Atlanta
Police & Law Enforcement Workers’ Compensation Claims Lawyer

As a law enforcement officer, you’ve made a career out of helping other people. You protect your community, and you understand the dangers of the job. The last thing you want is an injury, but if it happens, you should be able to get the help you need and deserve. 

Workers’ compensation benefits should cover your costs while you recover from an injury, but sometimes the process doesn’t go as smoothly as it should. If you need help or if you’ve been denied benefits, contact an Atlanta police and law enforcement workers’ compensation claims lawyer. 

At John Foy & Associates, our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers have helped us collect over $1 billion in judgements, awards, and settlements for injured victims. Call today to schedule an appointment and take advantage of our free consultations.

What Is Workers’ Compensation for Police Officers in Georgia?

Georgia’s workers’ compensation program for police and law enforcement officers provides financial and medical support for employees injured while performing job-related functions. If you are injured in the line of duty, workers’ comp offers a safety net while you recover. 

The program is governed by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and is similar to programs for other public employees. You must be a police officer injured while on duty and performing job-related functions to be eligible for workers’ compensation. 

Benefits cover medical expenses and lost wages while you are unable to work. In cases where an officer passes away while on duty, surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits. Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can help you apply for benefits or appeal denials. 

What Benefits Can You Receive for a Police Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Your specific benefits will depend on your needs. Our Atlanta police and all enforcement workers’ compensation claims attorneys can help you understand what benefits to expect and ensure your application is completed correctly to reduce the possibility of issues with your claim. 

The main benefits you can receive are help with medical care and lost wages. 

Medical Benefits

Georgia’s worker’s compensation program can pay for your medical care and help ensure you receive the treatment you require. While your needs are unique, examples of medical costs that workers’ comp can cover include the following:

• Hospital stays
• Doctor visits
• Surgeries
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy

You may choose to see whichever doctor you wish from your employer’s panel of physicians. Workers’ comp will cover the expenses related to your injury.

Benefits for Lost Wages

When you are injured on the job as a police officer, you are entitled to benefits that help make up for lost wages. The amount you can receive is usually based on a percentage of your average weekly wage and will depend on the specifics of your injury. 

Benefits you may receive include:

• Temporary total disability: If you are unable to work for a temporary period, you may receive benefits for lost wages at approximately two-thirds of your average weekly wage. 
• Permanent partial disability: If your injury leads to permanent impairments, but you can still return to your employer in some capacity, you may be entitled to lost wage benefits based on the extent of your disability. 
• Permanent total disability: If the extent of your injury means you are no longer able to perform your job duties in any capacity, you may qualify for permanent total disability benefits. 

Death Benefits

If you are the loved one or family member of a police officer who dies in the line of duty or because of an injury suffered while performing job-related duties, you may be entitled to death benefits. Typically, these are paid to a surviving spouse, child, or dependent relative.

Death benefits can cover the expenses for funerals and unpaid medical bills prior to the officer’s death, as well as financial support for dependents.

How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

Hiring a lawyer for your workers’ compensation claim helps you avoid many of the mistakes that could delay your claim or result in a denial. We are here to protect your interests, provide legal advice, and give you the greatest chance of getting the benefits you need. 

• We can help you understand how to file a workers’ compensation claim
• Our police and all enforcement workers’ compensation claims attorneys in Atlanta can make sure forms and applications are completed correctly and deadlines are met.  
• If your claim is denied, we can help you through the appeals process and represent you in hearings. 
• We have the experience and knowledge to maximize your benefits for lost wages and medical expenses and ensure you are getting everything you are entitled to. 
• If necessary, we can negotiate a fair settlement and offer advice on how to proceed with our claim.
• In cases where your injury is contested, we can investigate the circumstances that caused it and supply evidence. 

Can You Sue Your Employer If You Are Injured While On Duty?

No, if you are an Atlanta police officer injured while performing your job duties, you may not sue your employer in most circumstances. You are expected to seek support through Georgia’s workers’ compensation program.

However, there are some rare occasions where you may sue your employer if you can prove they intentionally contributed to your injury through negligence. If you believe this was the case, it is important to speak with a skilled attorney about your options. 

Contact an Atlanta Police & Law Enforcement Workers’ Compensation Claims Attorney

When you are hurt on the job as a law enforcement agent, the last thing you want to do is take time off. But sometimes it is necessary, and sometimes you need a little help. Workers’ compensation benefits make it possible to get the money and care you need to recover. 

Unfortunately, sometimes the process of applying for compensation is confusing, and sometimes, Georgia denies claims. You don’t need this kind of frustration when you are injured. Our Atlanta police and law enforcement workers’ compensation claims attorney can help. 

When you are injured, get the Strong Arm. Our team at John Foy & Associates has over 350 years of combined experience helping injured victims get the compensation they need. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.