Vidalia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A work injury can severely impact your life. It can affect your finances, your ability to perform your job, and your relationships. Still, it may take time to recover from some work injuries. After a catastrophic injury, you may never return to work.

If you have sustained injuries while performing your job, you can file a workers’ compensation claim to secure monetary benefits. A reliable Vidalia workers’ compensation lawyer can help you build a comprehensive workers’ comp case. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can help you get the medical care you require after your injury.

Call 470-518-5026 today to speak to a competent work injury attorney about your workplace accident. We are ready to answer any questions that you may have. Get started now before it’s too late to file your workplace accident claim.

Table of Contents

What Is Workers Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy that covers injuries, illnesses, and accidents that occur in the workplace. This policy also covers the death benefits of employees who die while on the job or due to their jobs in Vidalia, Georgia.

Employers in Georgia with three or more employees must have worker’s compensation insurance. This policy also protects regular part-time workers in the event of workplace injuries. When you file a claim after a work injury, compensation benefits come from the insurance company. These benefits aren’t taxable.

What Should I Do If I’m Hurt on the Job?

After a work injury, here’s what you should do:

  • Inform your supervisor or employer immediately about your injury.
  • Seek medical treatment and follow the doctor’s instructions.
  • Keep a record of all your work-related injuries and symptoms.
  • Take as many pictures and videos of visible injuries and any other pieces of evidence that can prove the workplace accident caused your accident.
  • Retain an experienced Vidalia workers’ compensation lawyer to help you with all the legal aspects of your claim, including filing it.
  • Rest and recuperate as the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition handles your Vidalia workers’ compensation claim.

What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?

Some job environments are more prone to workplace injuries than others. The National Safety Council reports that the most dangerous industries linked to work injuries and fatalities include construction, forestry, government, transportation and warehousing, and agriculture. Still, anyone in the workplace can sustain injuries. Here are some of the most common work-related injuries:

  • Back and neck injuries
  • Burns injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Amputations of the limbs
  • Hearing loss
  • Chronic or short-term joint pain
  • Trips, slips, and falls
  • Construction site accidents
  • Tools or equipment-related accidents
  • Vehicle accidents
  • Accidents while traveling for business

Why Should I Hire a Vidalia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Hiring a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer near Vidalia can help you secure maximum compensation for your work injury or illness. Here are some of the reasons you should reach out to Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition:

  • Your claim has been denied.
  • If you have a pre-existing condition.
  • Your benefits are being delayed.
  • You were fired because you filed a claim.
  • You sustained a permanent injury impacting your ability to work.
  • Your employer and insurance company are disputing your injury.
  • You would like to request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) in Georgia.

Our reliable Vidalia work injury attorneys are ready to help you with every step of your workers’ compensation claim.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Vidalia Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

In most civil law cases, attorneys prefer a share of the lump sum settlement. For most workers’ comp claims in Georgia, clients only pay lawyers if they win their cases. Attorneys are allowed to charge a maximum of 25% of the compensation employees receive in Georgia.

The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition operates on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay any upfront fees for legal representation.

What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your compensation claim has been denied, reach out to a trusted Vidalia workers’ compensation lawyer. The attorneys at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition will advise you on the best way to go about your denied claim. Once we conduct an in-depth investigation into your claim, we will complete and file a WC-14 form to request a hearing before the SBWC.

Vidalia Workers' Compensation Lawyer

What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers Comp Claim?

To qualify for maximum compensation benefits, you should abide by these responsibilities:

  • Seek emergency medical care after your work injury if need be
  • Inform your employer about your injury immediately or within 30 days
  • Consult authorized physicians for medical treatment
  • Follow your physician’s instructions

What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process?

After a workplace accident, your employer has various responsibilities, including:

Can I be Fired for Claiming a Workers Comp Claim?

No, you cannot be fired for filing a claim in Vidalia, Georgia. If your employer fires you because you are filing a workers’ compensation claim, contact a Vidalia work injury lawyer immediately for legal help.

Is There a Time Limit to File a Workers Comp Claim in Vidalia, Georgia?

You have one year from the date of the workplace accident to file a claim in Vidalia, GA. You must also report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. If your loved one dies while on the job, you have one year from the date of the work-related accident to file a wrongful death claim.

Can I Sue My Employer?

If you pursue compensation benefits in a workers’ compensation claim, you waive your right to sue your employer. The state of Georgia only allows this right of action if your employer intentionally causes your work injuries. For instance, you can sue your employer if you suffer injuries after a physical altercation with them.

Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Comp Claim?

Generally, independent contractors aren’t covered by workers’ compensation insurance in Vidalia, Georgia. If your employer informs you that you are an independent contractor after a work injury, reach out to a knowledgeable workers’ compensation lawyer immediately. Some employers tend to misclassify their employees as independent contractors to avoid paying workers’ compensation premiums.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition will consider the following factors when evaluating whether or not you are an independent contractor:

  • If your employer decides your working hours
  • If your employer requires you to wear a uniform
  • Payment method
  • If your employer chooses and manages your tools
  • Duration of the work period

What Is My Vidalia Workers Compensation Claim Worth?

Workers’ compensation insurance is meant to protect employees in the event of work injuries. The calculation of these benefits is complex and varies from one case to another. Under Georgia law, here are the types of benefits you may be entitled to after a work injury:

Medical Care

Your employer’s insurance provider must cover all your medical expenses after a workplace accident. However, this only applies if you seek treatment from a company-approved physician. The insurance company should cover your:

  • Physical therapy
  • ER care
  • Occupational therapy
  • Chiropractic care
  • Diagnostic tests
  • Assistive devices
  • Surgery

Mileage Reimbursement

The insurance carrier should pay for your accident-related trips to the pharmacy or hospital. Additionally, the insurer should provide transportation if you are unable to do so by yourself. The company should also pay for your parking fees related to trips associated with your accident.

Vocational Rehabilitation

You may be entitled to rehabilitation benefits after suffering a catastrophic work-related injury. Trained and qualified rehab professionals can help you attempt to get back to work. These benefits may include job search assistance, retraining, and on-the-job training.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits

You may receive TTD benefits for up to 400 weeks if you are unable to return to work in Vidalia, GA. These benefits are capped at $675 per week from July 1, 2019.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits

They replace lost wages if you can perform a modified version of your work, perform a lower-paying job, or work for fewer hours. They pay two-thirds of the average weekly wage you earned before and after your work injury.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits

If your physician assigns you a permanent partial impairment rating, you may be eligible to receive PPD benefits. These benefits are determined by the loss of functionality of the specific injured body part.

Get in Touch With a Vidalia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today

If you or someone you care about has been hurt in a workplace accident, you may be eligible for compensation benefits. Employers and insurance providers always want to save money after accidents. Insurance companies have lawyers on their payrolls who look for ways to deny or limit payouts. It’s ill-advised to represent yourself in a workers’ compensation case.

Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition can handle your case on your behalf. You don’t have to deal with insurance companies that bully or intimidate you. Our legal team is well-versed in the entire claims process. We will demand maximum compensation from your employer and their insurance carrier.

Get in touch with our workers’ compensation attorneys at 470-518-5026 to schedule a free consultation. We will guide you throughout this process to make sure you make no mistakes that jeopardize your claim. Let us handle your claim while you rest and recover.