If you suffer an injury at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, insurance companies have strict rules in place that determine when an employee qualifies for workers’ compensarion. One of the top reasons for workers’ compensation claim denials is for self-inflicted injuries.
Some workers harm themselves in the hopes of securing workers’ compensation benefits. If your work-related injury was self-inflicted, workers’ compensation benefits may not be available to you. A Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you find out more about whether you qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation Laws
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), employers with more than three employees must provide their employees with workers’ compensation protection coverage. This means many employees across Georgia are protected through workers’ comp.
When you suffer an injury at work, you should be able to file a claim with your employer’s workers’ compensarion provider and recover certain types and amounts of benefits. There are many misconceptions regarding eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits.
However, it does not matter whether you are a full-time or part-time employee. It does not matter whether you have been employed with a company for 10 years or 10 minutes. From the first day you are hired, you should be protected by your company’s workers’ compensarion coverage.
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Workers’ Compensation FAQs
My Job Isn’t Providing Guidance on my Work-Related Injury. What Steps Should I Take?Is Pain and Suffering Included in Workers’ Compensation?Will My Employer Find Out if I Hire a Lawyer?How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation (WC) Case Typically Last?What Is the Maximum TTD in Georgia?Can You Go on Vacation While on Workers’ Compensation?Why Your Workers’ Compensarion Claim Might Be Denied
There are countless reasons why workers’ compensation claims get denied. Insurance companies lose money every time they pay out on a claim. This means they are going to look for every opportunity they can find to reduce your compensation or deny your claim altogether. Some of the common reasons given for workers’ compensarion denials include:
- Failing to provide necessary medical documentation or other supporting evidence
- Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the accident
- Violating your company’s code of conduct
- Committing a crime at the time of the accident
- Causing your injuries
Even if your injuries were not self-inflicted, it is possible the insurance company could attempt to argue that they were. If they can prove your injuries were self-inflicted or present evidence that could suggest your injuries were self-inflicted, they may be able to avoid paying out on your workers’ compensation claim.
How to Get Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Approved After a Self-Inflicted Injury
If you hope to get your claim approved after an accusation of a self-inflicted injury, you could use a powerful legal advocate on your side. Your Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer will need to take action to handle the insurance company. Your lawyer will need to closely examine your accident, gather witness statements, speak with your healthcare provider, and obtain clear-cut evidence that shows the insurance company your injuries were not self-inflicted.
If your injuries were self-inflicted, you could still collect benefits if your job caused you to suffer mental health issues and stress that led to the self-infliction of your injuries.
Cases of this nature are sensitive and complex. Make sure you have a compassionate workers’ compensarion lawyer on your side to help you figure out how to handle your claim.
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Other Legal Options for Financial Recovery
If the insurance company continues to deny your claim for workers’ compensation benefits, arguing that your injuries were self-inflicted, you may need to move forward with an appeal. You will need to send in Form WC-14 within one year from the date the injury occurred with the SBWC.
If someone else is responsible for causing your injuries, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them. This third-party liability claim is a separate matter from your workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits may be available without regard to liability. However, to obtain compensation in a personal injury claim, your attorney will need to prove negligence occurred.
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Meet With Our Workers’ Compensarion Lawyer in Georgia
Insurance companies may argue that your injuries were self-inflicted when they weren’t. If you hope to avoid being taken advantage of by the insurance company during this difficult time in your life, make sure you have the legal guidance and support you need. It can make all the difference. Reach out to our dedicated Georgia workers’ compensation lawyers at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers when you are ready to hold the insurance company accountable.
Call for your no-cost, risk-free consultation today. A team member is standing by to listen to the facts of your case and explain your rights and options. We will determine the best course of action for you and fight for you while you focus on your recovery. You shouldn’t have to go through this alone.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form