Injuries sustained on the job can not only cause physical and emotional hardship but can also place an overwhelming financial burden on any worker. From medical bills to the cost of missing work and a paycheck, the expenses of workplace injuries can quickly pile up.
To add to the stress, the aftermath of a workplace incident can be confusing and frustrating, with many workers left to fend for themselves as they navigate the intricacies of workers’ compensation.
Working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can take the stress and worry out of the process. The CEO Lawyer’s team of experienced injury and accident attorneys can help you tackle the ins and outs of filing a claim, seeking the maximum benefits possible for all covered losses you have suffered.
We can also explore your options for a possible third-party claim filed against any liable non-employer organizations that contributed to your accident’s circumstances. If you have been involved in a workplace accident, we are here to help.
With the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm on your side, you can rest easy knowing we are dedicated to fighting for your best interests. Our team of experienced attorneys can give you the best chance of collecting the benefits you deserve.
Schedule your free consultation today when you call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online to learn more about your rights and options for pursuing compensation.
A Sandy Springs Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Whether your job involves skilled physical labor or you spend most of your working hours in front of an in-office computer, if you are part of the almost 60% of Americans who work a traditional “onsite” role, you are susceptible to workplace accidents. Be it a result of a slip and fall accident you suffer while performing your job or a disease or health condition you develop due to an occupational hazard or exposure, injuries sustained while “on the clock” can unexpectedly disrupt your entire life.
Even more dire, these kinds of accidents interrupt your ability to earn income.
Although worker compensation laws intend to protect both employees and employers from the financial burdens of workplace accidents, it isn’t always easy for workers to get the compensation they deserve. Even though employees who injure themselves at work have rights and options, sometimes employers fail to cooperate with the injured employee and make it difficult to collect benefits.
A lawyer well-versed in your state’s workers’ compensation laws will be able to provide guidance and insight that will be invaluable throughout the complex claims process.
At the CEO Lawyer Personal Injury Law Firm, our attorneys are deeply knowledgeable about Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. We’ve worked with injured employees throughout Sandy Springs and surrounding communities to pursue the benefits they deserve.
If you’ve suffered an injury on the job, we are here to offer legal guidance.
Some of the benefits of working with our firm include:
- Decades of collective experience on our proven attorney team, which has earned millions in settlements and jury awards for our clients
- Claim-to-close handling of your case through every step of the process, including a possible appeal
- Compassionate and comprehensive legal guidance keeps you informed and in control while reducing the stress and time you spend on your claim
- Accurate valuation of your injury losses in full, including projected future losses, with an in-depth understanding of the benefits available under the applicable policies
- Exploration of other options for pursuing compensation from potentially liable third parties
What Is Worker Compensation?
Established in the 1920s, workers’ compensation serves as an important safety net for employees who sustain injuries or develop illnesses from work. It is an essential form of insurance that provides benefits — typically cash compensation and/or medical care — for workers who suffer an injury or illness as a direct result of their job.
In the state of Georgia, any employer with three or more employees — full-time or part-time — is required by law to have workers’ compensation insurance, which they are responsible for paying for. In addition to providing workers with benefits when this difficult situation arises, workers’ compensation was designed to prevent employees from having to file lawsuits against their employers in order to receive compensation for work-related injuries and illnesses.
In exchange, employers have immunity from direct liability for most on-the-job injuries, with very few exceptions. In other words, you can’t sue your employer when you get hurt, but you also won’t have to, thanks to workers’ comp.
Workers’ compensation laws also protect employees from employer retaliation when they file a claim. Should a claim be disputed, there are formal measures put into place, such as appeals.
The claim and appeal process can be tricky, however, which is why an experienced personal injury attorney can make all the difference.
It is important to note that workers’ compensation laws vary by state and that not all employees — often independent contractors — are covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Hence it is important to seek guidance and accurate information when pursuing a workers’ compensation claim.
What Forms of Damages and Injuries Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
If you are injured at work or suffer an illness directly because of your job, you can seek a variety of compensation for damages, most commonly for healthcare costs and other medical expenses related to the injury or illness. This coverage can include costs related to diagnostic tests, such as an MRI or blood testing, surgery, physical therapy and occupational therapy, and medication.
You may also be able to have travel expenses — such as ambulance rides — covered by workers compensation insurance.
Loss of wages is another benefit often sought; you are entitled to receive a portion of your normal wage for the time you have to take off to recover from the incident.
Many injuries and illnesses can potentially qualify for workers’ compensation if they are directly tied to your work, some of which include:
- Broken bones, sprains, burns, and cuts resulting from an accident or work-related activity
- Repetitive stress injuries that develop over time from job-related tasks, such as carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis
- Occupational illnesses that result from hazardous materials or conditions at work, such as some cancers or respiratory diseases
- Injuries resulting from certain workplace violence incidents
Georgia Workers’ Compensation FAQ
What if My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?
Your workers’ compensation may be denied for a variety of reasons — an insurance company or employer may argue that your injury isn’t due to a work-related cause. They may try to discount an injury, claiming that it isn’t a big deal and doesn’t require treatment.
Some employers may even go as far as to claim you faked your injury to reject your claim. In this case, we recommend consulting an attorney experienced in workers’ compensation claims.
If your employer implies or states that seeking legal guidance will result in a denial of benefits, know that you have a right to seek legal representation. In fact, working with a knowledgeable lawyer can actually increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Is Workers’ Compensation the Same as Disability Insurance?
While both workers’ compensation and disability insurance provide compensation and support to workers who suffer from an injury or illness, they are, in fact, different. There are many nuanced differences that distinguish the two.
For example, workers’ compensation is an insurance policy paid for by the employer and covers the employee for damages that the employer would otherwise be liable for. On the other hand, disability benefits are typically paid for through the worker’s health insurance or through federal government insurance.
Disability insurance can also cover more than just workplace injuries and provides compensation to offset a person’s lost income should their acquired disability prevent them from being able to work.
What Should I Do if I’m Hurt on the Job?
If you are hurt at work and/or while performing job-related duties, you should immediately report the incident to your supervisor. Each state has different requirements for what such incident reporting should look like, but generally, it will need to note the date, time, and circumstance of the injury. It’s ideal to report an injury as soon as possible.
You’ll need to file a claim for workers’ compensation, it is smart to document the process and scene the best you can. This can include asking for a copy of a written incident report, following up with your supervisor and employer via email about the incident to ensure you have written confirmation, and even documenting the scene of the incident with photos and witness testimonies of nearby coworkers.
Also, be sure to save any documentation and receipts for medical treatment you received as a result of injuries related to the incident.
How an Attorney Can Help When Seeking Workers’ Compensation
If you’ve been injured while at work, a workers’ compensation attorney can play an important role in helping you navigate the complex process of seeking compensation for workplace injuries. They can provide essential legal guidance, evaluate your case to determine your options, gather crucial evidence to support your claim, and generally assist in filing your compensation claim.
Attorneys can also negotiate with the insurance company to help secure fair compensation and ensure that your rights are protected.
In cases where your claim is denied or you are offered inadequate compensation, an attorney can guide you through the appeals process and, if necessary, represent you in court. Ultimately, a knowledgeable and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer will act as your dedicated advocate, ensuring your best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve.
Consult With a Sandy Springs Workers’ Compensation Law Firm
If you have been injured in a workplace accident, the CEO Lawyer is here to help. We understand the emotional, physical, and financial burdens that a job-related injury can place on your life.
With our team of experienced attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that your best interest and legal rights will be upheld throughout the claims process.
Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. With the guidance and knowledge of our attorneys, you will have a better chance of filing a successful claim and receiving the compensation and benefits you deserve.
For a free consultation to discuss your options, call (470) 323-8779 or contact us online.
