If you suffered injuries in a gas explosion accident, you may face significant medical expenses and be unable to work during your recovery. If your injury happened on the job, however, you can recover some of your financial losses with a workers’ compensation claim.
An Athens, GA, gas explosions accident attorney with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers
can help you apply for benefits or appeal a denied or underpaid claim. We can also assist you with taking legal action against a liable third party. We can tell you more about our services and your options for pursuing awards during a free consultation with one of our Athens workers compensation lawyers.
Our Georgia Injury Law Firm Puts Clients and Their Needs First
Our Athens personal injury lawyers are passionate about helping the injured get the compensation they need to get back on their feet. We have a track record of success, including million-dollar-plus workers’ compensation case results. However, our focus on attorney-client relationships truly sets Bader Scott Injury Lawyers apart.
We listen to our clients and offer support every step of the way. When you work with us, you will never have to spend your precious time tracking us down or searching for answers.
We promise to:
- Promptly return your phone calls and emails
- Provide you with frequent case updates
- Answer your questions using clear, straightforward language (no legalese)
- Treat you with the respect, dignity, and compassion you deserve
- Give you the final say when it comes to decisions affecting your case
For a free legal consultation with a workplace gas explosion accidents lawyer serving Athens, call (404) 888-8888
Common Injuries Eligible for Compensation After a Workplace Gas Explosion
Workers involved in gas explosions can suffer a variety of severe injuries, all of which may qualify for compensation. Understanding the types of injuries can help in navigating the worker’s compensation process effectively.
- Burns: One of the most common injuries from gas explosions is burns. These can range from minor first-degree burns to severe third-degree burns that cause deep tissue damage and require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries and skin grafts.
- Inhalation Injuries: The toxic fumes and smoke from a gas explosion can cause serious respiratory issues. Inhalation injuries might result in long-term lung damage, requiring ongoing medical care and possibly leading to chronic respiratory conditions.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Explosions often lead to concussions or more severe TBIs due to the blast impact. These injuries can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and other neurological issues, necessitating prolonged rehabilitation.
- Fractures and Orthopedic Injuries: The force of a gas explosion can cause fractures, dislocations, and other orthopedic injuries. These injuries often require surgical intervention and extensive physical therapy for recovery.
- Hearing Loss: The intense noise of an explosion can damage the delicate structures in the ears, leading to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Compensation can cover the costs of hearing aids and other necessary treatments.
- Psychological Injuries: The traumatic experience of a gas explosion can lead to psychological conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. These mental health issues are also compensable and require appropriate therapeutic intervention.
Each of these injuries, whether physical or psychological, can significantly impact an individual’s life and work capacity, making it essential to seek rightful compensation to cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages.
Athens Workplace Gas Explosion Accident Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Recoverable Gas Explosions Accident Damages in Georgia
According to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), Georgia businesses with three or more employees (including regular part-time employees) must provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage for workplace injuries. If you suffered burns, lung damage, or another gas explosions injury, you may qualify for:
- Medical benefits. As long as you seek treatment from an authorized physician, workers’ compensation will pay for your necessary medical treatment for up to 400 weeks (or until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)). Coverage includes emergency transportation and services, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medical travel expenses, and more. If you sustained a catastrophic injury, you may qualify for lifetime benefits.
- Partial wage replacement. If you cannot work because of your injury (or you must reduce your hours or perform a lower-paying job), you can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages (or two-thirds of the difference between your current and pre-injury wages). Benefits can last up to 400 weeks and cannot exceed $725 per week. If your injury is catastrophic, you could receive lifetime benefits.
- Death benefits. If your loved one suffered fatal injuries in a gas explosion accident, their surviving spouse, dependent children, and dependent stepchildren can receive death benefits. Compensation may include the deceased’s medical bills, funeral and burial costs, and partial lost wages.
You usually cannot sue your employer if they carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, you can take legal action against a liable third party, such as a negligent property manager, equipment manufacturer, or subcontractor. In addition, a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit allows you to recover compensation not available through a workers’ compensation claim, including:
- The total value of your lost wages, not just two-thirds
- Lost future earning capacity if you suffered a disabling injury
- Non-economic damages, including awards for scarring, disfigurement, physical pain, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and loss of enjoyment of life
- Personal property, including damages to your private vehicle, tools, equipment, or electronics
- Loss of your loved one’s advice, guidance, care, and companionship
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Our Personal Injury Attorneys Will Establish Your Right to Compensation
You do not have to prove another party is liable for your injuries to receive workers’ compensation, but you must establish that your injury happened at work. You may also need to defend yourself against tactics the insurance company could use to deny or lower your claim. But we will fight for the fair compensation you deserve. Once you become our client, your Athens gas explosions accident lawyer can:
- Prove your injury occurred during the “course and scope” of your employment
- Prove you suffered an injury requiring medical treatment
- Establish that your injury prevents you from working or performing your usual job
- Defend you against allegations of gross negligence, “horseplay,” drug or alcohol use, or other actions that could negate your right to workers’ compensation
- Obtain medical records, medical bills, pay stubs, accident reports, witness accounts, and expert testimony to support your claim
- Negotiate for the maximum possible settlement
To win compensation in a lawsuit, you will need to show that another party acted negligently, wrongfully, or recklessly. We can investigate your accident, identify liable parties, collect evidence, and represent you at trial if necessary.
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We Will File Your Lawsuit Before Time Runs Out
There are some important deadlines you should be aware of when seeking compensation for your workplace injury:
- You must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Failure to do so could result in a denial of your workers’ compensation claim.
- You must request a hearing with the SBWC within one year. If insurance denies your claim or you disagree with your settlement, you can appeal. Our lawyers can represent you during this process.
- You must file your lawsuit within two years. According to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have two years from your time of injury or your loved one’s death to take legal action.
Our Athens gas explosions accident lawyers can explain how these time limits may affect your gas explosion accident case and help you get started before it is too late.
We Will Represent You for No Upfront Fees or Costs
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not charge injury victims upfront or out of pocket. Instead, our fees come from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we do not obtain compensation, we do not get paid.
Talk With Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today After an Athens Gas Explosion Accident
Contact us today to find out more about how our Athens attorneys can help with your workers’ compensation claim or personal injury lawsuit. A team member can get you started with a free consultation where we will answer your questions and guide you on your next steps. Call us today to get started on your personal injury claim.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form