- September 30, 2019
If you get hurt at work, you should expect your employer to cover your medical care. You should also be entitled to replacement wages while you wait to return to work. As long as you meet certain criteria, you shouldn’t have a problem qualifying for workers’ comp benefits.
In Atlanta, you need to meet the following requirements in order to qualify for benefits:
- You were on the clock at the time of your accident
- The injury took place on company property or while on duty
- You weren’t under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of your accident
- The injury was reported to your employer
- You were treated by a company approved doctor
- The injury wasn’t caused by some outside factor or pre-existing condition
If you meet all of these, you should receive your benefits. However, that isn’t always the case. There are certain situations when your employer doesn’t approve your workers’ compensation claim.
If this happens to you, it’s time to contact a workers’ comp lawyer in Georgia.
What are the Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia?
If you qualify for workers’ comp, you’ll be entitled to certain benefits. Generally speaking, you’ll be entitled to medical treatment for your work-related injuries. You’ll also be entitled to replacement wages while you recover from your injuries.
In Georgia, your workers’ comp benefits are as follows:
- You’ll receive weekly wages equal to 2/3 of your average weekly wages
- The most you can receive per week is $575
- You can only collect for up to 400 weeks
- You’ll receive your benefits each week until you return to work
You’ll start receiving your benefits about a week or two after your workers’ compensation claim is approved. These benefits will continue until you return to work. They will terminate if, for some reason, your workers’ comp claim is terminated.
What if You Work for a Foreign Corporation?
Most people work for domestic corporations. If you work for a foreign corporation that has locations in the United States, you should also be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Companies that choose to do business in Georgia are subject to the laws in Georgia. This includes workers’ compensation. Even if your employer is a foreign corporation, if they’re doing business in the U.S., and choose to hire American workers, they must carry workers’ comp insurance.
Let’s say you work for a German bank. You work in a branch located in Atlanta and you live in Georgia. You will be entitled to the same workers’ comp benefits as someone who works for an American bank.
If you get hurt at work and your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, you need to call a Georgia workers’ comp lawyer. You are going to need to file a claim against your employer. They need to provide you with medical care for your injuries. They also need to cover your wages while you recover from your work-related injuries.
What if Your Employer Doesn’t Have Workers’ Comp Insurance?
If you get hurt at work and find out your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp insurance, you need a lawyer. You’ll still be able to recover for your work-related injuries. You can do so either from your employer directly or from your state’s workers’ compensation insurance.
Your workers’ comp lawyer in Atlanta is going to file a claim on your behalf. You’re not going to be able to afford to wait weeks or months to receive your benefits. Worst case, you can file a claim with the State of Georgia.
It’s not your fault that your employer didn’t get workers’ comp insurance. They’re still ultimately responsible for their employee’s injuries. If they can’t or won’t pay for your treatment, your attorney will fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia
You go to work every day and work hard for your employer. The least you can expect in return is that your employer will take care of you if you get hurt. That’s why every state in the country requires their employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
If your employer doesn’t carry the required insurance, you’re going to have a problem. You need to call and speak with an experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Atlanta to get you the benefits to which you’re entitled.
Call Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition today and schedule your free initial consultation. And, the good news is that you don’t pay a dime until you settle your case.
