You may want to 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.
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. In some cases, employers will pressure you to return to work before your doctor releases you. It’s often a good idea to contact a workers’ compensation attorney for a free consultation about your case. An attorney from our team can help with all these concerns.
A Lawyer from Our Team Can Protect Your Right to Workers’ Compensation Benefits
We can help you navigate the whole process of a workers’ compensation claim. Here are some of the biggest reasons why you might want to work with a lawyer:
- Legal guidance through the process. Many injured workers are not aware of how 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.
- Help with the paperwork. You may not wish to navigate confusing forms and complicated procedures while undergoing treatment for an injury or illness, especially one that limits your ability to work and engage in activities you enjoy. We can navigate the workers’ compensation system for you and ensure you get the benefits you deserve based on the state’s workers’ compensation laws.
- Understanding your case value. 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.
If you believe your injuries are relatively minor and may only require a few visits to the doctor but won’t prevent you from working and completing all work-related tasks, you could navigate the claims process alone unless you run into a problem.
However, you could face challenges with even seemingly straightforward claims. It may be in your best interests to work with a legal advocate.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Our Attorneys 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, you may want help from a lawyer who understands Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.
We can help you with a workers’ compensation claim if you are going to have to try to appeal a denial, as this can be a complicated process. A lawyer from our team can gather the evidence needed to appeal your denial.
Why Choose Our Team for Help with Your Case
At our firm, we take pride in winning big for our clients. We will work hard to fight for every dollar available in your case after you are injured on the job.
Some reasons why you may want to consider our team include:
- A legal team with insurance industry experience: Our firm’s founder worked for insurance companies before he began representing victims of injury. We know how to counter the tactics used by insurance companies and protect your case.
- Our free consultation will get you started: You can get guidance on your next best steps and get started on your case for free with your first consultation.
- Contingency-fee based representation: We work based on contingency, meaning that we don’t require any upfront fees to get started with your case.
We are also proud of our Superb AVVO ratings and our Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating. We will put our experience to work for your best possible results.
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 pay out in the event they suffer an on-the-job injury or related illness. This program is administered through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC).
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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What You Can Do to Protect the Value of Your Claim
Whether you choose to hire a lawyer for your case or not, you can take steps to protect your workers’ compensation claim.
Be sure to report your work injury to your employer within thirty days of your accident. Then, after you’ve been treated for your initial injury, follow through on any necessary or recommended care. If you don’t show up to your appointments, it could be claimed that you made your injuries worse—and this could be used to harm your case.
Then, be sure to file your workers’ compensation claim within one year of the accident. If you fail to do so, you could be unable to seek benefits, per the SBWC.
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Work with a Member of Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Team
If possible, it is best to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney immediately after you have been injured. 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.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect you from greedy insurance companies looking for ways to deny your full benefits. We know what you are entitled to, and we will fight for it.
Call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers Today
If you need help receiving your workers’ comp payments or fighting a denial, reach out to our team now.
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 now to learn more. You don’t have to navigate the workers’ compensation claims process alone and shouldn’t. We’ve got you covered.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
