A work injury can upend your life. If you’ve been hurt on the job, a Jonesboro personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim.
Obtaining workers’ comp benefits can be difficult. Your employer may deny liability, and Insurance companies often delay, deny, or reduce workers’ claims.
The lawyers at John Foy & Associates have over 350 years of combined legal experience. If you’ve been injured at work, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Jonesboro can help you obtain the benefits you’re entitled to.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Jonesboro employers are legally required to invest in workers’ compensation insurance to protect their employees from workplace accidents.
According to Georgia law, workers’ compensation affords injured employees the right to certain benefits like medical coverage and paid work leave.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Comp in Georgia?
In Georgia, most employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. You’ll likely qualify for benefits if:
- You’re an employee (not an independent contractor).
- You were injured while performing work-related duties.
- You report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
A Jonesboro workers’ compensation attorney can help determine whether you’re eligible for benefits.
Get the strong arm
Why Hire a Jonesboro Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
While you’re not legally required to hire a lawyer for a workers’ comp claim, doing so can significantly improve your chances of obtaining full benefits. Specifically, an attorney can:
- Gather evidence such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to strengthen your claim
- Calculate your damages to make sure you receive every benefit you’re entitled to
- Negotiate with the insurance company so you don’t get pressured into accepting less than you deserve
- Help you file a strong appeal in the event your claim gets denied
A Jonesboro workers’ compensation lawyer can handle every aspect of the legal process so you can focus on your recovery.
What Is the Average Workers’ Compensation Settlement in GA?
Workers’ compensation settlements can range from tens of thousands to millions of dollars. Your claim’s value will depend on factors like the severity of your injury, your average weekly wage, and how long you’ll be unable to work.
A workers’ compensation attorney in Jonesboro can estimate the potential value of your claim based on the specifics of your case.
Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Georgia
If you qualify for workers’ comp in Georgia, you may receive several types of benefits, including:
- Medical benefits: You can get coverage for doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other necessary medical treatments.
- Temporary total disability (TTD): If you can’t work at all due to your injury, you can receive weekly payments worth two-thirds of your average wage (up to a state-set maximum).
- Temporary partial disability (TPD): If you can return to work but earn less due to your injury, you can receive partial wage replacement.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD): You can receive compensation if your injury leaves you with permanent limitations (even if you can still work).
- Permanent total disability (PTD): You can receive ongoing wage replacement if your injury prevents you from performing any work for the rest of your life.
A Jonesboro workers’ comp attorney can make sure you receive the benefits you’re eligible for.
What Are the Advantages of Workers’ Compensation?
There are many benefits to receiving workers’ compensation. If you need financial support while you’re recovering from severe injuries, you can count on workers’ comp to:
- Automatically provide you with coverage from the day you start a covered job
- Allow you to secure maximum compensation for your losses without filing a personal injury claim
What’s more, employees who file workers’ compensation claims automatically receive protection from retaliation. Employers in Georgia may not fire an employee who pursues support under a company insurance policy after a work-related accident.
How Long Do You Have to File for Workers’ Comp in GA?
In Georgia, you have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ compensation claim. In addition, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days or risk losing your right to benefits.
A Jonesboro workers’ comp lawyer can help you file your claim as soon as possible.
Why Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Automatically Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Bringing an injury claim to your employer is always a fraught situation, even if they are legitimately working to be as fair as possible. In addition, the insurance company may attempt to downplay your claim, even if your employer is supportive of you.
In other cases, the employer themselves may dispute your claim. A Jonesboro workers’ compensation attorney can help fight for your rights as a worker.
Can I Sue My Employer?
In Georgia, workers’ compensation is generally considered an exclusive remedy, meaning you can’t sue your employer for a workplace injury as long as they carry workers’ comp insurance.
However, you might be able to file a lawsuit if your employer doesn’t have workers’ comp coverage or if you can prove that they intentionally harmed you.
If a third party (such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or negligent driver) caused your injury, you may be able to sue them. A Jonesboro workers’ compensation attorney can pursue all potential sources of compensation.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury
To start building a strong claim after your injury, take these steps:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention from an approved doctor on your employer’s posted panel of physicians.
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all appointments.
- Document everything, including medical bills, lost wages, and communications with your employer or insurance company.
- Contact a workers’ comp lawyer before signing any settlement or giving a recorded statement.
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Jonesboro Work on a Contingency Fee Basis
John Foy & Associates provides Georgia residents with legal representation on a contingency fee basis. We don’t charge a retainer’s fee, and we don’t send you bills while your case is in progress.
In other words, you don’t have to invest money in our legal services to start fighting for the financial compensation you deserve.
If you want to file a claim for workers’ compensation, you can meet with our team free of charge to discuss your case.
Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Jonesboro
If you’ve been injured at work, you don’t have to deal with the insurance company alone. A Jonesboro workers’ compensation attorney from John Foy & Associates can protect your rights, negotiate a fair settlement, and guide you through every step of the process.
Schedule a free consultation to learn about how you can secure the benefits you deserve.
(404) 400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form