Workers’ compensation benefits are your right if you were injured on-the-job in Newnan. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that your employer should carry to help you after a work injury. However, many injured workers have trouble getting the full benefits they deserve. To get assistance with your claim as soon as possible, you’ll want to schedule a consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Newnan.
At John Foy & Associates, we know how complicated the workers’ compensation claim process can be. Insurance companies don’t like to pay out the full value of a claim. Our workers’ compensation lawyers have been helping injured workers get the compensation they need for more than 20 years—and we can help you, too.
Contact us today and we’ll give you a FREE consultation to discuss the details of your case and how we can help. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation in Newnan
There are several things to understand when preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim. Knowing the facts and your rights will make it easier to understand what you deserve and how you can fight for the full benefits available to you.
Almost All Workers in Newnan Are Covered
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), any business in Georgia with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This includes all full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers who are employed on a regular basis.
If a business is incorporated, all officers also count as employees, even if they personally opt out of workers’ compensation coverage. Up to five officers can waive coverage for themselves, but again, that does not take away from them counting as employees towards the minimum.
Your Benefits Are Paid By an Insurance Company, Not Your Employer
Your employer purchases their workers’ compensation coverage through an insurance company. So, after you are injured at work and file a claim, the insurance company will be responsible for paying your benefits—not your employer.
To file your workers’ compensation claim, you’ll need to:
- Complete a Form WC-14, which you can download from the SBWC website
- File the Form WC-14 with the SBWC
- Send a copy of the Form WC-14 to your employer and their insurance company
If you need information on your employer’s insurance company, you can contact the SBWC or your workers’ compensation lawyer for help.
The insurance company usually provides the most trouble when a worker tries to file a claim. Insurance companies, unfortunately, care most about their bottom line. They will look for ways to pay as little as possible on injury claims.
The insurance company might try to downplay your injuries, claim you weren’t hurt as badly as you say, or pressure you into returning to work sooner than your ready. Your employer might also try to get you working too soon, which could affect your workers’ compensation disability benefits. To protect your rights, it’s best to contact a Newnan workers’ compensation lawyer from the beginning.
You Cannot Sue Your Employer
Unlike other personal injury cases, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. That means you cannot blame or sue your employer for your accident—and vise versa. Workers’ compensation was set up this way to help guarantee you benefits and prevent lengthy and expensive lawsuits for both parties.
This no-fault model allows you to file a claim for benefits without having to prove fault or liability.
You Can Only See Certain Doctors
Under workers’ compensation, you’ll be limited to certain healthcare professionals when you seek treatment for your injuries. This is important to understand beforehand since seeing the wrong doctor could mean your medical costs aren’t covered.
Your employer can either:
- Provide a list of six or more physicians, corporations of physicians, or professional associations who are accessible to workers OR
- Give the name of a managed care organization workers can contact for medical services
What to Do If Told Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Isn’t Valid
If you’re told that workers’ compensation isn’t available or that your claim isn’t valid, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
Sometimes, employers who should have workers’ compensation insurance never actually get it. Although this is very unwise and serious, it happens more commonly than people think. Other times, an insurance company might try to deny a claim even when the evidence is valid. Either way, a workers’ compensation lawyer can look at the facts and determine your options.
If you find out your employer does not have workers’ compensation when they should have, it’s a crime and you can take legal action against them.
Two Crucial Deadlines for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Newnan
Time is of the essence after a work injury in Newnan. There are two main deadlines you’ll need to keep track of after being hurt on-the-job:
- Reporting your work accident and
- Filing your workers’ compensation claim
You’ll want to report any work injury to your supervisor immediately. If you wait more than 30 days to report the injury, you’ll likely lose your chance at benefits. It’s best to report it as soon as possible before your injuries change and memories fade. Plus, waiting too long might increase your employer’s doubt that your injuries happened.
After reporting your accident, you’ll need to file your workers’ compensation claim for benefits. In most situations, you have one year from the date of your work injury to file the claim. To make sure you keep up with each deadline and are building the strongest claim possible, consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer today.
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Talk to a Newnan Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free Today
Obtaining workers’ compensation benefits can feel like a long and frustrating road, but it’s worth the hassle if you have strong legal representation. If you have any doubts about your claim, schedule a FREE consultation with John Foy & Associates to discuss the details today. Our firm has been helping injured workers with their claims for more than 20 years.
Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
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