Being injured is a stressful experience. Being injured at work is even more complicated. While you may think your injury case is only between you and your employer, you have the right to consult a Marietta workers’ compensation lawyer to learn more about your benefits and responsibilities. The team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers can explain what you are owed and what you need to do to secure benefits.
We know you are already feeling overwhelmed with your situation, so your initial consultation is free of charge. Call us today at (404) 888-8888.
Explaining Workers’ Compensation in Georgia
When an injury happens in your own home, you seek medical attention, and if you have health insurance, they pay for all or part of your expenses. An injury that happens at work is slightly more complicated. Employers in Georgia that provide workers’ compensation have essentially agreed to pay for any costs for injuries related to work.
Some injury expenses that can be covered with workers’ compensation include:
- Emergency visits
- Follow-up appointments
- Medical equipment
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medication
- Lost wages
The trade-off seems straightforward until you realize that both parties must follow strict rules to ensure everyone is treated fairly. That means you, the injured party, must be aware of what you are entitled to and what you need to do to uphold your legal rights.
Workers’ Compensation Cases Are Different from Personal Injury Cases
The crux of a personal injury claim is demonstrating negligence—proving that the other party breached their duty of care and caused you to get hurt. To secure workers’ compensation benefits, you do not need to demonstrate negligence. You only need to prove that you were injured while performing your work-related duties.
What You Are Entitled To
The goal of workplace compensation is to get you back into shape, so you can resume working.
With that in mind, benefits can cover:
- Visits to a doctor
- Surgery and other procedures
- Additional recovery expenses
It’s important to note the distinctions for all of these benefits. For instance, while you are entitled to any medical care you need to treat your injury, you can only see doctors approved by your employer, as outlined under the Official Code of Georgia Annotated §34-9-200.
Likewise, your lost wages must comply with certain qualifications per OCGA §34-9-220. If you had to miss work for less than seven calendar days, you do not qualify for income compensation. Only when you have missed seven or more days of work will you start to receive compensation. This rule changes when you exceed 21 days of missed work, then you can recover additional income from those first seven days of lost work as well. If you qualify for benefits, you will receive two-thirds of your normal income.
In the Event of Death
Tragically, some workplace injuries are fatal, but workers’ compensation offers coverage. Death benefits can help pay for funeral and burial expenses, as well as the income lost due to the death of the individual. While you navigate this difficult time, contact the office of Bader Law Injury Lawyers for additional support.
For a free legal consultation with a workers compensation lawyer serving Marietta, call (404) 888-8888
Possible Causes of Your Workplace Injury
Your injury is likely specific to your occupation. For instance, construction workers are prone to falls, while office jobs may cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Regardless, they are workplace injuries and make you eligible for compensation.
Some causes of your injuries may include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Being struck by an object
- Electrocution
- Being caught in machinery
- Exposure to harmful substances
- Burns
- Work-related illnesses
- Repetitive stress injuries
You may have been injured by scenarios not included here.
You Must Report Preexisting Conditions
It’s tempting not to mention that you have a preexisting condition while making your claim, but do not give in to this impulse. It’s true that having a preexisting condition may complicate matters, especially when your current injury is related or similar to the preexisting one. You may find yourself in a battle with the insurance company to have your claim taken seriously.
That being said, you still have a right to benefits if you were injured on the job, period. An insurance company cannot deny your claim simply because you have been injured before. A Marietta workers’ compensation lawyer can be helpful in negotiating a claim involving a preexisting condition to prevent you from being bullied. Our team can advocate for your legal rights. Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers now at (404) 888-8888.
Marietta Workers Compensation Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Keeping Everyone Accountable
A workers’ compensation lawyer assists by acting as a go-between for you, your employer, and insurance companies to help everyone keep their word. This requires honesty from all parties, including you.
There Are Certain Steps You Need to Follow
Your claim could be called into question for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Meeting with unapproved doctors
- Not attending check-ups and appointments
- Lying about your current condition
- Withholding information about preexisting conditions
- Posting to social media about your injuries and claim
- Ignoring medical advice
If you are injured in your own home, you are free to disregard what a doctor says. However, if you are injured at work and seek workers’ compensation for treatment, you are obligated to follow the advice of those physicians or risk losing your benefits.
You may want to see a different doctor or utilize alternative medicine. Keep in mind that these options may not be available. A representative from our team can explain more when you call our firm today.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Do Not Be Intimidated by the Legal Process
You do not have to be a legal expert to recover compensation following a workplace accident. With a Marietta workers’ compensation lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers, you do not have to be. We can look over your claim, defend your right to benefits, and help you understand what you need to do. Call us today for a free case review at (404) 888-8888.
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