En Español
All workers are eligible for workers compensation in Cumming. It does not matter how long you’ve been on the job or what your pay grade is—from the very first day, you’re covered.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean that employers and their insurance companies are always quick to pay out. Many insurance companies will look for ways to minimize the extent of your injury, lowball the costs you face, or even approve you for less treatment than you really need. In some cases they will even try to blame the workers or pretend an accident never happened. If you have been injured on the job in any way, you should speak to a Cumming workers compensation lawyer.
John Foy & Associates has been helping injured workers for over 20 years. We know that the insurance company has an army of lawyers working against you, and we believe that you deserve to have an experienced lawyer of your own to level the playing field. Let us help you. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get a free case evaluation today.
What is Workers Compensation?
Workers compensation is a government program that has just two goals:
- Make sure every worker injured on the job get the medical care they need
- Avoid expensive, time consuming lawsuits
Legally, workers comp rules basically say that every employer has to have an insurance policy protecting their workers. That way if you’re injured at work, you are covered by the insurance and you don’t have to pay anything out of pocket.
That doesn’t mean workers comp is free. You have already helped pay for your workers comp benefits long before you needed them, as a deduction on your paycheck. The benefits you get if you’re injured are benefits you’ve already paid for.
What costs does workers comp cover in Cumming?
Workers compensation provides standard benefits to every workers, including:
- Medical care. The insurance company will pay for all of your hospital visits, doctor appointments, or other medical bills relating to your injury.
- Missed pay. Many injuries take time to heal. If you miss a week of more of work because of your injury, workers comp will literally give you a paycheck for the entire time you’re recovering. This pay is less than your usual paycheck—usually two-thirds of what you normally make—but it is tax free. If you have a permanent injury, you may qualify for an additional payment.
- Physical therapy. Some injuries will require physical therapy or some other form of rehabilitation. This will also be covered by your workers comp.
- Medicine. All prescription medicine is covered by your employer’s insurance.
- Rehabilitation. If your injury requires physical therapy or speech therapy, it’s covered until you reach the maximum possible level of recovery. If you will have difficulty doing your job or you have a disability, you could also receive vocational rehabilitation to help you return to work.
- Travel costs. If you track the mileage you spend driving to and from doctor appointments, pharmacies, etc., you will be reimbursed at a rate of 40 cents per mile.
Permanent injuries will also qualify for additional payments. This money cannot repair the damage done but it can offset the financial blow and the affect an injury has on your career.
What kinds of injuries are covered by workers comp?
All injuries at work are covered. It does not matter what caused the injury or what kind of injury you have.
The most common workers comp claims are in the construction industry. These can involve injuries like a worker being hit by a falling object, electrically shocked, or caught in between equipment. But we also see many claims from other industries, including white collar work. Even just tripping and falling at work is covered by workers comp.
The only catch is that the injury has to happen while you’re at work. This includes any injury in the workplace, as well as some other situations:
- In an employer owned parking lot
- On walkways or outside areas owned by the employer
- During business travel
- While working remotely or taking a client call on your cell phone
- Driving in a company vehicle
- Running an errand for your employer
- Attending a meeting at an offsite location
In most cases, injuries that happen while commuting are not covered.
Is emotional trauma also covered by workers comp in Cumming?
It depends. Workers comp does not cover purely psychological or emotional conditions, even if they are work related. However, it does cover treatment for these conditions if they’re connected to a physical injury. This is most common in cases where you are assaulted at work or where a workplace injury caused extreme trauma. If you’re not sure whether your condition might count, you should get a professional opinion from a lawyer.
Do I have to sue my boss?
No. In the city of Cumming, you are not allowed to file a lawsuit over a workplace injury. Workers compensation is designed to replace lawsuits. It is a cheaper, faster, more reliable way for you to get the treatment you need.
We often hear from injured workers who are afraid to file a claim because they don’t want to blame their employer. Workers comp isn’t about blame. Your employer already carries insurance specifically to pay for these kinds of claims. The insurance company deals with them every day, and your claim carries no backlash for anyone involved.
Your claim is also private between you and the insurer. Your employer won’t learn the details of your treatment unless you tell them. They aren’t allowed to take any action against you, and you cannot lose your job for filing a claim. Remember, you have already paid into the workers comp system, and you have a right to use it.
Speak to a Cumming Workers Compensation Lawyer for Free
Workers have rights under the law. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping workers get their benefits for more than 20 years. Don’t let the medical bills pile up. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
