Georgia Lowe’s Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Suffering a workplace injury can be devastating, leaving you unable to work and unsure of your rights. If you were injured on the job at a Georgia Lowe’s, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, insurance companies don’t always make it easy. 

At John Foy & Associates, our goal is to provide the information and support you need following a work accident. With one of our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers on your side, you can relax while we handle the complexities of your case. 

We’ve also answered some of the most common questions we get in this FAQ guide for Lowe’s employees in Georgia.

What Exactly Is Workers’ Compensation?

In Georgia, businesses with three or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This provides a streamlined system for compensating employees when workplace injuries occur. 

This system requires Lowe’s to pay insurance premiums to cover medical expenses and lost wages if an employee gets hurt at work. Known as “workers’ comp,” this insurance protects employees and their employers. Workers get the care they need after a workplace injury, and employers avoid costly lawsuits that could result from work injuries.

Here’s how it works: Employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses file a workers’ comp claim. If approved, the insurance covers their medical treatment and rehabilitation services. Employees also receive a portion of their wages while they are unable to work. Work injury claims are processed through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

What Kinds of Injuries Does Lowe’s Workers’ Comp Cover?

Working at Lowe’s comes with certain occupational hazards. Employees operate heavy machinery, handle sharp tools, and lift cumbersome materials. They run the risk of suffering a variety of injuries that might qualify for workers’ compensation.

Common injuries reported by Lowe’s employees include:

• Lacerations from box cutters, saws, and other sharp tools
• Back strains and sprains from lifting heavy objects
• Fractures from falls caused by wet floors or cluttered aisles
• Trauma caused by falling inventory
• Crush injuries from shifting merchandise and equipment
• Respiratory issues from exposure to fumes, dust, and chemicals

In general, if an employee suffers any injury while performing job duties at Lowe’s, they should qualify for workers’ comp benefits. This coverage includes immediate injuries as well as gradual-onset conditions caused by chemical and dust exposure or repetitive tasks.

Who is Responsible for Injuries Sustained by Lowe’s Employees?

Workers’ compensation insurance at Lowe’s covers the majority of injuries sustained at work. Employees do not have to prove negligence to collect benefits.

However, there are some scenarios where Lowe’s or another party may share responsibility:

• Intentional harm: If the evidence shows that Lowe’s intentionally caused an injury, the employee may have a right to sue.
• Gross negligence: If Lowe’s showed blatant disregard for safety standards, resulting in harm, additional damages may be possible.
• Defective equipment: If a tool, machine, or other piece of equipment was faulty and contributed to an injury, the manufacturer could be liable.

Our attorneys thoroughly investigate workplace accidents. If negligence or product liability played a role in your case, we will pursue compensation through both workers’ comp and an additional civil claim. 

What Should a Lowe’s Workers’ Comp Claim Cover?

If you are injured while working at Lowe’s, your workers’ compensation benefits should cover all costs related to your injury, including:

• Medical expenses like hospital bills, doctor visits, prescriptions, and physical therapy
• Lost wages to replace some of the money you missed out on while you were unable to work
• Assistive devices such as braces, crutches, or wheelchairs
• Rehabilitation services to help you get back to work
• Disability payments if your injury causes permanent damage
• Reimbursement for mileage to and from medical appointments

An experienced workers’ comp attorney in Atlanta, GA, can advise you on what expenses your Lowe’s claim should cover. We’ll make sure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under the law. This includes ongoing care if your injury causes lasting impairment. 

How Long Do You Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

In Georgia, strict deadlines apply for filing a workers’ compensation claim after a Lowe’s injury. You must:

• Report the injury to Lowe’s within 30 days.
• File the claim within one year of the accident date. (The deadline resets to one year from the last date of medical treatment covered by workers’ compensation insurance.)
• Claims must also be filed within two years of receiving any workers’ comp benefits.

With the nuanced rules surrounding reporting and deadlines, having an attorney is crucial. We help injured employees understand the timelines and submit their paperwork correctly. 

Reporting verbally to Lowe’s within 30 days is often sufficient initially. From there, one of our attorneys can make sure all the required paperwork is filed on time to preserve your full legal rights. 

Free Consultation Regarding Your Workers’ Comp Claim

Suffering an injury at work is stressful enough without having to battle an insurance company. The experienced attorneys at John Foy & Associates are here to help injured employees through the workers’ compensation process. 

We have a proven track record of securing settlements from large companies like Lowe’s. Our convenient contingency fee payment structure means you pay no upfront costs. We only collect fees after winning your case. We want you to relax and focus on healing while we do the rest.

Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.