Do you have compensable work injuries in Tucker, GA? If you work in a company with three or more employees, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits for any injuries sustained while on the clock. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that every employer is expected to purchase with the aim of providing monetary benefits such as lost wages and treatment expenses to injured employees.
It’s an aspect that sounds simple enough, but in reality, claiming for WC benefits can be challenging. Not only do you have to file the claim within certain deadlines, but your employer and their insurance provider may try to downplay the extent of the injury or condition. They know they stand to save a lot of money if your claim is denied.
So, if you have been a victim of a work-related injury or disease, it’s best to have the best legal representation. An experienced Tucker workers’ compensation lawyer can help you establish if you have a compensable injury claim and help you understand your legal options.
Let the seasoned team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Tucker, GA handle your case by calling our offices at 470-518-5026 !
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What Are Compensable Work Injuries in Tucker, GA?
According to Georgia law, you must have either sustained injuries or occupational disease in order to make a WC claim. To qualify for benefits, the injury or disease has to be compensable. For an injury to be deemed compensable, it has to meet the following conditions:
Resulted From the Work You Do
There has to be some kind of cause-and-effect relationship between the injury you sustained and the nature of your duties at work. So, if you happened to walk through the workplace and experienced a heart attack or stroke, it will not be considered compensable as it did not have any connection with the nature of your job. This isn’t to say that there are no situations where such experiences couldn’t have a direct connection. This example simply doesn’t.
The Injury Happened in the Course of Doing Your Job
This means that you need to have sustained the injury while performing your duties at the workplace. So, if you get injured while on break or off-site, the injury will not be compensable. However, if you get injured while in a client’s office and you were there for work reasons, then it may be compensable.
If your injury meets the above conditions, then you have the right to claim workers’ compensation benefits.
What Are Common Workplace Injuries?
Injuries happen in every kind of work environment. However, some industries are more prone to workplace injuries than others. Here are some of the most common work-related injuries:
Slip & Falls
There are numerous factors that lead to slip and falls, including icy surfaces, wet floors, unstable walking surfaces, scattered debris, etc. Falls can result in severe injuries, including soft tissue damage, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, fractured bones, etc.
Vehicle Accidents
Those who drive as part of their work are exposed to faulty auto equipment, inclement weather, and negligent drivers. These factors can result in auto accidents. To prevent them, companies should enforce safe driving policies, with a ban on distracted driving and an emphasis on defensive driving.
However, this does not completely avoid accidents caused by negligent parties. If you get into an accident due to a negligent driver, you can pursue a third-party claim, which goes well beyond workers’ compensation benefits.
Overexertion
Pushing, pulling, lifting, carrying, throwing, and holding activities are also leading causes of work-related injuries. Overexertion injuries can either be cumulative or the result of years of doing the same strenuous task on a regular basis. They can also happen in a single incident.
Overexertion can result in injured muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They can also cause long-life harm, ranging from chronic joint pain to lower-back injuries.
Hit by Objects
Being struck by a falling or thrown object can result in severe injury. Being struck by flying, rolling, swinging or falling objects can lead to bruises, cuts, internal organ injuries, fractures, and the most common- head injuries.
Repetitive Motion Accidents
These injuries are a form of cumulative trauma. These injuries are usually caused by excessive repetition of micro activities like typing or working on an assembly line. A common injury or condition arising from this is carpal tunnel syndrome. Workers should be trained to practice ideal ergonomic techniques in addition to having ergonomically right tools and equipment.
What Types of Compensation Can I Claim for Work Injuries?
If you sustain an injury or fall ill due to the nature of your job, you are eligible for the following:
- Medical treatment
- Medication and treatments
- Physical therapy
- Travel expenses
Also, you might be eligible for vocational rehabilitation. The regulations regarding this are different in each state and that’s why it is important to seek legal assistance. The team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition in Tucker is familiar with Georgia Law and thus capable of providing sound advice in regards to this aspect.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Workers’ Comp Claim in Tucker, GA?
As with any personal injury claim, WC claims come with a time limit. The statute of limitations for workers’ compensation cases is one year from the date of injury. Also, keep in mind that you have 30 days to formally inform your employer about the injury or disease.
Why Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Tucker, GA?
It is quite evident that making a workers’ compensation claim, although seemingly simple, comes with its share of challenges. There are many stringent rules and deadlines when it comes to work-related injury claims. If you are in pain and need to recuperate, doing this on your own will only be a hassle.
The smart thing is to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer. Attorneys with experience in personal injury law know everything about this complex system and won’t have a problem helping you recover the benefits you deserve. Allow our firm to handle your claim by calling the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition at 470-518-5026 !
