If you or your loved one get hurt on the job, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, you need to report your work injury and file a workers’ compensation claim to receive the benefits. It is also hard to understand the complex workers’ compensation laws on your own. That is why you need to hire a Woodstock workers’ compensation lawyer.
As workers’ compensation lawyers, we know the challenges injured employees face trying to seek workers’ compensation benefits. Your lawyer will handle the legal responsibilities and negotiate with the insurance company. Having a lawyer shows the insurance company you are committed to seeking the benefits. Your lawyer will ensure you do not lose your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
If you want to seek workers’ compensation benefits in Woodstock and you are looking for the best Woodstock workers’ compensation lawyers, then contact the Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition. Our lawyers have experience handling worker’ compensation cases. So, we know we can handle your case. We will do whatever it takes to get you the workers’ comp benefits you rightfully deserve.
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What is Workers Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is insurance that provides benefits to employees who have suffered work-related illnesses or injuries. Therefore, if you have been hurt in your workplace, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits will cover medical treatment, prescriptions, travel expenses, and even death benefits.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you are hurt on the job, make sure that you follow these steps.
Report to Your Employer
If you are hurt on your job, you must report the workplace accident to your employer immediately. In Georgia, you have 30 days to report any workplace accident to an employer. If you do not report your work injury, you might never receive workers’ comp benefits.
Visit a Doctor
You will need to provide your medical report to receive the workers’ compensation benefits. If you do not have a medical record, you might never get any benefits. Your employer will recommend some doctors. You can pick the recommended doctor to treat your injuries.
Keep a Written Record
It is easy to forget everything. Therefore, you need to write down everything after the accident. You can even write about your injuries and symptoms. If there were witnesses, write down their names and contact information.
Record Evidence
You will need to provide evidence when seeking workers’ compensation benefits. If you do not have evidence, the insurance company may never pay your benefits. You can use your smartphone to take photos and record videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
Contact a Woodstock Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Do not even attempt to seek workers’ compensation benefits on your own. You will face the best attorneys who have a deep understanding of the workers’ comp law. It is much better to hire a Woodstock workers’ compensation lawyer to help you get the maximum workers’ compensation benefits.
Rest and Recuperate
It can take time to completely recover from work-related injuries. If the doctor does not approve you to perform your job, do not go back to work. You will need to rest until you completely recover. Having a lawyer gives you more free time to rest and recuperate.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
Some of the most common injuries that workers suffer include:
Back / Neck Injuries
If your job involves lifting heavy items, you are more likely to hurt your back or neck. In some cases, you may hurt your back and neck.
Burns
If your job involves working with extreme heat and fire, you can suffer burn injuries. It is better to wear protective gear to protect yourself.
Fractures
If you work on a construction site, heavy objects can break your bones. It takes several weeks for a fracture to heal. So, you may receive benefits as you wait to recover.
Amputations
If you use heavy machinery or work on a construction site, the machine can rip off your limb. In some cases, you might never go back to do the same job since you cannot perform it.
Hearing Loss
If you use noisy machinery or work on construction sites, then the loud noises can affect your hearing. If you do not wear protective gear, it can lead to hearing loss.
Joint Pain
If your job involves carrying heavy items, you can experience joint pain. Do not carry very heavy items. It is much better to carry the load that you can lift without exerting yourself.
Slip and Fall
Slip and fall accidents are very common in most places of work. They are mostly caused by hazardous conditions in the workplace. If you slip and fall, you can injure yourself.
Construction Accidents
Accidents in construction sites are also very common. You will lift heavy objects and use heavy machinery and work on top of buildings. Therefore, you are more likely to get injured on a construction site.
Accidents on Business Travel
If you are traveling for business, you can get injured. Your employer will pay you benefits since you were still working.
Accidents When Using Machines or Tools
It is dangerous to use some machines and tools since they can cause serious injuries. If they happen to injure you, you can seek workers’ comp benefits.
Why Should I Hire a Woodstock Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Here are the reasons to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer:
Protect Your Rights
It is easy to lose your right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This is because you do not understand Georgia workers’ compensation laws. Hire a lawyer to protect your right since the lawyer understands the law. Therefore, your lawyer will work hard to get you the maximum benefits.
Get the Maximum Benefits
It is almost impossible to get the maximum workers’ comp benefits on your own. The lawyers of the insurance company will ensure you get the lowest amount. Your lawyer will not allow that to happen, especially if you have a strong workers’ comp case. You can trust your lawyer to get you the maximum benefits.
Save Time
You do not have enough time to learn workers’ compensation laws. If the insurance company denies your claim, you may not know what to do next. Instead of spending too much time reading and researching, hire a lawyer to handle your case. You will save time. You will even have more time to recover.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Woodstock Workers’ Compensation Attorney?
It will not cost you money to hire a Woodstock workers’ compensation attorney since these attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You will meet with the lawyer for a free consultation. If the lawyer agrees to handle your case, they will get a percentage of the workers’ compensation benefits that they help you to obtain.
What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim is Denied?
If the insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim in the state of Georgia, you can appeal the denied claim. However, it is not easy to appeal a denied claim since you will have to convince a judge why you deserve to get the benefits. So, hire a lawyer to gather more evidence and appeal your denied claim.
What Responsibility Does the Employee Have in Filing a Workers’ Comp Claim?
If you are hurt on the job, you need to fulfill these obligations.
Report the Workplace Accident
If there is a workplace accident and you are injured in that accident, you will need to report the accident to your employer. If you do not report the accident, you might never get benefits. It is your responsibility to report any workplace accident.
Seek Medical Treatment
Once you report the accident, your employer will give you a list of doctors. You will need to see one of these doctors. If you do not seek medical treatment, you might lose your right to seek the benefits. It is better to seek medical treatment and keep the medical records safe.
What Responsibility Does the Employer Have in the Workers Compensation Process?
According to workers’ compensation laws in Georgia, employers must report any workplace accident to their insurance companies. The employer will investigate the accident and gather some facts. Then, send the facts to their insurance company. It is also the responsibility of the employer to keep their workplace safe.
Can I Be Fired for Filing a Workers Comp Claim?
No! Your employer will not fire you if you claim a workers’ compensation claim. It is even illegal for employers to fire injured employees for claiming a workers’ comp claim. Therefore, you can claim a workers’ comp claim without worrying about losing your job.
Is there a Time Limit to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Woodstock, Georgia?
The time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Woodstock, GA is one year from the date of the workplace accident. However, if you got medical attention, the time limit is one year from the date you got the medical attention.
Can I Sue My Employer?
You cannot sue your employer. It is much better to discuss your case with a workers’ compensation lawyer since you can sue your employer in some cases. Your lawyer will help you understand your options.
Can an Independent Contractor File a Workers Comp Claim?
Independent contractors are not employees, so they cannot file a workers’ compensation claim. In fact, the law only requires employers to take workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. That is why independent contractors are not eligible to seek workers’ compensation benefits.
What is My Woodstock Workers Compensation Claim Worth?
The worth of your workers’ compensation claim will depend on your medical bill, rehabilitation costs, prescription medications, the necessary travel expenses, and a percentage of your lost wages. Your lawyer will help you determine the real worth of your workers’ compensation claim.
Contact Our Woodstock Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Seeking workers’ compensation benefits is hard. Many employees have lost their right to seek benefits because they do not understand the law. If you are committed to seeking the full benefits, you will need to hire a lawyer to help you seek the benefits.
Hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer gives you peace of mind and increases the chance of receiving the full workers’ comp benefits from the insurance company. However, it is not easy to find the right lawyer in Woodstock, GA.
Here at Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition, we help our clients get the maximum workers’ compensation benefits. With our experience, we are sure we can handle your workers’ compensation case. We will protect your right. So, contact us today for a free consultation.
