If you get injured on the job, your medical treatment and wages should be covered. You shouldn’t have to lose out because you got hurt doing your job. This is why companies have workers comp insurance. Most people can go through their entire lives without ever getting hurt at work. Depending on what kind of work you do, you may be more likely to get injured. If you work in a factory or are a laborer, your job is a bit more physical than others. These are the types of industries where we see more injuries. When people do get hurt at work, they call Georgia workers compensation lawyers. These lawyers specialize in making sure employees get the benefits they’re entitled to. They also know how to deal with employers and insurance companies.
There are a few things you need to do when you first get injured. First, you need to report your injury to Human Resources. If you can’t do this yourself, have your manager or co-worker do this for you.
The second thing you need to do is make sure an incident or accident report is filled out. Your injury lawyer may need this later on.
Finally, get medical treatment. You’d be surprised how many people go right back to work after getting hurt. Until you get checked out by a doctor, you have no idea if you’re really okay.
Once your Human Resources manager sends you out for treatment, call a Georgia workers compensation attorney. They will send you to a company approved doctor. It’s important that you use this doctor or your medical bills won’t be paid.
What Are the Most Common Types of Workers Comp Injuries?
Your injuries will really depend on the kind of work that you do. Office workers suffer different types of injuries than construction workers. If you do physical labor, your injuries will be more severe. If you sit at a desk all day, you’re more liable to suffer something like carpal tunnel syndrome than you are a torn ACL.
Every industry has their share of injured workers. The only difference is how bad your injuries are. And, the more demanding your job, the longer it may take to be ready to go back to work.
Some of the more common injuries include:
- Back injuries
- Neck Injuries
- Knee Injuries
- Vision and hearing loss
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cancer or other illness
Georgia workers compensation lawyers have years of experience handling these types of injuries. They know what evidence to look for to prove your case. In fact, the best trial lawyers know exactly what it will take to get you the compensation you deserve.
If you do suffer injuries in a work-related accident, you should be entitled to benefits. Your workers’ compensation lawyer will fight to make sure you get what you deserve.
What Types of Benefits Do I Receive Under Workers Comp?
Most states are the same when it comes to workers comp benefits. Work-related injury victims are entitled to the following:
- Medical treatment
- Replacement wages
- Also, a job to return to after you recover from your injuries
When it comes to medical treatment, you do need to see the company doctor. Otherwise, your care will not be covered. In fact, if you go to an unapproved doctor, your claim may be denied altogether.
For replacement wages, it depends on how much you earned before your injury. On workers comp, you’ll make about two-thirds of the salary you made while working full-time. You’ll start getting your workers compensation benefits a couple of weeks after your claim is submitted.
What If Your Claim is Denied?
If your Georgia workers compensation claim is denied, your workers’ comp lawyer is going to have to file an appeal on your behalf. Depending on where you live, this could be an easy or difficult process.
Most states have administrative personnel handle appeals. They review the information submitted by the employer and the worker. If it appears you have a valid claim, they’ll approve your benefits. If not, it will be denied.
Also, if your attorney isn’t able to get your claim approved, he’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit. Once he does this, the goal shifts from getting benefits to settling your claim. Nobody wants to go to trial. They are expensive and time-consuming.
Your attorney understands workers compensation law. He knows how the game is played. He’s spent years negotiating with insurance adjusters. He’ll also work hard to get your settlement completed as quickly as possible.
While you wait for your claim to be settled, it’s important that you don’t start working anywhere else. And, if your employer asks you to return to work, you need to let your lawyer know immediately.
Contact a Workers Comp Lawyer Today
If you’ve been hurt at work, you need to contact a workers comp lawyer right away. You only have a certain amount of time to file your claim. If it’s not handled right the first time, your claim could be barred forever.
Experienced Georgia workers compensation lawyers know what needs to be done to get your benefits. He’ll communicate with your employer on your behalf. If they drag their feet, he’ll call them out on it.
Call and schedule your free initial consultation today. You get a chance to meet with an experienced lawyer who can answer any questions you may have. He can also let you know how strong your case is.
Make sure you’re honest with your attorney from day one. If you were drinking at the time of the accident, let him know. Your state may have special programs for people with substance abuse issues.
Lastly, the consultation is free and you pay nothing until you settle your case. Your employer will have lawyers working for them and you should too! Call today and speak with an experienced workers compensation attorney in your area.