
If you’ve been injured on the job, you deserve to be compensated. A Forest Park personal injury lawyer can help you put together a strong claim.
The process of filing for workers’ comp, proving your injury, and getting paid what you deserve is rarely straightforward. Insurance companies do their best to minimize payouts, and employers often dispute claims to avoid higher premiums.
The attorneys at John Foy & Associates have over 350 years of combined experience. If you’ve been injured at work, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Forest Park can help you secure the benefits you deserve.
Why Hire a Forest Park Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
While you can technically file for workers’ compensation on your own, an experienced lawyer can greatly improve your odds of success by:
- Providing guidance so you avoid making mistakes that hurt your case
- Gathering evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your claim
- Handling negotiations with the insurance company so you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement
- Representing you in hearings if your claim is denied or disputed
A Forest Park workers’ compensation lawyer can provide crucial support throughout the claims process.
Get the strong arm
How Much Does a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Cost in Forest Park?
The workers’ compensation attorneys at John Foy & Associates work on a contingency fee basis. Under this arrangement, you don’t pay anything up front. Instead, your lawyer will receive a predetermined percentage of the benefits or settlement you win.
In other words, you only pay if you win.
Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, most employees are covered by workers’ compensation from their first day of work. To be eligible:
- You must be classified as an employee (not an independent contractor).
- Your employer must have three or more employees.
- Your injury or illness must be directly related to your job duties.
Coverage applies to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers, and it includes both sudden accidents and occupational diseases that develop over time.
How Much Is My Workers’ Comp Claim Worth?
In Georgia, injured workers typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage (up to a state-set maximum), along with medical benefits and rehabilitation costs. Severe injuries that result in permanent disability may lead to higher payouts or long-term benefits. The exact value of your claim will depend on several factors, such as:
- The severity of your injury
- Your average weekly wage before the injury
- Whether you can return to your previous job
A Forest Park workers’ compensation attorney can fight for the maximum possible benefits on your behalf.
Types of Benefits You Can Receive
If your claim is approved, you may be entitled to:
- Medical benefits: You can have all reasonable and necessary medical expenses covered, including doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, and therapy.
- Income benefits: You can receive partial wage replacement if you cannot work or can only work in a limited capacity.
- Permanent disability benefits: You can receive compensation if your injury leaves you with lasting impairments.
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits: You can receive training or job placement assistance if you cannot return to your previous work.
A workers’ compensation attorney in Forest Park can make sure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.
How Long Do I Have to Apply for Workers’ Comp in GA?
In Georgia, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident. If you fail to do so, it may jeopardize your right to pursue benefits.
You also have one year from the date of your injury to file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (though exceptions apply in some cases). For this reason, it’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer in Forest Park as soon as possible.
What Are the Odds of Winning a Workers’ Comp Case?
Every workers’ comp case is different. Your odds of winning will depend on the strength of your evidence, the severity of your injury, and whether your employer or insurer disputes the claim.
If you have clear medical documentation and your injury is work-related, your chances are generally strong. However, disputed claims (such as those involving pre-existing conditions or delayed reporting) can be challenging to win without an attorney.
What Happens if My Claim Gets Denied?
If your claim gets denied, it’s not necessarily the end of the road. In Georgia, you can:
- Request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
- Present evidence and witnesses to support your case
- Appeal the decision if the outcome is still unfair
A Forest Park workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the appeals process.
Can I Sue My Employer if I’m Injured on the Job?
In most cases, you cannot sue your employer for a workplace injury in Georgia. However, if someone other than your employer (such as a contractor, manufacturer, or property owner) contributed to your injury, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit.
An attorney can help determine who’s responsible for compensating you.
Common Causes of Work Injuries
Workplace injuries occur for a variety of reasons, including:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion and repetitive motion
- Falling objects
- Machinery accidents
- Vehicle accidents on the job
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Workplace violence
Common Types of Work Injuries
Some of the most frequently reported work injuries include:
- Back and neck injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and brain injuries
- Burns
- Lacerations and puncture wounds
- Sprains and strains
- Hearing loss
- Respiratory illnesses
What to Do After a Work Injury
If you’ve been injured on the job, take these steps to start building a strong claim:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible
- Seek medical attention from an authorized provider under your employer’s workers’ comp plan
- Document everything, including how the accident happened and whether there were any witnesses
- Follow your doctor’s instructions and attend all appointments
- Consult a workers’ compensation lawyer to discuss next steps
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Forest Park
The workers’ compensation process can be long and stressful, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. A Forest Park workers’ compensation attorney from John Foy & Associates can guide you through each step and help you obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
Schedule a free consultation to start building your claim today.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form