Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can cover your medical bills and replace your lost wages. That does not mean every claim is accepted, as employers and insurance companies often find excuses to deny compensation.
If you suffered an injury or illness at work, you could be entitled to various benefits. An Athens workers’ compensation lawyer with Bader Law Injury Lawyers could help you get the best outcome for your claim. Contact a workers’ compensation benefits lawyer in Athens right away to learn more.
You Could Recover Four Types of Benefits in an Athens Workers’ Compensation Claim
If your workers’ compensation claim is successful, you could recover four unique types of benefits. These include medical coverage, disability benefits, rehabilitation costs, and death benefits. An Athens personal injury lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers could help you get the most out of your claim.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can Pay For Your Medical Care
One of the significant benefits of a workers’ compensation claim is the ability to obtain medical treatment without paying for it out of your own pocket. Instead of requiring months of applications or complex reimbursement procedures, this system pays for your necessary, reasonable medical care. These payments will continue for as long as your work-related condition requires treatment.
In addition to paying your medical bills, the workers’ compensation system will provide for any transportation expenses related to your necessary medical treatments. This includes the cost of attending appointments and returning home afterward.
Wage Replacement May Be Possible Through Disability Benefits
Another critical aspect of these benefits is wage replacement. Most people are unable to work in the aftermath of a severe workplace injury, which can have a catastrophic impact on the family budget. A successful claim can provide you with a portion of the average weekly wages you earned before your injury.
The amount you recover each week depends on the nature and extent of your injuries. If you are expected to make a full recovery, you will only qualify for temporary benefits. You will also be entitled to more compensation if you are fully disabled, which means you cannot work.
Benefits Might Also Cover The Cost of Returning to the Workforce
You might also be entitled to vocational benefits following a workplace injury or illness. This is known as vocational rehabilitation, which is defined by O.C.G.A. 34-15-1(D)(13) as services that allow a disabled worker to earn a living in the future when their condition makes it impossible to return to their original line of work. This could include the following:
- Vocational evaluations
- Career counseling
- Educational programs
- Refresher courses
- Tuition and retraining expenses
- Job placement services
These services are invaluable for anyone who can no longer work in their previous capacity. If your disability limits the type of work you can perform but allows you to return to the workforce in some capacity, vocational rehabilitation could lead to the next stage of your career.
Surviving Relatives Could Recover Death Benefits Following a Fatal Accident
The workers’ compensation system can do more than compensate injured workers or help them return to the workforce. It also provides support to surviving relatives after a fatal workplace injury. These benefits come in different forms, starting with as much as $7,500 in compensation for funeral and burial expenses.
Surviving spouses may also be entitled to wage replacement payments following a work-related death. These payments can give dependents a portion of the wages they would have relied on had their loved one survived. These benefits can last a maximum of 400 weeks.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation benefits lawyer serving Athens, call (404) 888-8888
Will Benefits Cover Occupational Diseases?
There is a common misconception that workers’ compensation benefits only apply to injuries that happen on the job. In reality, they also cover occupational diseases resulting from harmful workplace exposure.
These conditions generally result from exposure to cleaning agents, fumes, and other dangerous substances. This might come from inhaling these hazardous materials or having skin contact. Some examples of these substances include asbestos, diesel fumes, benzene, and pesticides. Working near these materials can result in:
- Allergies
- Skin conditions
- Cancer
- Bloodborne illnesses
- Respiratory diseases
Other examples do not involve infectious diseases. You could qualify for benefits for tennis elbow related to repetitive stress injuries or hearing loss caused by loud noises.
Athens Workers' Compensation Benefits Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
We Can Deal with Complications and Disputes
Georgia’s worker’s compensation system is “no fault,” meaning you are entitled to benefits even if your own negligence led to your injuries. Unfortunately, employers and insurance companies have been known to find excuses to reject a claim despite the system’s no-fault nature.
The good news is that our team of attorneys is ready to help you push back against unfair treatment or unreasonable denials. This could include allegations that you failed to notify your employer of the injury or missed another critical deadline.
Our attorneys can also help you resolve disputes over the cause of your injury. Some employers will allege that you had a pre-existing condition or that you were hurt because you were impaired while on the clock. These are serious issues, but the right attorney can build a winning claim on your behalf.
Other denials are procedural in nature. They might involve an incomplete form or the lack of necessary medical documentation. Unraveling these issues can often be handled by an attorney during the appeals process.
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Talk to an Athens Workers’ Compensation Benefits Attorney Today
Securing benefits from the workers’ compensation system can be difficult without help. Even though it is known as a “no-fault” system, insurance companies will go out of their way to reject your claim when possible. You have options for fighting back even after your claim is initially denied.
Bader Law Injury Lawyers understands how to navigate the compensation system, and we have extensive experience taking on insurance companies and winning. Contact us right away to schedule a free consultation with an Athens workers’ compensation benefits lawyer.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
