If you suffered catastrophic injuries on the job, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover your medical bills and lost wages. However, the insurance company might not give you enough compensation to cover all your losses or allow you enough recovery time when you have a severe injury. In some cases, a full recovery might not be possible.
Discussing your legal options with Decatur catastrophic injury lawyer can be helpful. At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, our personal injury team can assist you in filing claims and following through to ensure you receive the necessary benefits.
Catastrophic Injuries Can Affect You for the Rest of Your Life
When you have a catastrophic injury, it can affect many aspects of your life, at home and on the job. Georgia workers’ compensation law protects you after a workplace accident. The types of injuries classified as catastrophic can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries with partial or complete paralysis
- Burn injuries
- Partial or complete blindness
- Loss of limb
The above list is incomplete, and many other injuries may qualify as catastrophic. Any injury that impacts your quality of life or affects your ability to care for yourself and perform your job might be in this category.
For a free legal consultation with a catastrophic injury lawyer serving Decatur, call (404) 888-8888
Understanding the Scope of Catastrophic Work Injuries
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.1(g) explains the laws regarding catastrophic injuries in Georgia. If you feel you might have a catastrophic injury claim, it can help to discuss your concerns with a catastrophic injury lawyer serving Decatur.
Because an injury this severe can affect your entire family, having legal representation to handle the claims process can be helpful. The specific language and filing requirements can be confusing. Our Decatur catastrophic injury attorneys can help by:
- Gathering documentation about the accident that caused your injury
- Compiling your medical records and prognosis
- Organizing your claim
- Assisting you in understanding the application process
- Ensuring that you meet all filing deadlines
Our workers’ compensation team has decades of experience filing claims and representing people like you. You can see our results for yourself.
Decatur Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Your Losses Should Be Compensated After a Catastrophic Work Injury in Decatur
Following a workplace injury, you should be compensated. Some of the benefits you might receive include:
- Medical benefits from authorized providers
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Job training assistance if you must change careers
If a workplace accident resulted in the death of your family member, workers’ compensation benefits also include provisions for the payment of death benefits to eligible beneficiaries.
Lifetime Benefits for a Work-Related Catastrophic Injury in Decatur
According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, the typical maximum duration for non-catastrophic workers’ compensation benefits is 400 weeks. Once that time has elapsed, you will stop receiving benefits. However, if your injury qualifies as catastrophic, you may be eligible for lifetime benefits.
If you return to work in a limited capacity, you may continue receiving compensation benefits at a reduced rate. This reduction accommodates lower wages due to your limited capacity.
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How a Decatur Catastrophic Work Injury Lawyer Can Help
In addition to compiling information to help file your claim, our catastrophic injury team will remain at your side throughout the process. Your Decatur catastrophic work injury attorney will represent you in all communication with insurance adjusters and your employer.
In most cases, workers’ compensation law prevents you from filing suit against your employer for a work injury. However, in some situations, such as if a third party contributed to your injury, additional compensation might be available through a civil court filing. A Decatur work injury attorney from our team can file a lawsuit on your behalf. If that happens, we will represent you during all court proceedings, depositions, and other meetings.
You already have enough on your mind trying to recuperate from your injuries. Our team will handle all the details and ensure we meet all filing deadlines to keep your claim on track. We will fight to get you the benefits you deserve.
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Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim for a Catastrophic Injury in Decatur
Gaining lifetime benefits under workers’ compensation for a catastrophic injury can be difficult. You must meet specific deadlines to ensure your application continues through the process.
It can be helpful to have a Decatur catastrophic injury attorney guiding you through the process, assisting with filing, and maintaining a watchful eye as your application progresses.
Beginning the process as soon as possible following your injury will ensure you remain eligible for benefits and meet all filing deadlines. Your first step is to notify your employer of the injury. Once notified, your employer must begin the process with a First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease form.
Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Catastrophic Work Injuries in Decatur
Each deadline for filing workers’ compensation claims ensures that claimants receive their benefits and that the process flows smoothly. It is essential to keep your claim moving, and having a Decatur workers’ compensation attorney helping you during the filing process can be beneficial. Georgia has several filing deadlines, each serving to move your claim through the system promptly.
Employer Notification
You must notify your employer within 30 days of your injury. Most injuries will be reported immediately, but if your injury occurred over time rather than during a single accident or incident, you must report it within 30 days of diagnosis.
All-Issues Deadline
The initial claim for benefits must happen within one year. Typically the starting date is the date of the workplace incident or accident. In cases where the injury developed over time, resulting in disability, you must file this claim within one year of your final day at work.
Change of Conditions Notice
If your condition worsens or otherwise changes after filing a claim, you must submit a statement noting any change. The deadline for filing a change of conditions notice is two years from your last payment of temporary disability.
Typically, this notice might be helpful if you attempted to return to work but found that you could not perform adequately or that working worsened your condition. This statement can help reinstate your temporary disability payments.
Permanent Partial Disability Statute of Limitations
If your disability is permanent or catastrophic, you must request permanent disability payments. The deadline to do so is four years from the date of your last temporary disability payment.
When a Death Occurs
Losing a loved one due to a workplace accident or condition is never easy. However, workers’ compensation law permits the family to file for death benefits. The filing must occur within one year of the death of your family member.
A Decatur Catastrophic Injury Lawyer Is Ready to Help
When you need assistance with a workers’ compensation claim, the personal injury attorneys at Bader Law Injury Lawyers are ready to help. A Decatur catastrophic injury lawyer from our team can help you understand the complex filing process and keep your claim on track to meet all deadlines. Contact us to get started today.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
