If you are employed in Roswell, GA, you are most likely covered by workers’ compensation. Coverage starts when you begin work and applies to everyone from top executives to hourly, entry-level employees. Sometimes, a worker’s compensation claim goes smoothly, but that’s not always the case.
If you’re having trouble with your claim, talk to a Roswell workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. We’ve been handling work injury claims for the past 20 years and know how to make insurance companies pay.
Call our law office or complete the online form for a free case evaluation.
Is It Worth Getting a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Roswell, GA?
Yes, it’s often worth it to get the help of a local personal injury lawyer who handles workers’ comp claims. And because of our law firm’s contingency fee structure, you’ll never pay legal fees for a claim that isn’t successful. We charge nothing upfront and only get paid if you win compensation.
Many people find that the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim is extremely difficult. Having a skilled attorney in your corner can increase the chances of your application being accepted and even increase your compensation.
If your initial claim was denied, it’s worth hiring a qualified attorney to help. The appeals process with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) can be hard to navigate. You’ll need to prove that you deserve compensation and may face complex negotiations and court proceedings. A lawyer from our firm can handle everything for you.
If you’re unsure whether you need legal help with your work injury claim, you can always get a free consultation with our team. One of our workers’ compensation lawyers in Roswell, GA, will listen to your story and explain your legal options.
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How Much Does an Attorney Cost?
The most important thing to understand about your lawyer’s fees is that we won’t charge anything upfront. Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fees depend on the results we get for you.
When you are awarded compensation for your injuries, your lawyer’s payment will come from the workers’ comp benefits you receive. We can further explain how this works during your initial consultation.
How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation, also known as “workman’s comp” or “workers’ comp,” is a program developed by the government to ensure compensation for injured people.
The program is meant to do two things:
- Provide financial support and medical treatment for injured employees.
- Make sure employees don’t have to file expensive lawsuits.
Workers’ comp is a lot like any other insurance policy, and workers’ compensation law in Georgia requires employers to carry it. If you are injured on the job, the policy is supposed to cover the costs. But many people are reluctant to file a workers’ comp claim or think the program doesn’t apply to their injury.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Workers’ comp isn’t a handout: Your employer pays for this insurance coverage, and most of the cost comes from paycheck deductions.
- It doesn’t matter how your injury occurred: If it happened at your job, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits.
Applying for and benefiting from workers’ comp can be confusing. A workers’ compensation lawyer in Roswell, GA, can guide you through the entire process. Don’t hesitate to get a free consultation with an attorney who can help with your claim.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Work Injury?
Because every workplace injury is different, no “average” number will reveal how much your settlement might be. The only way we can tell you how much to expect is to review the details of your specific case.
That said, factors that can affect your settlement in Georgia include:
- The extent of your injuries.
- The amount of work you miss due to your accident.
- Your disability rating according to the American Medical Association (AMA).
- Your average salary.
- Your age.
- Your expected medical expenses.
A Roswell workers’ comp attorney from our firm will be able to tell you more. We are happy to assess your situation and give you a better estimate of how much your settlement might be.
What Damages Can I Claim?
Workers’ compensation will usually pay 100% of your costs. Benefits typically include the following:
- Medical treatment, including doctor visits, surgery, and tests
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Vocational training to help you to get back to work
- The cost of driving to and from medical appointments
- A paycheck while you are out of work due to your injury. (Although a workers’ compensation check is usually less than a normal paycheck, it is not taxed.)
You can receive additional benefits if you develop a long-term disability or permanent condition. You could pursue wrongful death damages if a close family member dies due to a workplace accident.
Of course, money can never truly compensate you for a tragic accident, but it can help you rebuild your life after your loss.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered?
The general rule is that any injury that happens at work is covered. It’s important to know that:
- You are covered regardless of who caused the injury.
- You are covered regardless of how the injury occurred.
- You are covered even if the injury had nothing to do with your job duties. Slipping on a bathroom floor at work is the same as being injured by the equipment you use to do your job.
- You do not have to blame your employer or prove who was at fault to be approved for benefits.
The construction industry tends to generate workers’ comp claims. Construction workers can be hit by falling objects, caught in equipment, or suffer electric shocks.
We have also handled many claims by employees in other industries, including restaurant workers, delivery drivers, and office assistants.
What Kinds of Injuries Are NOT Covered?
Workers’ compensation was created specifically to cover injuries in the workplace. Because of that, it usually doesn’t cover any injuries outside of work. However, Georgia workers’ compensation law recognizes that employees aren’t always on-site, so some exceptions exist.
Workers’ compensation may cover you if you were injured in one of these situations:
- During a business trip
- In a company vehicle
- While running an errand for your employer
- At an off-site meeting
- While working remotely
Sometimes, a worker may be injured during their commute. Workers’ compensation does not cover these injuries, but they may be covered by auto insurance and handled by one of our car accident attorneys.
However, an incident before or after work may be covered if you are injured on your employer’s sidewalk or parking lot.
Can I Get Compensation for Pain and Suffering?
In many cases, yes. Workers’ compensation covers the pain and suffering from a physical injury, including emotional trauma. Therefore, you should be covered if you are physically hurt and need mental health treatment.
However, if you suffer a psychological injury without physical harm, you will not be eligible for workers’ comp. If you think you should be eligible for benefits, but your initial claim was denied, one of our experienced attorneys can work to prove that your injuries should be covered.
How Does the Insurance Company Handle a Work-Related Injury Claim?
Workers’ compensation should pay the cost of an on-the-job injury, but the insurance companies that issue employer policies don’t want to pay out on claims if they can avoid it.
If you are injured at work, the insurance company may drag its feet, try to minimize your injuries or question how and where you were injured.
An insurance company may even send you to a doctor who isn’t looking out for your best interests. This situation can leave you struggling financially without the benefits you’re legally entitled to.
Will I Have To File a Lawsuit Against My Employer to Get Compensation?
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system guarantees you will never have to sue your employer for a workplace injury. It’s not allowed for a few reasons:
- A lawsuit can drag on for years.
- It can be hard to predict the outcome of court proceedings.
- Most employees don’t want to go up against their employers in court.
Many injured employees who come to us for a free consultation fear employer retaliation. But these fears are mostly unfounded since employers typically want to see their employees get the care necessary to return to work.
However, workers’ compensation insurance carriers may do everything possible to avoid paying a claim. That’s why you need an experienced attorney representing you.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
As an injured worker, you have the right to seek financial compensation for your injuries. Known as the Strong Arm in Georgia, John Foy & Associates is dedicated to helping our injured clients obtain the compensation they deserve.
If you were hurt on the job, one of our workers’ compensation lawyers in Roswell, GA, could help you get the benefits you’re entitled to. There’s no fee unless we win, and our initial consultation is free. Call our law offices or fill out the contact form for a free consultation.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form