Workers’ compensation is designed to cover the costs of your injuries when you’re hurt on the job. You may still run into problems while filing a claim, though, so it’s best to contact a Snellville workers’ compensation lawyer after your injury happens.
The insurance company providing your workers’ compensation benefits may look for ways to undervalue your case, thus leaving you with fewer benefits than you deserve. At John Foy & Associates, we can fight to ensure that you receive the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled.
Our Snellville personal injury lawyers have a 20–plus-year history of helping injured workers win their cases and get what they need to pay their costs. We can help you, too, starting with a free consultation.
The Purpose of Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation was created to protect workers who become injured performing the duties of their job. It’s meant to ensure that those who are hurt at work have a degree of financial protection, including compensation for their medical costs when they cannot immediately return to work.
There are two main purposes of workers’ compensation:
- To support injured workers through compensation and other benefits
- To prevent employers from being sued for work injuries
Unlike personal injury claims, workers’ compensation does not take fault into account at all. It doesn’t matter who caused your accident; as long as your injuries happened at work, they should be covered. If you are having trouble getting the benefits you deserve, a Snellville workers’ compensation attorney can protect your rights.
Most Companies Must Provide Workers’ Comp Benefits
In Georgia, all employers with three or more employees must carry a workers’ compensation policy.
In businesses that are LLCs or incorporated, members or officers also count towards that employee number, even if they opt out of coverage for themselves. This means that almost all businesses should have workers’ comp coverage for their employees.
Costs and Benefits Covered By Workers’ Compensation
The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) is governed by a wide range of statutes and rules. According to these rules, workers’ compensation may provide injured workers with medical compensation, income benefits, and rehabilitation support.
Medical costs can include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospital stays
- Prescription medications
- Travel to medical appointments
If your injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you are also entitled to weekly income payments. These are paid at two-thirds of your regular weekly wage, up to $675 per week (as of July 1, 2019). Weekly benefits are available for up to 400 weeks unless you have an injury that will indefinitely prevent you from returning to work.
Permanent Injury Benefits
Catastrophic injuries may make you eligible for lifetime weekly benefits through workers’ compensation. Your benefits will depend on the severity of your injuries and the type of permanent disability that you now have.
A doctor will use the Guides to the Evaluation of Impairment when evaluating your condition and how to rate it. Call a Snellville workers’ compensation lawyer if you are not sure who to approach about this.
If your injury prevents you from being able to return to your current work, workers’ compensation should help you find another job that you can perform with your disabilities. If your injury forces you to take a lower-paying job, you can receive a reduced benefit for up to 350 weeks and not above $450 per week.
Workers’ compensation can also cover occupational training if you need to be trained for a new job that is now within your new capabilities.
Workers’ Compensation Death Benefits
If a worker is killed on the job, certain family members may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
The deceased worker’s surviving spouse, children, or dependent stepchildren will receive two-thirds of the worker’s regular average weekly wage (up to $675 per week). If the deceased had a spouse but no children, the spouse may receive up to $270,000 unless they remarry.
Situations Where Workers’ Compensation Does Not Apply
Workers’ compensation may not apply in situations where the injury did not happen at your workplace. That being said, there are some circumstances where you may still be covered even away from work.
If you are injured while driving a company vehicle, taking a business-related trip, attending an off-site meeting for work, or fulfilling an off-site errand for your employer, you are likely still covered.
It’s not uncommon for employers or workers’ compensation insurance companies to use the details against you. They might try to say your situation doesn’t count for workers’ compensation benefits or that your injuries weren’t as serious as you said. If this happens, it’s best to get a workers’ compensation lawyer on the phone immediately.
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You Cannot Sue Your Employer
One of the main purposes of workers’ compensation is to prevent a lawsuit from happening. Going to court can take a lot of time and resources, so workers’ compensation avoids this possibility for both you and your employer.
However, a third party may be held liable for your injuries if negligence played a part. Your workers’ compensation attorney in Snellville can review your claim to see if others may be held responsible.
Although you cannot sue your employer, you can hire legal representation if you need help getting the most out of your workers’ comp claim. An experienced lawyer makes sure you are treated fairly and pursues the best benefits possible. Plus, insurance companies are often more likely to offer more money and benefits if you have a reputable lawyer on your team.
What Are Common Injuries Covered by Workers’ Comp?
Workers’ compensation is designed to assist employees who suffer injuries or illnesses related to their job. While coverage varies by case, many injuries are commonly accepted under workers’ compensation policies:
- Slip and fall injuries (e.g., sprains, fractures, and head trauma)
- Repetitive stress injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome)
- Back and neck injuries from lifting or physical strain
- Burns from chemical or heat exposure
- Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud noises
- Occupational illnesses (e.g., respiratory issues from toxic fumes)
- Crush injuries from falling objects or machinery malfunctions
- Cuts and lacerations requiring medical attention
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from workplace accidents
- Amputations resulting from severe accidents
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, workers’ comp can help cover medical expenses, wage replacement, and more.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Snellville for a Free Case Evaluation
When you are dealing with a workplace injury, the resulting pain, medical expenses, and lost wages can be incredibly stressful. Let John Foy & Associates bring our more than 350 years of combined legal experience to the table for your case.
We know how to get our clients as close as possible to the compensation they need and deserve after a work injury. Plus, working with us is risk-free; we don’t get paid unless we win you money.
Contact us today for a free consultation where we’ll discuss your legal options and what you can do next.
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