If you are hurt at work or develop a job-related illness, you may be eligible for workers’ comp payments. Workers’ comp is a kind of insurance that your employer has that will help you to recover any lost wages and medical payments due to your illness or injury. Our Bremen workers’ compensation lawyers have the expertise to help you navigate the workers’ comp system and to represent you if your claim is unfairly denied by your employer or the insurance company.
It’s important to understand that you should never sign anything that is presented to you by an insurance company if you’ve been injured at work or become ill. The other party’s insurance company wants to prevent you from receiving the full amount that you deserve and if you sign something, you may be signing away your rights to future amounts for your injuries or illness. Give our Bremen personal injury lawyers a call at (770)988-6155 today and let us represent you in your workers’ comp claim.
What Is Worker’s Compensation?
Worker’s compensation is a system that provides security and protection to employees in case of an injury in the course of employment. For example, a construction worker can claim compensation in case he falls and gets injured while working on a construction site or any other situation where he may be putting his health at risk. Under worker’s compensation, employees are entitled to the following:
Medical Treatment
This includes hospital stays and medical bills or prescriptions that are paid by the insurance company of your employer.
Temporary Total Disability
If your doctor deems you unfit to work for a specified period of time, the insurance company is liable to compensate you for the money you won’t be able to earn due to your injury.
Physical Therapy
The doctor may suggest physical therapy as part of the recovery process. Your employer will be responsible for providing coverage for the expense.
Necessary Travel Expenses
Worker’s compensation allows you to receive mileage reimbursement or reimbursement of the cost of traveling to get the required treatment done.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Although the laws of each state are different, you might be entitled to receive vocational rehabilitation. It is important to contact your lawyer who specializes in Georgia law to fully understand the scope of your rights.
What Should I Do If I Am Hurt On the Job?
It’s important to follow these steps to protect your rights:
Inform Your Employer
The first thing you should do is inform your employer or your supervisor immediately that you are hurt. Even if the injuries are minor, it is important to keep your employer in the loop. For instance, you might hurt yourself while operating a heavy machine, or you might slip and have a bad fall.
Get Medical Attention
The next important step is to get medical help as soon as you can. You should follow the instructions of your doctor and make sure that your medical documents, reports, bills, and prescriptions are kept safely.
Keep a Record
Keep a written record of your injuries and symptoms. You can take pictures or record videos as well for proof. This will help your lawyers build a strong case. Take pictures of your surroundings and your injuries if you can.
File a Claim
Get in touch with your attorney and file for a worker’s compensation claim at your earliest. Your lawyer will brief you about the necessary steps you need to take and will help you throughout the process.
Rest and Recuperate
It is important to get sufficient rest after an injury. While you focus on getting better, your attorney will be working on your case.
What Are the Most Common Workplace Accident Injuries?
The following are the 10 most common workplace injuries:
- Back or neck injuries
- Burns
- Factures
- Amputations
- Hearing loss
- Joint pain as a result of repetitive movements
- Slip and fall
- Construction accidents
- Accidents while traveling for business
- Accidents while working with machinery or tools
Why Should I Hire a Worker’s Compensation Attorney?
There are many benefits to working with a workers’ compensation attorney, including:
Negotiations
If the insurance company doesn’t fairly compensate you for your injury, hiring an attorney will help you. An attorney will evaluate your case and understand what you really deserve without giving in to any external pressure. They will continue to work until you receive the benefits you deserve.
Remember, it’s important to not sign anything that the other insurance company presents to you without first consulting with your lawyer. Your lawyer can give you the best advice on whether or not you should agree to a settlement. In most cases, your lawyer will tell you to let them negotiate a higher settlement.
Ensure Correct Wording of Agreement
The amount of payment you receive can be impacted by the wording of the agreement. There are legal ways to maximize your benefits, but you might not be able to do so if you represent yourself. For example, your lawyer can state in the agreement that a lump sum payment should be considered a lifetime payment.
Representation
It will be difficult to represent yourself, especially while recovering from an injury or illness. A competent lawyer with sufficient experience will aggressively represent you at a workers’ compensation hearing if needed.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire A Bremen Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
Lawyers who manage worker’s compensation cases usually get a fixed percentage of the compensation that the worker receives. The percentage can range between 15% and 25% of the settlement amount.
What Should I Do If My Workers Compensation Claim Is Denied?
You still have plenty of options. For example, in Bremen, your lawyer may suggest that you file for an appeal. You have the right to challenge the decision; however, make sure that you don’t delay the process.
What Responsibilities Does An Employee Have In Filing a Workers Compensation Claim?
The injured worker has to adhere to the following responsibilities:
- Follow the rules and procedures of the employer.
- Report the incident immediately (within 30 days) to the employer or immediate supervisor.
- Seek medical treatment immediately.
- Don’t admit your fault and wait for an attorney to handle the case.
- Notify the insurance company and give them details of the accident and your location.
- File for a claim as soon as possible (within one year after your medical treatment or within two years of your last weekly payment.
- Submit a drug test if required and file for reimbursement. Make sure that you don’t hide details or provide false information.
What Responsibilities Does the Employer Have In the Workers Compensation Process?
Your employer is responsible for filling out the form for worker’s compensation and sending you to the assigned doctor. In addition, employers should provide statements of the employee’s earnings before and after the accident. They will also have to provide reports of the day the employee has to return as well as other reports related to the claim and the employee’s employment status.
Can I Be Fired for Claiming a Workers Compensation Claim?
No, you cannot be fired for claiming a worker’s compensation claim. It is your legal right and entitlement. However, there are chances that an employer might show some retaliation. Nonetheless, you have the right to take legal action.
Is There a Time Limit to File a Workers Compensation Claim In Bremen?
File a claim as soon as possible (within one year after your medical treatment or within two years of your last weekly payment).
Can I Sue My Employer?
If your employer is being unfair to you by not letting you use your worker’s compensation rights, you are entitled to take legal action against them. You should approach your attorney immediately if your employer conducts the following acts:
- Workplace harassment
- Disciplinary action
- Suspension
- Termination
- Other mistreatments
Can An Independent Contractor File a Worker’s Compensation Claim?
In some states, independent contractors are not considered employees; therefore, they cannot file for a worker’s compensation claim. Plus, employees are not allowed by law to purchase coverage for independent contractors.
On the other hand, in some states, independent contractors can be covered for injuries and illnesses under worker’s compensation. It’s important to consult a workers’ comp attorney who knows the specific rules in Georgia to find out if you may qualify for workers’ compensation.
What Is a Georgia Compensation Claim Worth?
Worker’s compensation will pay for the following:
- Medical Bills: The medical expenses will be covered, provided that you visit an authorized and approved doctor.
- Rehabilitation Expense: If your doctor suggests rehab, the cost will be covered under worker’s compensation.
- Lost wages: In case you are unable to work for a period of time, you will be compensated for the lost wages.
- Prescription Medication: The prescribed medication by the authorized doctor will be covered under worker’s compensation.
- Travel Expenses: Necessary travel expenses related to the treatment will be covered.
- Loss of Income: Your income loss replacement benefit, which will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage (with a cap of $575 per week).
- Permanent or Partial Disability (PPD): An additional sum of money if the authorized treating physician issues a disability rating in compliance with the American Medical Association Guidelines
Schedule Your Free Consultation With a Bremen Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have suffered a workplace injury or occupational illness, you may be entitled to workers’ comp payments. Notify your supervisor when you’re injured or become ill and seek medical attention, even if you feel that your illness or injury is minor. Sometimes a minor incident can become major so you need to seek medical care immediately. Then, contact our Bremen personal injury firm at (770)988-6155 for a free consultation on your workers’ comp case.
Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let us help you navigate the court system with your workers’ comp case. You can be reimbursed for your medical bills, a portion of your lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and more. Don’t risk not being able to pay your bills and make ends meet while you’re recovering from your illness or injury.
