If you suffered injuries due to a workplace accident, you deserve compensation for your medical treatments and lost wages. You can receive those benefits by filing a workers’ compensation claim. But if an insurance company or employer tries to deny your benefits, let John Foy & Associates workers’ compensation lawyers serving Athens step in and handle your case.
We are one of the most experienced and largest workers’ compensation law firms in Georgia, and we have been serving the community for over 20 years. We know how difficult insurance adjusters can make the workers’ compensation process, so we are here to balance the scales. If you are being denied benefits, review your case with our legal team now.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Claims in Georgia
Workers’ compensation protects employees from on-the-job injuries. It is a type of insurance that provides workers with the financial recovery they need to care for their medical needs. From a minor sprain to a life-changing paralysis, workers’ compensation benefits should cover all workplace injuries.
Workers’ compensation has two key objectives:
- To give injured workers complete medical care
- To prevent the need to file an expensive lawsuit after a workplace injury
Georgia workers’ compensation laws require businesses with three or more employees (including part-time workers) to have workers’ compensation coverage. The laws guarantee that all workers receive equal protection regardless of their position, pay rate, or how long they have worked at the job.
Collecting Working Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are funded by both your employer and your paycheck. From your first day on the job, you receive coverage. However, an insurance company handles the actual benefits. And unfortunately, insurance adjusters can make obtaining benefits a challenge.
We frequently take on cases where insurance companies attempt to reduce or deny workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance provider may:
- Pin the blame for the accident on the employe
- Claim the incident happened outside of the workplace
- Insist the injuries are less severe than they actually are
These insurance tactics can result in workers receiving a fraction of the care they need or being forced to pay out of pocket for treatment. But that’s where our workers’ compensation lawyers serving Athens step in. We stand up to insurance providers and demand a fair payout for your workplace injuries.
A workers’ compensation graphic from John Foy & Associates. If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, our workers’ compensation attorneys serving Athens are ready to provide a free consultation.
Costs Covered Under Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits should cover all your losses following an accident at work. The insurance should pay for costs such as:
- Medical treatment: This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, tests and lab work, and any other medical expenses associated with your accident.
- Medical supply costs: Medical supplies you need as part of your treatment or ongoing recovery.
- Continued medical assistance: Any rehabilitative or physical therapy you need to recover from your injuries.
- Travel expenses: Reimbursement for traveling to doctor’s appointments, pharmacies, and other places due to your accident injuries.
- Lost wages: Employees can receive up to two-thirds of their regular pay (tax-free) while recovering from workplace injuries.
- Vocational assistance: Payments for occupational training to help you return to work or qualify for a new line of work following your accident.
If the injury leaves you with a permanent disability, you may receive additional payments. This money should offset the financial cost of your disability and its impact on your career.
Injuries Covered By Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Simply put: if the injury happened at work, it qualifies as a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is unlike other insurance plans because there is no specific list of conditions, restrictions, or requirements to prove in order to receive benefits.
If the injury happened at your place of work, you qualify for complete coverage. This includes performing tasks not directly linked to your job duties. Some of the most common types of workplace accidents our personal injury lawyers see are:
- Burns
- Slip and falls
- Impalements
- Vehicle collisions
- Exposure to toxic chemicals, extreme temperatures, and loud noises
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Workplace violence
- Cuts and lacerations
While some industries are more dangerous than others, workers’ compensation extends to every sector. For example, the National Safety Council (NSC) lists construction, transportation, and agricultural jobs as the most dangerous industries. But job-related accidents can happen anywhere, so all employees receive equal protection.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me in Athens706-400-4000
When Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer handling cases in Athens?
Any time you have a dispute with an insurance provider, you should partner with a skilled lawyer. Therefore, you need to hire a qualified workers’ compensation attorney if you suffered an injury at work and the insurance company refuses to pay for your damages.
In addition to a denied claim, you may also need a work injury lawyer when you:
- Are seeking permanent disability
- Have a pre-existing condition
- Can no longer perform your job duties
- Cannot receive the medical treatment your injuries require
- Are receiving additional government benefits
- Have to go to court for your work injury claim
If your workplace injury is not approved for workers’ compensation benefits, don’t hesitate to contact a workers’ compensation attorney handling cases in Athens. A lawyer for workers’ compensation claims can review your case, determine the source of the dispute, and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Does Workers’ Compensation Only Cover Injuries That Occur at Work?
Workers’ compensation extends to all injuries that occur while you are at work or performing work-related duties. Therefore, you may seek benefits for injuries that happen when:
- Attending an offsite meeting
- Running an errand on behalf of your job
- Driving a company car
- On an employer-owned property (such as parking lots and walkways)
- Traveling for business
- Doing work on a laptop at an outside location
- Taking a business call on your cell phone at an external location
Workers’ compensation does not cover injuries that occur while commuting to and from your job. Although it is necessary for work, employees are considered “off the clock” and therefore not eligible for financial benefits. If you were injured driving to or from work, review your case with a car accident lawyer instead.
For a free legal consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer serving Athens, call 706-400-4000
Will I Need to Sue My Employer to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
In Georgia, you cannot sue an employer for a workplace injury. The state’s workers’ compensation system replaces the need for lawsuits.
Instead, you need to pursue a claim against your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. You may work with your employer to file a workplace incident report and gather additional evidence to build your claim. But if your workers’ compensation benefits get denied, you need to bring a suit against the insurance provider, not your employer.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Athens
First and foremost, after a work-related accident, you need to address any medical concerns. Seek professional care if you sustained any injuries, no matter how minor they may seem. Be sure to keep all receipts and medical documents for when you file your claim.
When pursuing workers’ compensation benefits, you want to stay organized. To help your attorney with the case, you should take the following steps after a workplace incident:
- Inform your employer about the incident as soon as possible
- Complete an official accident report
- Take photos of your injuries, personal property damage, and the area in which the incident happened
- Attend to all medical injuries right away
- Consult with a lawyer to learn more about your rights
Taking swift legal action is key to obtaining workers’ compensation benefits. The faster you get legal assistance from a workers’ compensation attorney serving Athens, the sooner you can receive your benefits and collect the recovery your accident injuries merit.
Review Your Claim With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer serving Athens Now
As an employee in Athens, Georgia, you have a right to workers’ compensation after an accident. However, it’s crucial to take fast legal action to ensure you receive every penny you deserve. That’s where John Foy & Associates workers’ compensation attorneys serving Athens can help.
Our legal team fights for every eligible worker to receive fair compensation after a workplace incident. Contact us now to schedule a free claim consultation. Our lawyers will review your accident and determine the most effective legal strategy to collect your workers’ compensation benefits.
Call or text 706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form