If you work for a living in Sandy Springs, you’re likely covered by workers’ compensation from day one of your job. It doesn’t matter what kind of work you do, how much money you make, or what your title is. However, just because you’re covered does not mean you’ll have an easy time getting your claim paid.
If you or a loved one has suffered an on-the-job injury, you should talk to a Sandy Springs workers compensation lawyer as soon as you can. We know how the workers’ compensation system works, and we’re familiar with the games insurance companies play. We have a reputation for getting workers the money they’re legally entitled to.
What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Sandy Springs
After any workplace accident, the most important thing that you can do is make sure you’re alright. Leave the scene of the accident if there is any danger still present and call an ambulance if you need immediate medical attention.
Once you know that you’re safe, there are some steps that you can take to protect your rights and help your chances of getting compensation. After an injury on the job, you should:
- Take a picture of the scene of the accident, including any damage done and any injuries you sustained
- Talk to anyone who saw the accident and get their contact information
- Tell your employer as soon as you can
- Go to an approved doctor to receive a diagnosis and treatment
- Keep any papers, medical documents, and receipts you receive after your accident
By gathering as much conclusive evidence as you can, you’re making it easier to prove that you deserve workers’ compensation. That way, your application process will be much smoother and, in the event that your first claim is denied, you have a better chance during the appeals process.
Should I Hire a Lawyer for My Workers’ Compensation Claim in Sandy Springs?
If you are having any trouble with your application, then it may be worth hiring a lawyer to help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Gathering all of the necessary materials can be hard, but with an attorney helping you, the process becomes much easier and your shot at getting the benefits you need is much better.
If your initial claim has been denied, then that’s even more reason to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Sandy Springs. A denied claim isn’t the end of the road for your workers’ compensation, but without an attorney to help you appeal, your chances of getting benefits is low.
There’s no risk in hiring a workers’ compensation attorney in Sandy Springs because we only get paid if you get compensation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means our lawyer’s fees will only come as a portion of the payout that you receive. We charge nothing upfront.
If you’re not sure whether it’s worth hiring a lawyer for your workers’ compensation claim, you can always get a free consultation with one of our attorneys. At your meeting, your lawyer will listen to your story and tell you if and how they can help you.
Sandy Springs Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me 404-400-4000
How Does the Workers’ Compensation System Operate in Sandy Springs?
The government established workers’ compensation to protect people who are injured on the job. Workers’ compensation is designed with these goals in mind:
- To provide medical care and financial support to injured workers
- To resolve workplace injury claims without the need for long and costly lawsuits
To implement the program, the law requires all employers to have a workers’ compensation insurance policy. If you are injured at work, your injuries are covered under the policy, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Many people have misconceptions about workers’ compensation, so it is important to know that:
- Workers’ compensation isn’t a government handout. It’s an insurance policy that your employer pays for. Part of the cost of the policy is paid through deductions from your paycheck.
- Workers’ compensation covers ALL injuries that happen at work, even if they’re not directly related to your job duties.
When you hire a lawyer to work on your case, you’re getting someone on your side who can help you navigate any step of the workers’ comp process
What Kinds of Costs Will Workers’ Compensation Pay?
Workers’ compensation insurance will pay for all the costs of your injury. In a typical case, workers compensation pays for the following:
- Doctor, hospital, and other medical bills
- Prescription drug costs
- Physical therapy or other rehabilitation
- Vocational training to enable you to go back to work
- The cost of traveling to medical appointments (at a rate of 40 cents a mile)
- Your lost paycheck. A workers’ comp paycheck will usually be less than your usual paycheck, but you will not pay taxes on it.
You are entitled to additional benefits if your injury causes a permanent disability or other permanent condition. These permanent disabilities are usually decided by standards set by the American Medical Association (AMA).
You are also eligible for benefits if a family member lost their life to a workplace injury. Of course, money can never make up for a tragic loss, but it can enable you and your family to stay on an even footing financially as you navigate the next stage of your life.
For a free legal consultation with a workers’ compensation lawyer serving Sandy Springs, call 404-400-4000
What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Sandy Springs?
The workers’ compensation system makes things easy for employees and their employers because all types of injuries that happen in the workplace are covered.
- It does not matter whose fault it was.
- It doesn’t matter how the injury occurred.
- It doesn’t matter whether the injury was related to your job duties.
- You don’t have to blame your employer, your boss or a co-worker.
Many of the workers’ comp claims we handle come from the construction industry. People who work in construction face many risks: falling, being hit by falling debris, getting injured by equipment, and suffering an electric shock.
However, workers’ compensation claims can come from any industry. For example, we often see claims by office workers, restaurant staff, and delivery drivers, just to name a few.
Are There Work-Related Injuries that Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
Usually, your injury must have happened on your employer’s premises for you to be covered by workers compensation. However, there are instances where you may be covered even if you weren’t at your usual workplace. For example, you may still be eligible for workers compensation if:
- You were injured while on a business trip.
- You were a driver or passenger in a company vehicle.
- You were running an errand as part of your job.
- You were attending a work meeting at another location.
- You were working remotely when your injury occurred.
Injuries may also be covered if they occur on your employer’s parking lots or sidewalks. However, if you were injured while commuting to or from work, your injury will usually not be covered.
Does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Sandy Springs Mental Health Conditions?
Mental health conditions are only covered if they are accompanied by a physical injury. For example, if you are assaulted at work and suffer physical harm, your psychological treatment for trauma would also be covered. But if you are bullied and suffer only psychological and emotional harm, your injuries are not covered by workers compensation.
Will I Need to File a Lawsuit Against My Employer?
No. The workers’ compensation system was created to completely replace lawsuits for workplace injuries. You couldn’t sue your employer for a workplace injury in the City of Sandy Springs, even if you wanted to. This benefits workers in several ways:
- It allows workers to get their money more quickly – lawsuits can drag on for years.
- It gives workers greater certainty – it’s hard to predict the outcome of a lawsuit.
- Workers don’t have to make a case against their employers – they just file a claim with the insurance company.
Even with this system in place, we meet many injured workers who are afraid to file a workers’ compensation claim. They worry that their employer will think less of them or even retaliate if they make a claim.
In reality, we find that most employers are happy to see their workers get the money they need to get back on their feet. It’s the insurance companies that try to deny claims. To make sure you get the recovery you’re entitled to, it’s important to have a lawyer on your team.
Talk to a Sandy Springs Workers Compensation Attorney at John Foy Today
If you’re injured on the job, you have a right to recover financially. Sandy Springs workers’ compensation lawyers John Foy & Associates are committed to helping all workers get the money they’re legally entitled to. Sit down with us for a free consultation and we’ll explain what we can do for you.
Call us 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