If you are injured while working at Whole Foods in Atlanta, it can mean time off from work and a decrease in your household income. Fortunately, your workers’ compensation insurance will help with medical expenses, wage replacement, and rehabilitation costs while you recover.
But sometimes insurers deny coverage for reasons that are difficult to understand, or a simple mistake can delay the benefits you need. Our Whole Foods Market workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta can help you keep your claim on track and fight if you are unfairly denied.
Our team at John Foy & Associates has more than 350 years of combined experience, advocating for injured Georgia residents. When you’re hurt at work, get The Strong Arm™. Call for a free consultation to find out how our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers can help.
What Workers’ Compensation Covers in Georgia
If you are a Whole Foods Market employee in Georgia, your company legally must provide you with workers’ compensation insurance. This gives you access to important benefits if you are injured or become ill because of your job.
Our Atlanta personal injury lawyers can explain your rights. Workers’ compensation generally provides the following types of benefits:
Medical Treatment
Your benefits will cover medical care related to your work injury or work-related illness. For your treatment to be covered, you must use an employer-approved doctor, chosen from their posted panel of physicians. Your benefits can cover things like:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital care
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Medical equipment
- Follow-up care
Your benefits can also provide access to rehabilitation services such as physical therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and other care needed to help you recover or return to work.
Wage Replacement
Georgia workers’ compensation offers wage-replacement benefits based on your ability to work. A good workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta can help make sure you get the amount you deserve. This can include:
- Temporary Total Disability provides payments if you cannot work at all, typically at about two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum.
- Temporary Partial Disability applies when you can return to work but earn less due to reduced hours or lighter duties.
- Permanent Partial Disability is awarded when an injury causes lasting impairment, with the benefit amount determined by a doctor’s official impairment rating.
Death Benefits
If a Whole Foods Market worker passes away because of a job-related injury or illness, their dependents can receive benefits for funeral and burial expenses. They may also be entitled to lost income benefits to make up for the worker’s wages.
Get the strong arm
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia
According to Georgia law, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days. However, it’s smart to tell your supervisor as soon as possible. Keep copies of your correspondence with your supervisor, as well as any forms you completed.
After reporting, your employer should direct you to choose a doctor from their panel of physicians or their approved medical provider list for treatment. Your employer will file the official claim with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
You may also file a claim directly with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation by completing Form WC-14. Our Whole Foods Market workers’ compensation attorneys in Atlanta can answer any questions you have when you call for your free consultation.
What to Do if Your Claim is Denied
If your Georgia workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Review your denial letter to understand the insurer’s reason. Common explanations for a workers’ compensation denial include a lack of medical proof and other evidence.
After reviewing the reason, you can request a hearing with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. A judge will review evidence and decide on your case. To strengthen your legal position, gather documentation showing how the injury affects your ability to work.
If you don’t already have legal representation, this is the time to consult an attorney. Our Atlanta Whole Foods Market workers’ compensation lawyers can handle your appeal, collect important evidence, and represent you in hearings. We’ll work to get you the benefits you have earned.
Get Help From Our Whole Foods Market Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Atlanta
When you get hurt or sick because of your job, all you want to do is return to work and get your life back to normal. In the meantime, it’s good to know you can get help with your lost wages and medical expenses so you can make ends meet while you recover.
When Whole Foods’ insurance provider makes it hard to get the benefits you need, we can help. Our Whole Foods Market workers’ compensation attorneys in Atlanta will explain the process and assist with your appeal if you receive a denial.
John Foy & Associates has recovered more than a billion dollars in awards and settlements for injured people in Georgia. Don’t take chances with your benefits. Call today to schedule your free consultation and tell us about your workplace injury at Whole Foods Market.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form