LISTEN TO OUR DECATUR WORKERS COMPENSATION LAWYER PODCAST
Get informed about your rights as an injured worker by tuning into our Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Podcast. Our experienced attorneys discuss Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, share case studies, and provide actionable guidance to help you navigate your claim and secure the benefits you deserve after a workplace injury in Decatur.
If you or a loved one suffered a workplace injury in Decatur, you might be entitled to receive workers’ compensation. You can file a workers’ compensation claim to pursue benefits, which may be able to help you recover damages you incurred from a work-related injury.
Suppose you already filed a workers’ compensation claim but were denied benefits. In that case, a Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you appeal your claim and continue to fight for workers’ compensation.
Getting hurt at work can mess up your life. It can cause pain, make you lose money, and leave you worried about what comes next. Many injured workers in Decatur, GA, struggle to navigate the workers’ compensation system alone. Insurance companies often complicate the process, preventing you from receiving the funds needed for recovery. That’s where our team of workers’ compensation lawyers comes in. We know all about Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, and we are here to help protect your rights from the start to the end of your case.
Our law firm is dedicated to helping injured workers in Decatur get the benefits they deserve. We will help you through every step, including filing your claim, talking to insurance companies, and even representing you in hearings if needed. We know that getting hurt at work can be scary and confusing, especially when you’re worried about your health and paying your bills. Our team works hard to take that burden off your shoulders so you can focus on getting better. Let us handle the legal issues so you can heal and move forward, knowing we’re fighting for you.
The Benefits of Working with a Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
The workers’ compensation claim process can be challenging. Not only are there deadlines to track, but missing some requirements for your claim could result in delays or denials. Our personal injury lawyers in Decatur can protect your right to benefits by completing your claim, appeal, or lawsuit on your behalf.
We Get Results for Injured Workers in Georgia
Our law office has helped many injured people recover compensation for workplace and negligence-based accidents. We use this legal experience and our resources to fight for positive results for each client. Evidence of our success can be found in our case results, including:
- $5.25 million for a workers’ compensation case involving paralysis
- $2 million for a worker’s compensation traumatic brain injury case
- $1.9 million for a workers’ compensation case involving paralysis
While we can’t guarantee the amount you will recover, our history of securing benefits for injured workers can give you an idea of what may be possible.
What Previous Clients Have to Say About Our Services
We know how important the final result is for injured people. Your benefits or other financial recovery are meant to help you regain some quality of life; however, we aim for more than just securing that money. We aim to provide peace of mind through the quality of our services. Our testimonials show that we have achieved this.
After an injury at his workplace, one of our clients got the runaround from his employer, who refused to pay workers’ compensation benefits. While he could not work, he had to sell his car and other possessions to make ends meet. Here’s what he has to say about working with us:
“I recommend them because I’ve heard a lot of stories about people getting compensation that takes up to a year, two years, three years, five years. Honestly…I just let time go by and all of a sudden, seven months in and I get this call…I was just surprised. I wasn’t expecting this, you know?…I thank Bader Law Firm for helping me out, and I recommend them to everybody.” — Antonio
For a free legal consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer serving Decatur, call (404) 888-8888
Decatur 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 You Need A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While you do have the right to represent yourself when filing for workers’ compensation, you might want to consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer if:
- You have never filed for workers’ compensation before.
- Your claim was denied, and you do not know how to appeal this decision.
- You do not know how much workers’ compensation benefits you may be entitled to receive.
- Your employer chooses to be represented by a lawyer, and you want a legal advocate to protect your interests.
There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer from our firm to help you with your workers’ compensation case, particularly because we offer to take on several legal duties for our clients.
If you are still recovering from a work-related injury, you might find it convenient to work with our legal team, as we can manage your case for you and keep you updated as your case navigates the claims process. You do not have to face your employer or their legal team alone. We will communicate with you to build your case and provide advice as legal decisions need to be made.
Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
What Does a Workers Compensation Lawyer Do?
When you work with one of our lawyers, our team builds your claim. Still, what does this even mean?
One aspect of getting your workers’ compensation claim approved is that you must be able to prove your injury and subsequent damages were work-related. You do not need to prove who is at fault for your injury as workers’ compensation benefits follow a no-fault system. However, many people face the challenge of proving how severe their work injury is and how much compensation it entitles them to seek.
Each state has different requirements and limits on how they distribute workers’ compensation benefits, and we will use our understanding of workers’ compensation laws to determine how much you may be able to receive. In the meantime, however, our focus may first be on getting enough information to support your case.
This may require:
- Reviewing the accident report filed by your employer
- Investigating your accident to determine if other information or evidence is available
- Speaking with witnesses who saw the accident, such as other coworkers
- Getting analysis from a medical professional to prove how long your recovery may last, which may affect how long you receive benefits
- Filling out paperwork on your behalf and submitting it within any important deadlines
- Communicating with other involved parties, such as your employer, their workers’ compensation insurance carrier, or their legal team
- Negotiating with the insurance company for an appropriate dispensation of benefits, settlement, or verdict
Once we develop your case, we will represent you during hearings about your claim and potentially negotiate a settlement. If your claim gets denied, we can help you appeal this decision.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Decatur
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia
Workers’ compensation benefits can help cover important things like medical bills, lost wages, and disability benefits. These benefits help you pay for daily expenses while you recover. Temporary benefits give you money while you can’t work, and permanent disability benefits apply if your injury affects you long-term and makes it hard for you to earn a living. Each type of benefit is designed to help ease your financial stress while you get better. Knowing what kinds of benefits are available and who qualifies is important. Our attorneys can help explain these options and guide you in choosing the best path for your situation.
Besides helping with income and medical bills, workers’ compensation can also pay for rehabilitation, such as physical therapy or retraining if you need to switch to a different job because of your injury. Our main goal is to help you get all the benefits you are entitled to under Georgia law so you can get your life back on track after being hurt. We know how important it is to feel stable when things are uncertain, and we explore all possible ways to get you the help you need.
Process for Securing Decatur Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Getting workers’ compensation benefits in Decatur involves several important steps. First, you need to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. There are strict deadlines and paperwork requirements; missing these can delay or even get your claim denied. It’s important to keep good records of your injury, including doctor visits and any communication with your employer. Our legal team knows how to manage all these details to ensure everything is done correctly and on time so you don’t face unnecessary delays.
We help with everything related to filing your claim, including gathering paperwork, dealing with insurance companies, and respecting your rights. Handling all these details removes a lot of stress, letting you focus on your recovery. Our attorneys know the ins and outs of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws and work to solve problems before they become major issues, making your case as strong as possible.
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How Much Does a Decatur Workers Compensation Lawyer Cost?
Our team will discuss our rates in your free consultation before we start working with you. That being said, we work on a contingency-fee-basis. We do not charge attorney’s fees before your case settles and only take payment if we can help you secure compensation.
If you receive benefits, our fee is deducted from your retroactive benefits payments, so you never have to pay out of pocket.
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We Can Calculate How Much Compensation You May Be Entitled to Receive
When you apply for workers’ compensation, you are applying for benefits to help you recover damages related to your injury.
These damages may include:
- Expenses for your medical attention and treatment
- Wages you lost due to having to miss work to treat or recover from your injury
- Wages you expect to lose in the future because of your injury
- Costs for rehabilitation or occupational therapy
- Mileage costs for going to doctor’s appointments
Our team can collect evidence to prove the value of your financial damages and calculate them for you. We may also review your medical records or consult a medical professional to determine how long you should expect to undergo treatment for your injuries or whether they are considered permanent.
How Long You Can Receive Decatur Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
If your claim is approved, your workers’ compensation benefits will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage before being injured. However, there are variations in how long you can receive benefits and limitations on how much you can receive for certain types of injuries.
For example, the following are different types of disability benefits you may be able to receive as workers’ compensation:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: C.G.A. §34-9-261 mandates that if you were injured and missed work for at least seven days, you may receive up to $675 a week until you recover, but for no more than 400 weeks.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: C.G.A. §34-9-262 mandates that if you can work but at a reduced rate of your previous earnings, you may receive two-thirds of the difference between your current and previous pay but no more than $450 per week. You can receive benefits until you recover or for up to 350 weeks.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: C.G.A. §34-9-263 mandates that if you suffered permanent partial disability, you may receive benefits based on the percentage of bodily loss you have. These caps are the same as TTD benefits; however, the maximum number of weeks you may receive benefits varies by bodily loss.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: If you suffered a completely disabling injury, you may be able to receive permanent disability benefits for life, in which case they would follow TTD limitations.
You Must Follow Certain Rules And Deadlines to Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), you must file a report on your work-related injury to your employer within 30 days of it happening. If you fail to meet this deadline, you might not be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
Other factors may affect your ability to receive benefits. For example, O.C.G.A. §34-9-220 dictates that no person shall receive workers’ compensation benefits for the first seven days of being injured and out of work. However, if you were out of work because of your injury for 21 consecutive days, you can be reimbursed for the first seven missed days.
Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims in Decatur, GA
Common Challenges in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation claims can be tricky. You might deal with problems like insurance denials, arguments over medical proof, or pushback from your employer. Insurance companies might say your injury isn’t serious enough or claim it didn’t happen at work. This can be frustrating and make you feel like giving up. We know these tactics and are ready to fight back for you. We understand how insurance companies try to avoid paying, and we have strategies to deal with these problems to help you get the benefits you need without long delays.
Our team will also help you handle requests for extra information, such as past medical records, proof of your work duties, or medical exams, to protect your rights. We know how important it is to build a strong case from the start so you don’t face bigger problems later on. Whether it’s gathering medical evidence, talking with experts, or negotiating with the insurance company, we do everything with careful preparation and dedication.
Appealing a Denied Decatur Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your claim is denied, it doesn’t mean it’s over. You still have options. We can help you file an appeal, gather all the needed evidence, and present a strong case to fight the denial. The appeals process can seem scary, especially if it involves going before a judge, but our lawyers are ready to stand by your side at every step. We know what documents and arguments are needed to make a strong appeal and improve your chances of getting the benefits you need.
Appealing a denial often means adding more medical records, getting witness statements, or even expert opinions to back up your claim. We will guide you through this process and ensure you understand your rights. Our lawyers have much experience with workers’ compensation appeals; we use this to get the best possible outcome for you. You don’t have to go through this alone—our team is here to provide the support you need to make it through the system.
Your Workers’ Compensation Rights Vs. Employers’ Rights in Georgia
As you file for workers’ compensation, you should know your and your employer’s rights to know what to anticipate during your legal pursuit.
In your case, you have a right to receive workers’ compensation:
- From the first day you are employed
- If you work for a business with at least three workers and your employer has purchased workers’ compensation insurance
- Even if you have a pre-existing condition, as long as your injury aggravated it
- Even if you return to work, as long as you have a permanent partial disability or are working at a lower wage than you were before your injury
That being said, the Georgia Secretary of State mentions that Georgia is an at-will employment state. This means your employer has a right to fire you for any reason, including no reason in Decatur. You may be fired while pursuing or receiving workers’ compensation.
However, if you get hurt on the job and file for workers’ compensation, you are entitled to certain rights from your employer, in that they must provide you:
- An authorized medical physician to treat your injuries
- Another job that can meet the physical limitations you have
If your workplace does not offer another position to accommodate your physical needs, your insurance must pay you indemnity benefits. Our legal team may use this as leverage to negotiate a settlement with your employer.
When you work with our team, we research to learn what your rights are in Georgia.
We Can Help You Appeal if Your Decatur Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied
If you file a workers’ compensation claim and it gets denied, your chances of receiving benefits do not end there. You can continue your pursuit of benefits by filing an appeal and requesting a hearing with an administrative law judge (ALJ), who will review your case.
Below is a brief description of the appeals process in Georgia.
The Appeals Process for Workers’ Compensation Claims
There are four stages to the appeals process for workers’ compensation claims. You do not have to go through each stage to have your claim approved; however, if your claim continues to get denied, we can continue to navigate to the next stage to pursue compensation.
The stages of administrative review are:
- Hearing with an ALJ: The first stage when you file an appeal involves requesting a hearing with an administrative law judge. This is not a trial case; however, you may want to present your case as if it were, as you will only have a few minutes to argue why you are entitled to receive benefits. We can represent and present your case if you decide to work with our team.
- Hearing with the Appellate Division: If the ALJ denies your claim, you can continue to appeal and request a hearing with the Appellate Division of the SBWC. According to the C.G.A. §34-9-103, you have 20 days after the ALJ’s decision to request this hearing. During this stage, the board members of the Appellate Division will review your case and the hearing with the ALJ and then decide whether they agree or disagree with the ALJ’s decision.
- Hearing with the Georgia Superior Court: If the Appellate Division agrees with the ALJ and denies your claim, you have 20 days to appeal their decision to the Georgia Superior Court, per Board Rule 103. This higher court will review records of previous hearings, briefs, and oral arguments about your case.
- Hearing with the Georgia Court of Appeals: If the Georgia Superior Court denies your claim, you have 20 days to appeal their decision to the Georgia Court of Appeals, per C.G.A. §34-9-105. This is the final stage of the appeals process, so any decision made here is final.
It may take time between these stages to schedule dates to present oral arguments. Our legal team can describe how long this process might take when necessary and keep you updated on your case’s progress.
Maximizing Your Decatur Workers’ Compensation Claim
Gathering Strong Medical Evidence
Good medical records are crucial for your claim. They need to show what kind of injuries you have and how serious they are. We work with trusted medical experts to ensure your records are accurate and detailed, which helps strengthen your case to get the highest compensation possible. This means getting reports from doctors, specialists, and therapists who can explain your injury, treatment, and any long-term effects.
We also contact healthcare providers to document any changes in your condition, strengthening your claim. Giving a complete picture of your medical needs makes it easier to show the insurance company why you deserve compensation. We know how important it is to have strong medical proof, especially when dealing with insurance companies that might try to downplay your injury.
Working with Experienced Legal Counsel
Working with experienced workers’ compensation lawyers can make a big difference in how your case turns out. Their knowledge of local rules and experience with successful past cases can help ensure the best possible outcome for you. Our team knows the local rules in Decatur and will be by your side the whole time, guiding you with experience, care, and a focus on protecting your rights. We stay ahead by planning for challenges before they come up, which helps give us the best chance of success.
Communication is key, and we keep you updated at every step of the process. You will always know what’s happening with your claim and what comes next. Our lawyers are here to answer any questions, update you, and help you make the best decisions for your case. When you choose us, you’re choosing someone who truly cares about your well-being and is committed to getting you the compensation you deserve.
You May Have Legal Options to File a Lawsuit About Your Work-Related Injury
One question you might have is whether or not you are allowed to sue your employer for injuries sustained in a workplace accident. To put it simply, no. Employers purchase workers’ compensation insurance for this specific reason—to not get sued by employees—so this is your only option for compensation from them.
However, if your on-the-job injury involves third parties, you may be able to pursue compensation against them via a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Our legal team handles both workers’ compensation claims and personal injury cases so that we can provide legal assistance in both situations.
Identifying Liable Third Parties
While employers are liable for injuries that occur on their worksites, other parties may be held liable for work-related injuries if their negligence contributed to the accident’s cause.
For example, you might file a lawsuit against one of the following types of third parties:
- Another coworker who acted willfully negligent and caused you harm
- A manufacturer if faulty equipment or machinery led to your injury
- A non-employee individual who caused the accident
Our legal team can review your case to see if we can identify other liable parties involved in your accident. If so, we may pursue civil action against them to recover your damages.
Damages You Can Recover in a Personal Injury Claim or Lawsuit
Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which place limits on the kind of damages you can recover and how much compensation you can claim, personal injury cases offer a lump-sum amount of compensation for your total damages. These damages may include your economic and non-economic damages, which are essentially your financial, physical, and emotional damages.
Our Decatur personal injury attorney can collect different forms of evidence to prove the value of your damages and calculate how much compensation you should pursue. We may pursue compensation for:
- Your medical expenses
- Current and future income loss
- Reduced earning capacity
- Your pain and suffering
- Permanent disabilities you suffered
- Loss of quality of life, including loss of joy in hobbies and activities
- Property damage
- Permanent changes in your appearance, such as scarring or burns
- Emotional anguish
- Psychological trauma and other mental injuries
If an on-the-job injury leads to the death of a loved one, qualifying surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to pursue damages related to their loved one’s death. These damages include funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of emotional support, among others. Surviving family members may also qualify to receive workers’ compensation death benefits on behalf of their loved one.
Local Resources in Decatur, GA
DeKalb County Courthouse
Address: 556 N McDonough St, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 371-2261
Decatur Police Department
Address: 420 W Trinity Pl, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone: (404) 373-6551
Emory Decatur Hospital
Address: 2701 N Decatur Rd, Decatur, GA 30033
Phone: (404) 501-1000
Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Address: 270 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone: (404) 656-3818
Knowing where to find local help can make a big difference if you’ve been hurt at work in Decatur. Whether you need to go to court, get help from the police, or visit a doctor, knowing where to go is important. We provide this information to help you feel more supported as you recover from a workplace injury. Our team can also help connect you with other resources you might need during your recovery, offering full support beyond just legal help.
Call A Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer at Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation About Your Case
If you were injured at work and want to file a workers’ compensation claim, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We can have a Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer review your case and help you fight for the benefits you need.
Alternatively, if you already submitted a claim but were denied benefits, our law firm can help you appeal your case. You have rights as a worker, and we want to help you fight for the financial compensation you deserve. Call today to get started. We offer a free initial consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form