You should hire a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim if your injury or illness is likely to require hospitalization, significant time away from work, or ongoing treatment. In this situation, you will more likely than not require indemnity payments for time away from work and may need to prove how your injuries prevent you from working. In some cases, employers will pressure you to return to work before your doctor releases you. Your attorney can help with all of these concerns.
If you believe your injuries are relatively minor and may only require a few visits to the doctor but will not prevent you from working and completing all work-related tasks, you may be able to navigate the claims process on your own unless you run into a problem.
It is also important to note that you may want to speak with an attorney if the workers’ compensation insurer denied your claim for benefits, or your employer begins to behave differently toward you because you filed a claim for benefits.
A Lawyer Can Protect Your Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Most injured workers are not in a position to protect their rights within the Georgia workers’ compensation system. Moreover, many do not understand the rights they have or the benefits they deserve. It is not unusual for employers, the insurance company, or others to try to take advantage of this fact and reduce the benefits offered or force the worker back to work too soon.
In addition, no one feels like trying to navigate confusing forms and complicated procedures while undergoing treatment for an injury or illness, especially one that limits their ability to work and engage in activities they enjoy. Your lawyer can navigate the workers’ compensation system for you and ensure you get the benefits you deserve based on the state’s workers’ compensation laws.
Lastly, many insurance companies try to convince workers to agree to a settlement before they are fully aware of their injuries, necessary treatment, and prognosis. Your attorney can advise you on whether they believe a settlement is fair and help you negotiate a fair settlement if not.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
An Attorney Can Help You Appeal a Workers’ Compensation Benefits Denial
If your employer denies that your injuries or illness occurred as a result of your work, or if you received a denial of your workers’ compensation benefits for another reason, reach out to an attorney who understands Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. You should hire a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim if you are going to have to try to appeal a denial.
Most workers’ compensation law firms offer complimentary case reviews. There are also laws in place that limit the percentage of a settlement we can charge for attorney fees, ensuring you do not have to sacrifice a large portion of your benefits for legal fees.
Understanding the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law
Beginning under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) § 34-9-1, most workers in Georgia qualify for workers’ compensation insurance that will payout in the event that they suffer an on-the-job injury or related illness. This program is administered through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (S.B.W.C.).
The process to file a claim for workers’ compensation includes:
- Reporting your injuries to your employer as quickly as possible
- Seeking medical care from a list of approved caregivers
- Following the treatment recommendations of your doctor
All employers in Georgia who have three or more employees must provide this type of insurance coverage. You can receive these benefits regardless of who or what caused your workplace injury.
Georgia workers’ compensation coverage includes:
- Medical expenses for your injury or illness, including travel
- A portion of your lost wages
- Rehabilitation costs
The treating physician will bill the insurance provider, not you. If you receive a bill, you should contact your employer. Your lost wage benefits should begin if you miss more than seven days at work because of your injuries. Once you miss 21 days at work, you will receive payment for the first seven days you missed.
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Speak With a Member of Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Team
At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our team helps workers in Atlanta and the greater Atlanta area recover the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve following an on-the-job accident. If you need help receiving your workers’ comp payments or fighting a denial, reach out to our team today.
You can speak with a member of our team today for free about your case. We may be able to help you secure the medical care you need and the weekly indemnity payments that can help you pay your bills until you can return to work.
Call (678) 562-5595 now to learn more.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
