When you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation is there to provide financial relief. But navigating claims, securing benefits, and dealing with insurance companies can be overwhelming. Mistakes in the process could delay your benefits or even result in a denial.
The Dunwoody workers’ compensation lawyers of John Foy & Associates are here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Known as The Strong Arm™, we’ve been representing injured workers since 2003.
Our Dunwoody personal injury lawyers have recovered over $1 billion by helping clients secure wage replacement and disability benefits, as well as medical coverage.
Whether you’re filing a new claim or disputing a denial, our team works tirelessly to get you the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under Georgia law.
Let us take care of the details while you focus on your recovery. Contact us for a free consultation today.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
The government set up the workers’ compensation program to protect people who are injured at work. Its features are simple:
- Workers’ compensation gives you much-needed financial support to pay for medical care and other expenses.
- With a workers’ compensation claim, you can get money without going to court or proving that someone was at fault.
- Workers’ compensation isn’t a handout. Your employer paid for workers’ compensation insurance, and in many cases, the cost of the policy was paid through deductions from employees’ paychecks.
- It doesn’t matter how your injury happened. It only matters that it happened while you were working.
Challenges You May Face
Even though workers’ compensation is a right, employees often run into challenges, such as:
- Denied claims: Insurance companies may argue that your injury isn’t work-related or serious enough to qualify.
- Insufficient benefits: The compensation offered may not fully cover your medical costs or lost wages.
- Pressure to return to work: Some employers might push you to come back too soon, risking further injury.
- Complicated paperwork: Filing a claim involves strict deadlines and detailed documentation, which can be confusing and overwhelming.
How a Dunwoody Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
This is where a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer can make a difference. Our Dunwoody workers’ compensation attorneys understand the legal system and know how to protect your rights. We can:
- File your claim correctly: We ensure that all forms and evidence are submitted accurately and on time.
- Appeal denied claims: If your claim is rejected, we’ll fight to get it approved.
- Maximize your benefits: We’ll work to secure the full amount of compensation you’re entitled to, including wage replacement and disability benefits.
- Handle the stress for you: You focus on healing while we deal with the insurance companies and legal details.
Get the strong arm
What Costs Will Workers’ Compensation Pay?
The workers’ compensation system is designed to cover the full cost of a work injury, helping injured employees get the care and financial support they need. While every case is different, most compensation benefits include:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for doctors, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, and other medical providers
- Prescription medication: The cost of any prescriptions related to your treatment
- Rehabilitation: Services like physical therapy to aid your recovery
- Vocational training: If you need new skills to return to work
- Mileage reimbursement: $0.40 per mile for travel to and from medical appointments
- Lost wages: A paycheck while you’re unable to work, typically at a reduced rate but tax-free
In cases of permanent disability or long-term inability to work, additional benefits may apply. Families of workers who suffer fatal injuries may also qualify for compensation. While the system aims to be straightforward, getting the compensation you deserve isn’t always easy.
Insurance companies might deny claims, delay payments, or offer less than what you’re entitled to. With legal representation from an experienced workers‘ comp attorney in Dunwoody, you can ensure your rights are protected and your claim is handled correctly.
What Types of Injuries Are Covered?
The workers’ compensation system is designed to cover any injury that occurs at your workplace, regardless of how it happened or who was at fault. Here are the key facts about coverage:
- No fault required: You don’t need to prove anyone caused the injury.
- All injuries apply: Whether it’s a slip and fall accident in the cafeteria or a serious injury from operating heavy machinery, you’re covered.
- Non–job–related injuries: Even accidents unrelated to your specific duties, like tripping at your desk, qualify.
- All industries included: Claims can come from construction sites, restaurants, delivery routes, or even an office desk job.
Some of the most common injuries include:
- Repetitive motion injuries from tasks like typing or assembly line work
- Burn injuries and electrical shocks from workplace hazards
- Forklift accidents or vehicular accidents, especially on job sites
- Catastrophic injuries, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries
- Permanent injuries caused by construction accidents or falling debris
Medical Evidence Matters
To secure compensation, you’ll need medical evidence showing the extent of your injuries. Even visible injuries, like burns or fractures, must be documented to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Our experienced workers‘ compensation attorneys in Dunwoody handle all types of workplace injuries, from minor issues to catastrophic injuries. If you’ve been hurt, we can help you through the system and fight for the compensation you need to recover.
What About Offsite Work Injuries?
The key feature of workers’ compensation is that it covers injuries that happen while you are at work. Usually, this means that you must be at your employer’s place of business to be covered.
But there are some situations where you may be able to make a claim even though you are off-site. These include:
- Injuries that happen during business travel
- Injuries while driving a company vehicle
- Injuries that happen while you are out running an errand at your employer’s request
- Injuries at off-site work meetings
- Injuries that happen while you are working remotely
Some of the most common injuries that are not covered are those that occur while commuting to and from work. However, if you have arrived at your workplace and are injured in your employer’s parking lot or on your employer’s sidewalk, you may be able to make a claim.
Do I Have to Sue My Employer After a Workplace Injury?
In most cases, no, you don’t have to sue your employer if you’re hurt at work. The workers’ compensation system exists to provide employee benefits without requiring a lawsuit. This includes medical coverage, lost wages, and even death benefits for the families of workers who suffer fatal injuries.
However, workers’ compensation benefits are limited. They don’t cover non-economic damages like pain and suffering, and they might not provide fair compensation if your injury results in long-term impacts.
Third-Party Claims: When a Lawsuit Might Be an Option
If someone other than your employer caused your injury, you may have the option to file a personal injury claim. Other persons or entities, referred to as third parties, could be held liable for your work injuries. This type of claim can help you recover additional compensation, including non-economic damages.
Common scenarios where a third-party lawsuit might apply include:
- Machinery malfunction injuries: If you’re injured by faulty machinery at work, you could sue the manufacturer.
- Auto accidents: If you were injured in a car accident while performing job duties, the at-fault driver could be held liable.
- Unsafe work environments: If a contractor or vendor’s negligence caused your injury, they may be responsible.
How Our Workplace Injury Attorneys Can Help
Workers’ compensation and personal injury claims can be complicated. An experienced personal injury attorney can evaluate your case, review your medical records and other evidence to determine if you’re eligible for additional compensation through a third-party claim.
Our injury attorneys provide comprehensive legal guidance, ensuring you get the benefits and compensation you need. Whether through workers’ comp or a third-party lawsuit, we’ll fight for your rights and help you move forward.
Contact Our Dunwoody Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Today
If you were injured at work, you have rights, and the team at John Foy & Associates is here to ensure those rights are protected. The workers’ compensation system exists to help you recover from your injury, but working through it can be stressful.
Our goal is to help you secure the benefits you’re legally entitled to, including coverage for medical care, lost wages, and more. We operate on a contingency fee structure, which means you don’t pay any upfront costs—we only get paid if we win your case.
Whether you’re dealing with welding injuries, a slip and fall accident, or other workplace injuries, let us handle the legal work so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
