Workers’ compensation was set up to help injured workers get back on their feet in Tifton. When the system works correctly, it can be incredibly beneficial after a work injury. Unfortunately, many workers struggle to receive all of the benefits they deserve. If you were hurt at work, make sure you have access to the full compensation you need by speaking with a Tifton workers’ compensation lawyer.
Our Tifton personal injury lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been helping those who need help with their claims for more than 20 years. We know how to handle employers and the insurance companies that provide benefits. To get a FREE case evaluation and have your questions answered, call us today at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Do After Getting Injured at Work in Tifton
If you were hurt at work in Tifton, you are probably covered by a workers’ compensation policy through your employer. According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC), any business with three or more regular employees must carry workers’ comp. This includes any part-time or seasonal workers who work on a regular basis.
To actually receive your workers’ comp benefits, you will need to do a number of things after your accident. We’ll cover those below. Also, be sure to take action quickly, as you have a limited amount of time to file your claim.
Report the Injury to Your Employer
You’ll want to tell your employer that you were injured immediately. Go to your direct supervisor so they can make a report. If your injury accident is an emergency situation, call 911 but be sure to tell the paramedics that you were hurt at work.
If you wait more than 30 days to report your accident, you might lose your benefits. So, it’s best to report it as soon as possible. That way, you’ll have the freshest memory about what happened and there will be more evidence of your injuries.
Go to the Right Doctor(s)
Workers’ compensation laws in Georgia require you to only see certain doctors or go to certain clinics for treatment. Your employer must post information about those healthcare providers. They will either do this by:
- Posting a Panel or Physicians with at least six doctors you can choose from OR
- Posting the name of a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization (WC/MCO) that has been certified by the SBWC
If the physicians listed on the Panel of Physicians are not accessible to you or other employees, the SBWC may allow exceptions on how many doctors need to be on the list. You can also make one change to a doctor on the list without needing to get your employer’s permission.
If your employer provides the name of a MC/MCO, they must also provide a 24-hours number where you can reach the organization and get help with scheduling appointments. If you encounter problems getting access to this information, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you can. Seeing a doctor outside of your network could mean you don’t get reimbursed for the costs.
Once you know which physicians you can see, you’ll want to get prompt treatment. This will give you an idea of how severe your injuries are, what type of treatment you’ll need, and how long your injuries will prevent you from working.
File Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
You will need a Form WC-14 to file your claim. You can get this by calling or writing to the SBWC or downloading a form from their website. A lot of injured workers hire a workers’ comp lawyer at this point to make sure they are following the correct steps to file their claim.
Hopefully, you will receive your workers’ comp benefits after filing your claim. However, if you are denied benefits, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge who will listen to your side of the claim, the employer’s/insurer’s side of the claim, and decide whether or not you should receive benefits.
Your workers’ comp lawyer can help improve your chances of approval when you first file your claim. If you are denied after the first filing, your lawyer can help prepare you for the hearing.
Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Talking to a workers’ compensation lawyer from the beginning will ensure you’re taking the best actions possible during your case. If you do need to attend a hearing to seek benefits, your lawyer can make sure the information is presented clearly and accurately.
Thankfully, most workers’ comp lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) also work on contingency. That means you can begin working with them immediately and won’t have to worry about any fees unless they win you money. To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced and compassionate lawyers today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
Catastrophic Injuries Under Workers’ Compensation in Tifton
Some work injuries are incredibly serious. If your injuries are so serious that they prevent you from returning to work or getting another job, they’re typically known as catastrophic injuries. When you suffer a catastrophic injury, you are entitled to assistance in getting another job or learning how to do another type of work.
You can also receive weekly benefits if you suffer a permanent disability. The benefits you receive will depend on the type of disability and how disabled you are. Your physician will determine these factors by evaluating your injuries based on certain ratings.
A workers’ compensation lawyer and the SBWC can help you get access to these benefits if your injuries prevent you from working in the same capacity as before.
Talk to a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Tifton for Free Today
Don’t miss out on the full workers’ comp benefits you deserve after a work injury. John Foy & Associates has been protecting the rights of injured workers for the past 20 plus years. We can help you too, starting with a FREE consultation.
To schedule your FREE, no-obligation consultation today or contact us online.
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