Workplace accidents are bound to happen. If you are hurt while performing your job, you may be entitled to compensation benefits. All employees in Georgia are eligible for these benefits after work injuries.
You don’t have to pay for your medical bills after a workplace accident. Your employer’s insurance carrier should cover these expenses. An experienced Union City workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get maximum compensation for your workers’ compensation claim.
The legal team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you get the justice you deserve. Call 470-518-5026 now to find out if you have a case. Our Union City workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to discuss your claim and come up with the best legal strategy to help you secure the best outcome. We are prepared to start working on your case today.
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What is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of business insurance that protects employees in the event of workplace injuries. This government-mandated insurance pays the medical bills, rehabilitation expenses, and lost wages of injured workers. It provides monetary benefits to employees who are injured while performing their duties. In Georgia, any employer with three or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you are hurt while on the job, don’t disregard your injury. Your adrenaline may mask serious injuries caused by your workplace accident. Don’t let your coworkers talk you out of what you are supposed to do. Here’s what our experienced work injury lawyers in Union City, GA, recommend:
- Notify your employer or supervisor within 30 days
- Seek medical attention from an authorized physician and follow the physician’s orders
- Keep records of your illness or injury as well as the symptoms you’re experiencing
- Take videos and photographs of visible injuries and any workplace hazards that may have caused your injury
- Contact a reputable workers’ compensation attorney in Union City to help you file a workers’ compensation claim
- Rest and recuperate
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
Workplace accident injuries can affect anyone. They may result in severe or permanent injuries. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Hearing loss in industries such as airline maintenance, assembly line work, and mining
- Bone fractures
- Burns from corrosive substances or explosions
- Slips and falls
- Amputations
- Joint pain as a result of wear and tear
- Construction site accidents
- Accidents while on a work-related trip
- Accidents while operating machinery or tools
Why Should I Hire a Union City Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
It’s always advisable to have an experienced lawyer by your side when filing a workers’ compensation claim in Union City. Remember, there are deadlines involved in this process. An attorney can help you complete and file relevant documents before the deadlines elapse. If you miss a deadline, your compensation claim will be barred.
A seasoned Union City workers’ compensation lawyer can also help you prove your injury was caused by a workplace accident. Your employer or insurance provider may dispute the cause of your injury. They may blame it on a pre-existing condition. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition will gather and analyze evidence to link your injury to a work-related accident.
Our legal team will aggressively negotiate with the insurance adjusters to ensure you get maximum compensation. We are also prepared to file an appeal if your employer or the insurance company denies, devalues, or delays your compensation claim.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Union City Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
In Georgia, most workers’ compensation attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. There is no upfront cost for you to pay for an initial consultation. If you hire Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition for your work injury case, our legal team will only receive a percentage of your compensation if we win your case. For any legal fees greater than $100.00, attorneys must seek approval from the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). This is in accordance with Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.
What Should I Do if My Workers’ Compensation Claim is Denied?
If your employer or the insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim, you can appeal the decision. You can request a hearing before the SBWC to secure the compensation you deserve. A skilled work injury lawyer in Union City can help you file the proper documentation to maximize your chances of a favorable outcome.
What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers Comp Claim?
After a workplace accident, there are certain responsibilities that you must observe regarding your compensation claim, including:
- Report your workplace accident to your supervisor within 30 days
- Seek emergency medical treatment after your work injury
- Furnish the State Board of Workers Compensation and the insurance company with any additional information they may require
- Accept your authorized physician’s job recommendations
- Prove your workplace accident wasn’t a result of intentional misconduct
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you if you have no idea about your legal rights as an employee after a workplace accident. Our attorneys will inform you about your rights and responsibilities to help you strengthen your claim.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process?
Your employer has responsibilities in the workers’ comp process that include:
- Offer emergency medical care at the work site if need be
- Notify their insurance carrier about your work injury
- Cooperate with the insurer after reporting your injury
- Provide a panel of approved doctors for you to visit
- Conduct an investigation into the incident
Can I be Fired for Claiming a Workers Comp Claim?
No, your employer cannot terminate your employment for filing a claim. It is your right to seek monetary benefits after a work injury in Union City, GA. You deserve compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
If your employer fires, intimidates, harasses, or demotes you after filing a claim, reach out to our reliable Union City workers’ compensation law firm immediately. We will advise you on the best course of action after your unlawful termination.
Is there a Time Limit to File a Workers Comp Claim in Union City, Georgia?
According to the Workers’ Compensation Act, you have one year from the date of your accident to file a WC-14 form. If you fail to submit this form within this time frame, you risk losing your workers’ compensation benefits. If you are uncertain about Georgia’s statute of limitations, reach out to a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer near Union City for legal assistance.
Can I Sue My Employer?
When filing a workers’ comp claim in Union City, GA, it doesn’t matter who is at fault for your accident. The workers’ compensation system in Georgia protects employees after work injuries. You waive your right to sue your employer if you are covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Georgia.
However, there are some limited exceptions when you can sue your employer. For instance, you can sue your employer if they didn’t have workers’ comp insurance or if they didn’t provide safety gear resulting in your work injury.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Comp Claim?
No, independent contractors aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Georgia. This insurance policy only protects full-time employees and regular part-time workers in Georgia.
What is My Union City Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
You deserve maximum compensation for injuries you suffer while performing your job. In Georgia, you may be entitled to the following damages after a workplace accident:
Medical Expenses
Your employer’s insurer must pay for all your medical bills after a work-related accident. These include prescription medication, surgery costs, diagnostic tests, physical therapy, home-based nursing care, and assistive devices.
Mileage Reimbursement
It’s important to keep track of all your accident-related trips after your work injury. You can recover expenses for your hospital visits, parking fees, and gas bills. Once the insurance company receives the receipts for these expenses, they must reimburse your out-of-pocket costs within 15 days.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Returning to work may be difficult after a catastrophic work injury. Benefits such as job search assistance, on-the-job training, and resume assistance can help you get back to work soon enough.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
These benefits are accessible to employees who are able to return to work. You can receive TPD benefits until you attain maximum medical improvement (MMI) or up to 350 weeks.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
You may be entitled to TTD benefits worth two-thirds of your average weekly wage. The maximum TTD benefits an employee in Georgia can receive per week is $675.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
You may be entitled to PPD benefits once you attain MMI after a work injury. For example, these benefits are offered if you sustain damage to a particular body part, such as your fingers. Here, you are still able to perform your previous job or an adjusted version of the job.
Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
If you receive a 100% rating from your physician, you will be eligible for PTD benefits. Here, you can’t return to work due to your work injury complications.
Find Out If You Have a Workers’ Compensation Case in Union City Today
After a work injury, it’s normal to get worried. You may panic about how you will support yourself and your loved ones in the future. Medical bills related to your work injury may also be costly.
The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you build a strong claim to secure monetary benefits after your workplace accident. Our lawyers will handle settlement talks as you recover from your injuries. We are also prepared to go to court if an amicable solution isn’t feasible.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review. Let us help you get the compensation you are entitled to.
