Retail workers at Dollar Tree often face ergonomic and slips/trips/falls risks on the job. When injuries happen, pursuing appropriate compensation through Dollar Tree workers’ compensation claims becomes vital for the financial security of workers.
Consulting with an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can give you support critical to your claim’s success. Proper presentation of documentation like medical records and lost wage details is key to getting the most from your claim.
Seasoned attorneys like those at John Foy & Associates can assist clients in obtaining all compensation warranted by law, such as medical expenses and income replacement, through Dollar Tree workers’ compensation claims. Here’s what you need to know about making a claim.
Dollar Tree’s History With Workers’ Compensation Claims
Dollar Tree has faced a fair number of workers’ compensation claims As with many retailers, common issues involve ergonomic difficulties from repetitive motions and slips/trips/falls in busy stores. Our personal injury lawyers in Atlanta have seen several cases from this company.
Last year, Dollar Tree agreed to a nationwide settlement over worker safety complaints according to Reuters. They’ve paid millions of dollars in fines since 2017, which shows they have a history of unsafe workplace practices.
It remains to be seen whether their huge fine will make them improve worker safety. If you do get injured, John Foy & Associates is ready to help you with your workers’ compensation claim. We can help you get payment for the medical bills and time you spent recovering.
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How a Lawyer Can Help With Dollar Tree Workers’ Compensation Claims
For Dollar Tree employees facing an injury claim, retaining knowledgeable legal counsel can make a significant difference in securing all benefits owed. Here are some of the ways we can help you:
- We ensure the claim is started correctly according to regulatory deadlines and documentation standards.
- We review medical records and coordinate authorized care, increasing the likelihood of a timely diagnosis.
- We deftly guide you through mediation negotiations, facilitating agreeable settlements when possible.
- At hearings before the State Board, we advocate for clients through witness examination and persuasive arguments.
- Ongoing support monitoring approved treatment and payments prevents improper claim closures or benefit cessation.
- Appeals of unfavorable rulings are skillfully presented with the best chance for success.
Our team of lawyers helps injured Dollar Tree workers like you obtain maximum compensation for wages lost and injuries sustained through the workers’ compensation system. Without a lawyer, you may not be getting the full value of your benefits.
What Benefits Can I Claim Under Workers’ Compensation?
There are a few main types of benefits an injured Dollar Tree worker could potentially be eligible to receive under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws:
- Medical expenses – All reasonable and necessary medical treatment costs related to the on-the-job injury are covered, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, etc.
- Lost wages – If the injury prevents you from working, you may receive wage replacement benefits that cover a percentage of your lost income during the recovery period.
- Permanent disability benefits – If the injury causes a permanent partial or permanent total disability, you may receive benefits to compensate for lost future earning capacity. The rating is based on a medical impairment evaluation.
- Vocational rehabilitation – In some cases, if the injury prevents returning to your old job, the employer must provide vocational rehabilitation benefits like job retraining expenses.
- Disfigurement compensation – For serious permanent scarring or disfigurement, you may be eligible for benefits to compensate for physical appearance and psychological impacts.
- Death benefits – If a work injury results in death, eligible dependents such as spouses and children may receive death benefits.
The key is working with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney to fully evaluate the specifics of your injury claim and determine which damages may apply in your situation under Georgia law.
Steps for Filing a Dollar Tree Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia
If you sustain a work-related injury while employed at Dollar Tree, it’s important to take the following steps to initiate a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia:
- Notify your supervisor and fill out an incident report immediately.
- Seek medical care from an authorized doctor and follow all of their instructions.
- Request copies of all medical records and reports related to the injury from your healthcare providers.
- Contact a lawyer after you’ve reported your claim and seen a doctor for advice.
- Ensure Dollar Tree files a claim application (Form WC-1) within 30 days of the injury to their insurance carrier.
- Gather pay stubs to prove your average weekly wage for lost wage calculations
- Provide full cooperation with investigations into the circumstances of the incident.
- Within 90 days the carrier will accept or deny the claim. If necessary, appeal the decision with the help of your lawyer.
The most important things you need to do are notify your manager, see a doctor for care, and contact a workers’ compensation lawyer for advice. A lawyer is not required to get workers’ compensation, but if there are any problems with your claim they can be of great use to you.
What Are the Deadlines for Workers’ Comp in Georgia?
There are a few important deadlines to be aware of for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia:
- Notice of Injury/Claim Form Submission Deadline: Employees must notify their employer of a work-related injury within 30 days. The claim application (Form WC-1) must also be submitted to the employer/insurer within 30 days.
- Insurer Decision Deadline: The employer’s insurance carrier has up to 90 days from receiving the claim form to either accept or deny the claim.
- AWA/Income Benefits Request Deadline: To receive Average Weekly Wage (AWA) and income/lost wage replacement benefits, the employee must be out of work or have restrictions for 7 calendar days.
- Hearing/Mediation Request Deadline: If a claim is denied, the employee has 1 year from the date of injury or date of last payment of benefits to request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
- Disability Rating Deadline: Most permanent partial disability ratings must be issued within 60 days of the employee reaching maximum medical improvement.
Injured workers need to be aware of these deadlines to ensure their rights and benefits are preserved under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. Missed deadlines can result in claim denial or loss of entitlements.
Contact a Workers’ Comp Lawyer for More Advice
If you need further help with a Dollar Tree workers’ compensation claim, contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation. With our help, you can feel confident that your claim will be handled so you get the benefits you’re owed as soon as possible.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form