You should seek workers’ compensation as soon as possible after you are hurt at work or suffer from a work-related disease. However, many injured workers fear going to court, and when your medical bills are through the roof while your income is stagnant, it is natural to be concerned. Taking Georgia workers compensation cases to court is not something that anybody looks forward to, and this can be particularly scary for someone in your vulnerable position.
It is highly likely that your case will be resolved out of court, as a majority of claims do not see the light of it. An experienced Georgia workers compensation attorney is vital for those who have been injured on the job. If you have been injured at work, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
It has just been reported that the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics found that almost 78,000 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses were reported in the private sector in Georgia in 2019, resulting in a 2.5 per 100 full-time equivalent incidence rate.
Workers’ Compensation Insurance:
Each state has its own Workers’ Compensation program, which is meant to cover employees who are injured on the job or contract work-related illnesses. Workers’ compensation is a federally administered program that is administered separately by the states. The purpose of workers’ compensation is to balance the rights of the employer and employee without regard to the negligence of the person causing the accident. Workers’ compensation does not provide any protection from personal liability.
Workers’ compensation claims are often complicated, and it can be difficult to receive compensation after a sustained injury. However, in some states, it is possible for injured employees to pursue compensation claims and employers will not have to worry about multiple lawsuits if a sustained injury is ongoing. A lawyer for workers’ compensation may advise you to consider proceeding with a hearing in the context of a broader lawsuit for fair compensation if the insurer does not deal with your claim in good faith.
All of the following damages (or losses associated with illness or injury at work) are covered by workers’ compensation insurance:
- Medical expenses incurred
- Income loss
- Rehabilitation services
- Medical benefits for dependents
- Survivor benefits
There are several factors that will affect the settlement amount you receive, including but not limited to:
- Your medical records
- Your job duties
- And the circumstances surrounding your injury.
Protection of Georgia Workers Compensation Cases:
In addition to knowing your unique situation and job, there are some things you can do to safeguard your workers’ compensation claim from the beginning:
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Seek Medical Assistance:
Your health is more important than workers’ compensation claims. Because receiving medical care when you need it is closely associated with a better prognosis, it is imperative that you get it as soon as possible.
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Report your Accident:
The sooner you report your work accident to your employer, supervisor, and/or boss, the better your chances of getting benefits after the injury. If you do not report it within 90 days of the injury, you may risk the lapse of your benefits due to the clause of the statute of limitations.
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Follow Your Doctor’s Orders:
Respect your doctor’s orders and advice. Both for your health and your workers’ compensation claim, it is crucial that you follow your doctor’s orders, instructions, and advice.
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Following Up On Your Claim:
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney will make sure your claims are handled smoothly. Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated and involve important documents.
Why Claims Usually Go to Trial?
The majority of claims that go to trial fall under one of the following categories:
- Injuries or illnesses suffered at work are not considered work-related by your employer
- Employers’ workers’ compensation insurance does not regard injuries or illnesses suffered at work as work-related
- Damages that you sustained do not equate to the amount of financial compensation received
Because of this desperation, insurance companies can assume that you will accept a modest offer based on this fear of losing your health. However, accepting anything less than you are entitled to will not be helpful to you or your health. The insurance company knows your case well and might make efforts to underwrite your Georgia workers compensation claim.
An Experienced Georgia Workers Compensation Attorney Can Help:
We are on your side, so do not hesitate to contact us for more information today. Our workers’ compensation lawyers devote their impressive practices to representing the rights of our clients and securing them for their Georgia workers compensation cases.
