If you have suffered critical injuries while working as a logger, you have the right to specific compensation and benefits. However, workers’ compensation claims for loggers in Atlanta are not always straightforward.
You might need legal support to get the insurance company to compensate you fairly for your damages and suffering. A workers’ comp attorney at John Foy & Associates can help you through these difficult times. Contact our office for a free consultation today and learn more about what is next for your lumberjack workers’ comp claim.
Common Logging Accident Injuries
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lumberjacks and loggers work in one of the most dangerous industries. Logging accident injuries are often far more severe than other work-related accidents. Since lumberjacks work in remote locations far from hospitals and other healthcare providers, getting medical attention is paramount.
Generally, logging accidents can occur when logs, tree limbs, and trees fall and hit workers, causing broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head injuries. Logging equipment can also spray wood chips and sawdust into the air, which can cause respiratory disease, eye injuries, and mouth injuries.
Another serious cause for concern in lumberjack accidents is kickbacks caused by chainsaws. This can result in severe lacerations and even amputation of limbs. Other types of logging injuries and accidents could include falling off platforms or logging trucks, falling into holes, entrapment, crushing injuries, and motor vehicle accidents.
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Lumberjack and Logger Rights in Atlanta
Any employer who has more than three employees is obligated to carry workers’ compensation coverage. You have the right to specific types of workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Wage replacement benefits
- Benefits to cover your medical expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits
- Death benefits
You can still collect workers’ compensation benefits if you can continue working but cannot earn the same amount as before your injuries. If your injuries lead to permanent disability, your physician can note it as such in your medical records, and you may be entitled to workers’ compensation disability benefits for the rest of your life.
When to Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Atlanta
Contacting a workers’ compensation attorney for help may be in your best interests if your employer has discouraged you from filing a claim. You should also get help from a workers’ compensation lawyer if the insurance company has denied you the workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Insurance companies have been known to deny workers’ compensation benefits for many reasons, including:
- Failure to provide sufficient medical records
- Making mistakes on your application
- Failure to follow your physician’s medical advice
- Self-inflicting your injuries
- Violating your employer’s code of conduct
- Being intoxicated or under the influence of drugs during work hours
Your lawyer will be ready to provide the insurer with the information they need to continue processing your workers’ comp claim. If there are mistakes on your application, we will address them. If the insurance company attempts to deny your claim in bad faith, we will be ready to hold him accountable to the fullest extent of the law.
Atlanta Workers’ Compensation for Lumberjacks and Loggers FAQ
If you work as a lumberjack or logger and suffer debilitating injuries, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, you may also have many unanswered questions about how the claims process works, what to do if your claim is denied, and more.
With this in mind, we have answered some of the most frequently asked questions regarding workers’ compensation for loggers in Atlanta below. If you have additional questions we did not cover here, contact our team to discuss your concerns in greater detail.
How Long Do You Have to File Your Atlanta Lumberjack Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Lumberjacks seeking workers’ compensation benefits have up to one year from the accident date to file their claim. However, if you are suffering from a repetitive stress injury that occurred over a more extended period of time, the exact date on which the statute of limitations expires may not be precise.
For this reason, having a workers’ compensation attorney evaluate the specific details of your case is crucial. You do not want to put your ability to seek workers’ compensation benefits in jeopardy by waiting.
How Long Can Loggers Collect Workers’ Comp?
Loggers and lumberjacks can generally continue to receive workers’ compensation benefits until they can return to work. However, depending on the severity of your injuries, you may be entitled to workers’ comp benefits until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is when your physician determines you will not get any better than you already have.
There is also a cap of 400 weeks on the amount of time workers’ compensation benefits can be paid out unless your injuries are considered catastrophic. Examples of catastrophic injuries for lumberjacks include:
- Traumatic burn injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Loss of limbs
Can Surviving Family Members Collect Death Benefits?
The surviving family members of lumberjacks and loggers who suffer fatal work injuries may be entitled to death benefits. The insurance company will cover your loved one’s funeral and burial expenses. They will also provide the decedent’s surviving spouse and children with disability benefits meant to act as a portion of the decedent’s lost income.
Generally, the surviving spouse can continue collecting benefits until they reach the maximum number of weeks allowed, begin cohabitating with a partner, or remarry. Children can continue collecting benefits until they reach the age of 18.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Loggers and Lumberjacks in Atlanta Today
Lumberjacks and loggers have the right to financial support when suffering a work-related injury, but that does not mean the insurance company will settle your claim without putting up a fight. Remember, the insurer will lose money by paying out your workers’ comp benefits.
Dealing with workers’ compensation claims for loggers in Atlanta can be challenging. When you have the right legal advocate fighting for your benefits, you can rest easier and recuperate in peace.
Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation and learn more about what to expect as you pursue the benefits you are entitled to receive.
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