Workers' Compensation Claims for Firefighters in Atlanta

For Atlanta firefighters that suffer on-the-job injuries, it is paramount to file a workers’ compensation claim right away. You have up to one year from the date of your injury to submit your claim. If you choose not to file your claim, you will be held solely responsible for any lost wages and medical bills associated with your injury. 

At John Foy & Associates, we help firefighters and other first responders deal with workers’ compensation claims. If you want help from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta, we can assist. An Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney from our team can review your case and help you file a lawsuit against your employer. 

Why a Firefighter May File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Atlanta

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the biggest reasons why a firefighter may file a workers’ compensation claim. This mental health disorder can affect a firefighter’s ability to function at work and outside of it. Research indicates up to 37% of firefighters meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis.  

Along with PTSD, there are many physical injuries that can cause a firefighter to file a workers’ compensation claim. These include:

• Burns
• Back injuries
• Neck injuries

Georgia lawmakers have taken steps to improve workers’ compensation coverage for firefighters across the state. Regardless, it is still difficult for many firefighters to get the workers’ compensation they deserve. For these firefighters, it can be beneficial to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta. 

What an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney Offer

A workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta treats every case as its own entity. The lawyer reviews a firefighter’s workers’ compensation claim and gets plenty of information about it. From here, the attorney determines if the firefighter has a viable claim.

Your Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer will determine who is responsible for a firefighter’s injury. If a firefighter suffers an injury through no fault of their own, this individual may be eligible to pursue damages. At this point, the firefighter can partner with a workers’ compensation attorney and seek the maximum amount of damages. 

John Foy & Associates is an Atlanta law firm that is ready to help firefighters in any way we can. If you want to hire an attorney to help you win or settle your workers’ compensation case, a lawyer from our team is happy to assist. Our attorney leaves no stone unturned in their efforts to help you get a sufficient amount of workers’ compensation.  

How Much Money You Can Receive in an Atlanta Firefighter’s Workers’ Compensation Lawsuit

Your injury dictates how much you can secure in damages in a workers’ compensation lawsuit. If your injury prevents you from working as a firefighter moving forward, you may be able to secure a large settlement. Ultimately, your attorney can help you determine an appropriate amount of damages to request in your lawsuit. 

When you meet with an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney, you can share information about your injury, why it occurred, and any costs associated with it to date. Your lawyer can look at your medical records and any other information relating to your injury. This information can be used as evidence to help you secure damages. 

Your lawyer accounts for the immediate and long-term impact of any injury you incur. With your lawyer’s help, you can calculate a fair amount of damages to request in a workers’ compensation lawsuit. Once you determine this amount, you are ready to file your lawsuit. 

How an Atlanta Firefighter’s Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Settled

After an Atlanta firefighter’s workers’ compensation lawsuit is filed, months can pass before your case gets resolved. Your lawyer negotiates with the defendant’s attorney. There can be times when you receive a settlement offer as well. 

If you get a settlement proposal, take as much time as you need to decide on it. By accepting a settlement, you lose the right to pursue additional damages down the line. On the other hand, you get money without having to go to trial and argue your case. 

You and your lawyer can review a settlement offer and decide how to proceed with it. If you decline a settlement, your case goes to trial. When this happens, you are responsible for showing a judge or jury why damages should be awarded. 

What Can Happen When a Firefighter’s Workers’ Compensation Case in Atlanta Goes to Trial

The trial process may seem overwhelming at first, but your attorney will help you navigate it with precision and care. Leading up to your trial date, your lawyer can answer any legal questions you have. Plus, your attorney can give you insights into what can happen during your trial and help you establish realistic expectations for it. 

There is no guarantee you will be awarded any damages in a workers’ compensation trial. Your lawyer advocates for you during your trial and attempts to show a judge or jury that you deserve 100% of the damages you request. Meanwhile, the defendant’s attorney disputes your claims and tries to prove that you do not deserve any damages. 

In the best-case scenario, your attorney will make it clear to a judge or jury that you suffered an injury while working as a firefighter, and your employer should be held accountable. If this occurs, a judge or jury will rule in your favor. As such, you can receive compensation from the defendant. 

How to Select a Lawyer for a Firefighter’s Workers’ Compensation Claim in Atlanta

Workers’ compensation claims for firefighters can be complicated. By selecting a lawyer that has experience with these claims, you can position yourself for success in the courtroom. This attorney can walk you through the legal process and handle any challenges that come up along the way. 

It is important to meet with a lawyer to learn about their approach to firefighter workers’ compensation cases. The lawyer can share their past experiences in these cases.  In doing so, the attorney can help you make an informed decision on whether they can meet your expectations. 

Do not settle for an inferior lawyer for your firefighter workers’ compensation case. If you identify a lawyer that instills confidence, hire the attorney. You can then work in lockstep with the lawyer to accomplish the optimal case result. 

Reach Out to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Atlanta

If you are a firefighter in need of legal help with a workers’ compensation claim in Atlanta, John Foy & Associates can help you out. For more information or to request a free consultation, please contact us today.