance carrier legal grounds to deny your claim.
How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Georgia
After reporting the injury to your employer, you have up to one year to file a claim. This is done by completing Form WC-14 and submitting it to the State Board of Workers Compensation. You can get this form from your employer or the State Board of Workers’ Compensation site. Once submitted, the next step is to provide both your employer and their insurance carrier with a copy of the WC-14 form.
When it comes to medical treatment, you’ll need to pick an approved doctor from your employer’s panel of physicians. Bear in mind that using a doctor not included on this list ruins your chances of qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits. If you come across any complexities during the claims process, you can consult your lawyer or seek help from the Claims Assistance Department.
Get Help With the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process in Suwanee, GA
An unexpected disease or injury while at work can be devastating, as you’re usually left wondering how you’ll afford the medical expenses and lost wages. Thanks to the government-mandated workers’ compensation coverage, you qualify for monetary benefits should you have an unfortunate experience. Even so, the claims process is not always straightforward, and some mistakes could leave you ineligible even if the injury occurred while performing your duties.
A competent workers’ compensation lawyer will help you know your rights, legal options, and deadlines when it comes to making a WC claim. A lawyer also comes in handy as it’s difficult to handle a claim when you’re in pain or undergoing treatment. It is our role to seek justice and protect the rights of every worker in Suwanee. As such, do not hesitate to call the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition offices at 470-518-5026 for the best legal representation.