If you have an illness related to workplace exposure, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. An Athens occupational diseases lawyer with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you file your claim, appeal denials, or take legal action.
Since 2008, our firm has fought for personal injury victims and injured workers across Georgia. We want to help you get back on your feet by ensuring you receive the financial recovery you need and deserve.
Our Attorneys Can Help You Navigate Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation System
We understand that pursuing compensation for your occupational disease can seem overwhelming, especially when trying to focus on your health or caring for a sick loved one. Fortunately, our Athens occupational diseases lawyers are here to help you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim. We can:
- Prepare and file your insurance paperwork
- Track and adhere to deadlines
- Communicate with involved parties on your behalf
- Collect evidence of your occupational disease
- Identify and calculate your available benefits
- Negotiate for the most advantageous available possible
- Appeal denied claims
We Will Establish Your Right to Benefits
According to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), most employers in Georgia with three or more workers, including part-time employees, must provide workers’ compensation coverage for injuries and illnesses occurring on or because of your job.
To receive benefits for an occupational disease, you must prove that your illness or chronic health problem was caused by conditions in your workplace, such as exposure to harmful substances or hazardous materials. You will also need to establish that your exposure did not occur outside of work and that your condition is not common among the general population. Our attorneys can help you accomplish this using the following:
- Medical records
- Testimony from medical professionals and other experts
- Medical and scientific research
- Employment records
- Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) inspection reports
- Eyewitness testimony regarding workplace conditions
- Environmental readings regarding workplace contaminants
We Will Pursue a Fair Settlement for Your Covered Loses
Approved workers’ compensation claims may include the following:
- Medical benefits. Workplace exposure can cause respiratory problems, skin conditions, cancer, and other serious health issues. If you have an occupational disease, you should not have to pay your medical expenses out of pocket. You can receive coverage for all of your necessary treatment for up to 400 weeks. However, you must seek care from an authorized provider (your employer must post a list in your workplace) and follow your recommended course of treatment. Our attorneys can ensure that the insurance company does not deny or underpay covered treatments or attempt to discontinue your benefits prematurely. Additionally, we can resolve any disputes over your choice of doctor or treatment plan.
- Wage benefits. If you cannot work due to your occupational illness, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage for up to 400 weeks. You can also receive two-thirds of the difference between your current salary and pre-injury wages if you can perform a lower-paying job or work reduced hours. Our Athens lawyers will help you pursue the maximum possible wage compensation. We will also stand up for you if your employer tries to force you back to your job before you are medically able.
- Death benefits. If your loved one died because of an occupational disease, their surviving spouse and dependent children can receive death benefits. Compensation includes the decedent’s medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, and partial lost wages.
We Will Pursue Your Claim Before Time Runs Out
You must report your work-related illness to your employer within 30 days of learning of your condition. Failure to tell your employer could result in a denial of your claim.
Additionally, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-281 states that you have one year from discovering your illness to file for workers’ compensation. However, you cannot pursue your claim longer than seven years from the date of your last occupational exposure.
If the insurance company denies your benefits or does not offer a fair settlement for your covered losses, you have one year to request a hearing with the SBWC. Our Athens occupational disease lawyer can assist with your appeal, including representing you during SBWC proceedings.
For a free legal consultation with a occupational diseases lawyer serving Athens, call (404) 888-8888
Personal Injury Damages for Occupational Illnesses
You usually cannot sue your employer if they carry workers’ compensation and their insurer pays your benefits. However, you can take legal action if your employer does not have insurance, either in defiance of the law or because they are exempt due to size.
You may also have a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a liable third party (such as a manufacturer or property owner) if their negligent, reckless, or wrongful actions contributed to your health problems. We can help you pursue the following damages with a lawsuit:
- Medical expenses for care beyond 400 weeks
- Medical treatments workers’ compensation does not cover
- Weekly wages, plus lost benefits, bonuses, and other earnings
- Lost future earning capacity
- Physical pain, emotional suffering, and mental distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Reduced quality of life
- Loss of a loved one’s support, care, and guidance
If you have grounds for a lawsuit, you must generally file your case within two years of discovering your illness or two years from your loved one’s death, according to O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33. Our team can help you get started on your case today with a free consultation.
Athens Occupational Diseases Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers If You Suffer From an Occupational Disease
At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, helping the injured is our focus. We have experience assisting workers from various industries with workplace accident and injury claims. We can fight for you, no matter your current financial situation. We take cases on contingency, meaning we charge nothing up front, and we do not collect attorney fees unless and until we obtain compensation for you.
Contact us for a risk-free consultation. A member of our team can tell you more about how our Athens occupational diseases lawyers can serve you.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form