If you are working for someone on a regular basis in St. Mary’s, you are more than likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation can provide you with benefits after a work injury to help you recover. However, there are flaws with the system that can make it difficult for workers to get the full benefits they deserve—which is why many work with a workers’ compensation lawyer in St. Mary’s.
To get help with your claim, contact John Foy & Associates today. We have been helping injured workers get the benefits they need and deserve for more than 20 years. We’re not afraid to stand up to the insurance companies and fight for the rights you’re legally entitled to receive.
To get a FREE consultation and case evaluation, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call.
Four Common Misconceptions About Workers’ Compensation in St. Mary’s, GA
Although most workers in St. Mary’s are covered by workers’ compensation, many people are unclear about exactly what this type of insurance can provide. It’s important to stay informed about your rights so you can seek the fullest compensation possible from your benefits after a work injury.
Here are some common misunderstandings about workers’ compensation.
Myth #1: You Need to Be Doing Job-Related Activities to Be Compensated
Although your injuries must have happened during the course of your employment to be covered under workers’ compensation, the activity you were doing does not need to be work-related. Both work- and non-work-related injuries should be covered as long as they happen “on the job.”
You also do not have to be working in an industry that is seen as dangerous to be eligible for workers’ compensation after an injury. According to common stats from the United States Department of Labor, one in five worker deaths in 2018 were in construction. However, even office workers with desk jobs can receive workers’ compensation benefits if they are hurt during the course of their employment.
If you’re feeling uncertain about your work injury and whether or not it applies, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in St. Mary’s. They can look at the details of your accident and determine how your benefits are involved.
Myth #2: Employers Are Always Helpful with Workers’ Compensation Claims
It’s normal to assume that your employer will be helpful in getting you benefits from workers’ compensation. In actuality, employers tend to play a very small role in these claims. Although they have purchased the workers’ compensation policy, you’ll be dealing mostly with the insurance company that provides the benefits.
Sadly, too many employers pressure employees into returning to work too soon or fail to provide more than the minimum assistance in a workers’ compensation claim.
Myth #3: You Can Get Fired for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers often worry that filing a workers’ compensation claim will make their employer resent them and possibly cause the worker to lose their job. However, it’s illegal for your employer to fire you because you have filed a workers’ compensation claim. They also cannot discriminate against a worker based on a mental or physical disability.
If you believe that your employer is trying to terminate you after filing a claim, speak with a St. Mary’s workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as you can.
Myth #4: Getting Help with Your Claim from an Attorney Is Too Expensive
Many employees benefit greatly from hiring a workers’ compensation attorney after a work injury. Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated and confusing, so a lawyer can help streamline the process and protect your rights throughout it. However, it’s understandable to worry about the cost involved.
Thankfully, workers’ compensation lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means there are no out-of-pocket or upfront costs to you. You only pay them if they win money in your case, so there is no risk and you can begin working with them immediately—free of any initial charge.
At John Foy & Associates, we do not charge you a fee unless we win your case, and the consultation is always FREE. To speak with one of our lawyers about your case today, call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started.
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What to Understand About Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation was officially set up by the government in 1920 to protect workers who get injured on the job. The purpose of workers’ compensation is to:
- Ensure injured employees get access to medical treatment and financial support while away from work and
- To prevent the need for lengthy and expensive lawsuits between the employer and worker
Unlike other types of injury cases where one or more parties are at fault for the accident, workers’ compensation is a “no-fault” system. You cannot blame or try to sue your employer for your injuries. This condition exists in exchange for benefits being provided to you for any work injury.
Benefits Under Workers’ Compensation in St. Mary’s
There are two main types of benefits provided by workers’ compensation in Georgia:
- Medical benefits and
- Income benefits
Any costs you experience as a result of your medical treatment should be covered under workers’ compensation, including:
- Doctor and hospital bills, including doctor visits, hospital stays, tests, and surgeries
- Prescription medication costs
- Physical therapy and
- Travel to and from medical appointments (reimbursed at 40 cents per mile)
If you are unable to work because of your injuries for more than seven days, you can also receive weekly income benefits through workers’ compensation until you’re able to return to work—or up to 400 weeks.
Temporary total disability benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage capped at $675 per week (as of July 1, 2019). If you can still work but you’re earning less because of your work injuries, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages before and after your injury, capped at $450 per week.
Unfortunately, insurance companies that provide workers’ compensation often look for ways to reduce what they need to pay an injured worker. They might try to downplay your injuries, pressure you to return to work before you’re healed, and more. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer on your side ensures your rights are protected at every turn.
Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in St. Mary’s, GA for Free Today
As a worker in St. Mary’s, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Don’t miss out on the full benefits you need to completely recover and get back to work. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you seek everything you deserve.
To schedule a FREE consultation with the best lawyer for your case, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online today.
912-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
