Most employees in Lawrenceville are covered by workers compensation as soon as they walk on the job. Workers compensation is designed to protect you in the event of an injury no matter what your profession, title or pay grade.
But that doesn’t mean insurance companies are eager to pay out on your claim. Unfortunately, insurers typically try to pay the smallest amount possible. They may question what treatment you really need, send you to a doctor you don’t believe has your interests at heart, or even challenge whether the accident happened at work at all. This leaves injured workers struggling to get the benefits they are guaranteed by law—right when they need them most. If you or a member of your family has been injured at work, talk to a Lawrenceville workers compensation lawyer immediately.
At John Foy & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience helping injured workers. We have built a reputation as one of the top law firms in the state, and we have the experience and knowledge to take on the insurance companies and win. Let us give you a free consultation to discuss your injury. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
How do workers compensation claims work?
Workers compensation or “workers comp” is supposed to act like a safety net for injured workers. It is a government program with two goals:
- To make sure injured workers get the medical care they need, free of charge
- To do away with the need for slow, expensive lawsuits
To accomplish this, employers are required to carry an insurance policy that protects all workers in the event of a workplace injury. If you get injured on the job, the policy will provide for the costs of your medical care and other essential costs. It can even help you get a pay check while you recover.
The most important things you should know about your claim are:
- Workers comp is not a handout. You helped pay for the policy from your own paycheck. When you are injured, you have a right to use it.
- Workers comp is not a lawsuit against your employer. You have a private claim with the insurance company and it does not affect your job or position.
- Workers comp is your right in any workplace injury. It does not matter who is “at fault.”
What costs or benefits does workers compensation provide in Lawrenceville?
As a general rule, workers compensation should pay 100% of your costs related to your workplace injury. The most common benefits include:
- Any medical care, tests, surgery or other treatment you need
- The cost of your medication
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy if needed
- Occupational training or other support to help you return to work
- Reimbursement for travel costs to and from your medical appointments
- If needed, a regular paycheck until you can return to work
The paychecks given by workers’ comp are lower than what you typically make, but they are completely tax-free, and they can be a lifeline if you need weeks or months to recover.
Workers compensation can also pay out substantial additional benefits if your injury was serious—for example, if you now have a disability or lifelong condition, or if your loved one passed away from a workplace injury. These are tragic situations and no amount of money can make up for them. The point of workers compensation benefits is to help you and your family remain afloat financially in the aftermath of your loss.
Lawrenceville Workers Compensation Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
What types of injuries are covered by workers comp in Lawrenceville?
Normally, any injury at work is covered. This means:
- It doesn’t matter whose fault the injury is
- It doesn’t matter how the injury happened
- The injury is covered even if it’s unrelated to your work duties
Even tripping and falling on a staircase at work is covered.
The most common injuries we see are construction accidents such as electrical shock, falling from scaffold, being caught between equipment or having an object fall on you. But claims from any profession are covered, including white collar work, the service industry, professional drivers and more.
Are there exceptions where my injury is NOT covered?
The biggest exception to the rule is injuries that don’t happen on premises at your actual workplace. Normally, if an injury didn’t happen at work, it’s not covered. For example, if you are commuting to work and you get into a car accident, workers comp will not cover your injury.
But even if it’s off-premises, your injury may still be covered if:
- It happened during business travel
- It happened in a company vehicle
- It happened while running an errand for your job
- You were at a required work meeting off-site
- You were injured while working remotely
Injuries that happen outside on a sidewalk or parking lot are also covered if the property is owned by your employer.
For a free legal consultation with a workers compensation lawyer serving Lawrenceville, call 404-400-4000
Does workers compensation cover psychological or emotional conditions?
Yes and no. Workers comp is focused primarily on physical injuries. Thus, if you suffered emotional trauma from something that happened at work but you were not physically hurt, unfortunately your condition is not covered. However, if you have psychological trauma related to a physical injury, then your treatment is covered.
Will my employer be upset if I file a claim? Do I have to sue my employer?
No. Not only are you not required to sue your lawsuit, but in the City of Lawrenceville, you are not allowed to sue your employer for a workplace injury. Workers compensation is designed to make lawsuits completely unnecessary.
The law also protects you and your job. Your employer cannot retaliate against you in any way—including firing you or refusing to promote you. But in practice, these rules rarely come into play. Your claim is with an insurance company, not with your employer directly, and you do not have to accuse them of any wrongdoing. Often, the employer is very sympathetic and helpful while the insurance company is the one we have to be aggressive with.
Talk to a Lawrenceville Workers Compensation Lawyer for Free
Your workers compensation benefits are your right—and they can be the only thing that keeps you afloat if you suffer a costly injury. Let John Foy & Associates help. We have over 20 years’ experience and we offer a FREE consultation to help you get started. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your free consultation today.
Call or text 404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form