Worker’s compensation is an insurance cover that protects both the employee and employer of a business. It provides numerous benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill at work. An employee can claim medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, and more. On the other hand, the employer is protected from having to face lawsuits filed by injured employees. The employer is saved from spending millions of dollars in compensating such employees. If you have been injured at the workplace, you can claim compensation for your injuries.
Worker’s compensation laws in Georgia are complicated. Filing a work injury claim without a specialized McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer isn’t advisable. There are hundreds of workers’ compensation attorneys throughout Georgia. But all of these professionals are not top-notch. You need to do your homework properly when selecting the best attorney to handle your claim.
The Law Office of John B Jackson is a trusted name in McDonough when it comes to handling different types of personal injury cases including worker’s comp cases. Our experienced attorneys know the ins and outs of workers’ compensation laws in Georgia. We have worked with hundreds of injured employees and won millions of dollars in compensation on their behalf. Call our personal injury lawyers in McDonough at (770)988-6155 to evaluate your workers’ compensation claim and advise you on how to file a workers’ comp claim in Georgia.
Hurt On The Job? Here Is What To Do!
Many people who are hurt on the job don’t know what they should do next. Here is what you need to do when you are injured or fall ill at work:
Inform your employer or immediate supervisor about the accident and request to be taken to a doctor. Even if your injuries seem minor, you should ask to be taken to the company doctor or any other healthcare provider authorized by the company. Georgia law allows you thirty days to notify the employer or supervisor when you are injured at work. But you shouldn’t wait so long to notify the employer. Do it as soon as you can and provide written notification to the employer.
Keep all the medical bills, medical reports, and a record of your injuries. If possible, you should take photos of any visible injuries because it can help you when you decide to file a workers’ comp claim.
File a worker’s compensation claim. Make sure you hire a reliable McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer to file your claim.
Why Do You Need A McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If your injuries are visible and the employer already knows about the accident and subsequent injuries, you can try to file the claim without the assistance of a professional. But all claims are not simple and straightforward. Workers’ comp claims are complicated at times. The employer can claim that you were injured because you did something reckless or that your injuries occurred outside the workplace. A highly specialized attorney can help interpret the law properly and help you get the maximum benefits for your injuries.
Your employer and the insurance company will hire the best lawyers in town to present their side of the case. Hence, you should be ready to face them with a good McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer in your corner. A lawyer can help appeal the claim even if your claim is denied by the insurance company.
How Much Will A Workers’ Compensation Attorney Cost?
You pay the attorney only after he wins your claim. Until then, you don’t have to pay anything. That is because our lawyers work on a no-win-no-fee basis. It’s also known as a contingency fee. Georgia has set the maximum amount for contingency fees for workers’ comp claims at 25%.
What Happens If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?
Your McDonough workers’ compensation lawyer can appeal to hear your workers’ compensation case before the State Board. An administrative judge will hear your case and either accept it or deny it once again. Your attorney can present the right information and facts to prove your case and obtain compensation for your injuries.
What Is The Time Limit To File A Work Injury Claim In Georgia?
Yes, you need to file the claim before one year is completed from the date of the accident. Georgia’s statute of limitations comes into effect after one year from the date of the accident.
Can Independent Contractors File Workers’ Compensation Claims In Georgia?
Only employees and statutory employees in McDonough, Georgia, can claim worker’s compensation for their injuries or illnesses at the workplace. Independent contractors are not covered by the insurance policy. But determining the status of a worker under Georgia law can be quite difficult. There is always a chance the employer has misclassified you. In fact, workers’ comp insurance offers an optional cover for self-employed workers or independent contractors. Without this optional coverage, which a vast majority of employers in Georgia don’t provide, independent contractors are not eligible to claim compensation from workers’ compensation insurance.
In Georgia, it is not mandatory for an employer to purchase worker’s comp optional cover for independent contractors. Most employers opt out of this cover to save money on insurance premiums. You should speak with a qualified attorney to know what your options are under such circumstances.
What Is A McDonough Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?
Workers’ comp insurance provides numerous benefits to employees who are injured or fall ill at work. The policy covers medical costs, physical therapy costs, rehab costs, prescription medications, in-home nursing care, and lost wages due to your injuries. An injured employee is paid two-thirds of his/her average weekly salary under this policy. On the other hand, the employee will receive the following disability benefits depending on the severity of their injuries.
- Permanent partial disability
- Temporary total disability
- Permanent total disability
- Temporary partial disability
Employees who are injured or fall ill on the job can claim compensation under workers’ compensation insurance. You should hire a reliable worker’s compensation attorney to handle your claim. Call the Law Office of John B Jackson at (770)988-6155 to evaluate your workers’ compensation claim and advise you on how to file a workers’ comp claim in Georgia.