If you suffered a workplace injury, you may wonder if you are eligible for workers’ compensation. The good news is that most employees in Georgia have workers’ comp insurance coverage through their employer. The bad news is that securing full and fair workers’ comp benefits can be challenging.
A Savannah workers’ compensation lawyer with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you gather evidence to prove you meet workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines. Our legal team has represented over 10,000 injured Georgians, leading to more than $30 million in settlements and verdicts. We know what it takes to get fair awards for on-the-job injuries and are ready to fight for you. Contact our Savannah workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines lawyers online or call today for a free consultation.
Do You Have Workers’ Compensation Coverage Through Your Employer?
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), state law requires employers with three or more employees, including regular part-time workers, to provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Employees receive coverage starting on their first day of work.
Coverage Exemptions
Some workers typically do not have workers’ compensation through an employer. They include:
- Independent contractors and freelancers
- Self-employed workers
- Temporary workers
- Seasonal employees
- Domestic workers
- Farm laborers
- Railroademployees
A Savannah personal injury lawyer with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help you understand Savannah workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines and apply for coverage for your medical expenses and more.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation eligibility guidelines lawyer serving Savannah, call (404) 888-8888
Does Your Injury Qualify for Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation provides benefits to individuals injured on the job. Therefore, if you were hurt while performing your job duties, you should receive coverage for medical expenses and more.
Covered injuries may include:
- Amputation injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Chemical exposure injuries
- Construction accident injuries
- Electrocution injuries
- Hearing loss
- Heavy machinery injuries
- Hip injuries
- Gas explosion injuries
- Occupational diseases
- Catastrophic injuries
Medical Benefits
You should be eligible for workers’ compensation medical benefits as long as your injury is work-related. Medical coverage may include:
- Doctor and hospital bills
- Medical procedures
- Physical therapy
- Mobility aids, medical devices, and prescription drugs
- Medical travel expenses
You can receive medical benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement or up to 400 weeks. You may be eligible for lifetime coverage if you have a catastrophic injury.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If your work-related injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you should qualify for weekly income benefits.
According to the SBWC, wage benefits can be up to two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage, capped at $800 per week for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2023.
Wage replacement can last for up to 400 weeks. Catastrophically injured workers may be eligible for lifetime wage replacement benefits.
Additional Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation will provide vocational rehabilitation and training if your injury prevents you from returning to your previous job. Families of fatally injured workers may be eligible for death benefits, which should pay for reasonable funeral and burial expenses and provide income benefits to dependents.
Savannah Workers' Compensation Eligibility Guidelines Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
What You Can Do to Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Eligibility
You can do several things to protect your workers’ compensation eligibility, including:
Seeking Treatment From an Approved Provider
For workers’ comp to cover your medical bills, you must receive treatment from a provider authorized by your employer’s insurance plan. The law requires your employer to post a list of approved medical providers or the name of the Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization (WC/MCO) in your workplace.
After receiving medical attention, you should follow your doctor’s orders and attend all future medical appointments. Do not engage in hobbies or activities that could aggravate your condition.
Notifying Your Employer Immediately and Filing Claims Promptly
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80 states that you must notify your employer within 30 days of your injury. In general, it is best to tell your workplace about your accident right away. Doing so can protect you from allegations that your injury did not happen on the job.
According to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82, you have one year from the incident to file a workers’ compensation insurance claim. If the statute of limitations deadline passes, you lose your right to recover benefits.
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Do You Need a Savannah Workers’ Compensation Eligibility Guidelines Attorney?
Savannah workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines can be difficult to understand, and it can help to have a work accident lawyer on your side. Our workers’ comp attorneys can do the following to prove your eligibility and seek fair financial awards:
- Investigate your workplace accident and collect evidence showing your injury is work-related
- Prepare and file your claim with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier
- Track your medical care expenses and seek full coverage for your health care bills
- Seek the maximum wage replacement benefits possible
- Communicate with involved parties on your behalf and handle claim-related phone calls, emails, and meetings
- Track and manage deadlines
A Lawyer Can Appeal Denied Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation appeals can be complex and evolving, with changes to Georgia’s workers’ compensation law occurring as recently as 2023. Our Savannah workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines lawyers are well-versed in work injury litigation. We can help you navigate your appeal and work to bolster your compensation claim.
We can also defend you from bad-faith insurance tactics, undue pressure, or allegations of intoxication, horseplay, or willful misconduct that could negate your benefits.
A Lawyer Can Handle Third-Party Liability Claims
If your employer does not provide workers’ comp or a negligent third party is responsible for your accident, you may have grounds for a liability claim or personal injury lawsuit. Liable third parties may include property owners, equipment manufacturers, and maintenance companies.
A personal injury case may allow you to recover damages unavailable through workers’ compensation, including awards for future lost income, lost earning capacity, physical pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, lost quality of life, and intangible wrongful death damages.
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Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers About Your Workers’ Comp Claim in Savannah
Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to learn more about workers’ compensation eligibility guidelines in Savannah. Complete our online request form or call today for a free consultation.
Founding partner, Attorney Seth Bader, began his career representing insurance companies and taking cases to trial. We know the strategies insurers use to reduce or deny payments and how to fight them. Let us put that experience to work for you. Contact us online or call for a free consultation. We serve clients on a contingency-fee basis.
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