
Injuries can happen at any workplace in Stonecrest. If you’re hurt on the job, your employer likely has workers’ compensation to cover your costs. However, not all employers or insurance companies are willing to pay what you deserve. A Stonecrest workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure your claim is fair.
Most companies in Stonecrest must carry workers’ compensation insurance. But the claims process isn’t always easy. You might struggle to get a fair settlement for your injury costs. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve helped many injured workers after an accident.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to win cases. We’ll communicate directly with the insurance company while you focus on healing. There is also no charge to you unless we win you compensation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
How Workers’ Compensation Works
Workers’ compensation (or workers’ comp) protects employees who suffer injuries at work. Unlike personal injury claims, fault does not matter with workers’ comp claims.
You do not have to prove that your employer or someone else caused your accident. If you were injured at work, workers’ comp should cover your injuries.
Workers’ comp is insurance that an employer buys for employees. It covers:
- Medical costs of your injuries
- Income benefits while you recover
- Rehabilitation benefits
Workers’ comp benefits should help you return to work and cover your costs. If a worker dies on the job, workers’ comp also benefits the worker’s dependents.
You should not have to pay for the costs of a work-related injury. While workers’ comp should cover everything, it might be challenging to get what you deserve. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights from the beginning.
Common Work-Related Injuries
Work injuries can happen at any worksite. Injuries are most common at workplaces like construction sites, but they can occur even in office settings. For example, someone might have injuries from repetitive movements, such as typing.
Work-related injuries covered under workers’ comp can include:
- Neck or back injuries
- Broken bones
- Strains and sprains
- Severe burns
- Electrocutions
- Repetitive use injuries
- Slip and fall injuries
- Hearing loss
- Machinery-related injuries
According to the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), the top four causes of construction deaths are:
- Falls
- Getting struck by an object
- Being caught in or in-between something
- Electrocutions
If you suffered an injury at work, you have rights. You can likely file a workers’ comp claim with your employer’s insurance.
Employer Laws for Workers’ Compensation
Most workers don’t think about workers’ compensation until an injury happens. You might wonder if your company even has workers’ comp benefits. The chances are good that they do.
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), those who regularly employ three or more people must have workers’ compensation benefits. That includes full-time, part-time, or seasonal workers.
Companies can face steep penalties for not carrying benefits. Unfortunately, many workers assume they are not covered by workers’ comp or don’t qualify for it. If you’re not sure or your employer is saying there’s no coverage, contact a Stonecrest workers’ compensation lawyer.
What to Do After an Injury at Work
After a work-related injury, it’s vital to document what happened. Here are some steps you can take to protect your rights.
An experienced lawyer can help you with each of these steps. It’s best to contact a lawyer if you have any uncertainty. At John Foy & Associates, we can examine the details during a FREE consultation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to learn more.
Report the Injury
After a workplace injury, tell your supervisor. Make sure they understand that you were injured on the job. Most of the time, you must report a workplace injury within 30 days.
Document the Scene
Take pictures of your injuries and where the accident happened. Also, talk to any coworkers who saw your injury occur. Documenting the scene can help create a record of the incident.
Get Medical Treatment
You will need treatment for your injuries. But don’t go to any doctor without consulting your employer. The workers’ comp policy usually includes specific healthcare providers.
If you’re not sure where to get care, contact a workers’ comp lawyer. At John Foy & Associates, we can make sure you get prompt treatment and see the correct provider.
Prepare Your Workers’ Comp Claim
You will need to make a claim with your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company. However, be very careful what you say to the insurer. It’s best to contact a lawyer before discussing the accident with anyone else.
Don’t Wait to Start on Your Claim
You must act quickly after a work-related injury. If you wait too long to file a claim, you could miss any chance at compensation. Time goes fast after an injury.
Report any workplace accident to your supervisor or boss immediately. If you wait longer than 30 days, you could lose all benefits. That’s not a lot of time to file a legal claim, so start taking action today.
Many workers are afraid of upsetting their employer or jeopardizing their job. However, workers’ comp is available for your benefit. Your employer should be happy that it exists to protect your rights after an injury. Unfortunately, not all workers face a fair situation.
Get Help with Your Claim
A workers’ comp lawyer can protect your rights after a work accident by:
- Documenting your accident and injuries
- Tracking your expenses and missed work time
- Dealing with your employer and the insurance company
- Filing a strong workers’ comp claim
- Making sure you get a fair benefits offer
You should receive benefits while you’re away from work. However, the insurer might pressure you to return before you’re fully healed. This can hurt your compensation options.
An experienced lawyer can make sure the process is fair to you. Reach out today for the help you need and deserve.
Talk to a Stonecrest Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Workplace accidents are complicated. If you were hurt at work, you probably have workers’ comp benefits. At John Foy & Associates, we can help.
We’ll review your case and make sure you’re on the right track. We’ve been helping injured workers get what they deserve for over 20 years.
Reach out today for a FREE, no-risk case review. There are no fees unless we win your case. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.