Workers’ compensation laws are in place across the country to protect employees from the cost of injuries incurred on the job. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) recorded 77,500 nonfatal injuries just from Georgia’s private sector in 2018. While this is fewer cases than the national average, workplace injuries still present a serious issue in this state.
If you recently suffered injuries in your place of work in Roswell, Georgia, you may want to seek out legal representation. A Roswell workers’ compensation lawyer from Bader Law Injury Lawyers may be able to offer the help you want. Our team can assist with collecting the necessary documents to file your claim, navigating worker’s compensation laws, and fighting for your benefits in a hearing, if necessary. Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers at (404) 888-8888 now to get started.
Workers’ Compensation Laws in Georgia
Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) fully outlines and enforces the requirements and procedures for these benefits. In this state, worker’s compensation coverage is mandatory for any employer with three or more employees, including part-time workers.
The purpose of this coverage is to protect workers from injuries that occur on the job. If you suffer injuries while performing duties for your employer, you should not be responsible for the damages and losses you incur. For this reason, your employer’s workers’ compensation policy covers:
- The cost of your visit to a doctor or specialist, including travel expenses
- Any medications the doctor prescribes to you
- Physical therapy and any other ongoing treatments
- Vocational rehabilitation to help you return to work
- Missed income if you are unable to work for an extended period
If you cannot work due to your injury for over seven days, you can qualify for income benefits up to $675 per week in Georgia. Your typical weekly wages determine the exact amount of benefits you may receive. If you can return to work, but only in a reduced capacity, you may still receive a portion of these weekly benefits.
For a free legal consultation with a workers compensation lawyer serving Roswell, call (404) 888-8888
Filing for Workers’ Compensation
In order to file for worker’s compensation, you will need to submit the proper paperwork to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This filing includes proof of your injury or disability from a medical professional. You will need to notify your employer of the injury as soon as possible, as you may lose your ability to file after 30 days.
How to Qualify
Your coverage under worker’s compensation laws begins on your first day as an employee. Unlike with Social Security disability benefits, workers’ compensation does not require you to work a certain amount of time in order to qualify.
You will need to prove that the injury occurred for reasons other than misconduct on your part. In addition, you may need to agree to taking a different job if deemed medically appropriate by your physician. Refusal to work if you are physically capable of doing so can result in benefit denial.
You may be eligible to apply for worker’s compensation whether you experienced a catastrophic or non-catastrophic injury. The following are examples of injuries typically covered by these benefits:
- Loss of limb
- Lacerations
- Loss of sight
- Hearing loss or impairment
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Back, neck, or head injuries from a slip and fall
This list is not all-inclusive. If you need help determining if your injury qualifies you for workers’ compensation, a Roswell workers’ compensation lawyer may be able to offer assistance. Reach out to the team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers and get started today by calling (404) 888-8888. We can schedule a consultation to discuss your case and determine the next steps.
Denial of Benefits
If you file for workers’ compensation but do not begin to receive benefits within a month or so, you have the option of requesting a hearing. Hearings with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation operate much like trials and occur in front of an administrative law judge.
During your hearing, the judge will hear your side of the claim, as well as the side of your employer. Your employer may hire representation to contest your claim. Likewise, you may choose to represent yourself or hire a lawyer to fight for benefits on your behalf.
Roswell Workers Compensation Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help
The goal of a workers’ compensation attorney is to help you understand your rights under the law. Whether you are filing a claim for the first time or requesting a hearing to fight for your benefits, a lawyer can offer some support throughout the process, which can include assistance with:
- Filing out the necessary forms
- Collecting sufficient proof of your injuries
- Proving the cause of your injuries and your inability to work at the same capacity
- Presenting the case on your behalf in a hearing, if necessary
It is also important to note that if your loved one passed away due to a work-related injury, you and your family may qualify to receive benefits on his or her behalf. These death benefits are generally available to surviving dependents and spouses and can include some weekly income benefits in addition to compensation for burial expenses. An attorney can act as your representative with the employer and the board, as well as assist you with the filing process in this case.
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Get in Touch with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Roswell
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can come with certain difficulties. You must be able to prove that your injuries occurred on the job and are not due to recklessness or misconduct on your part. It may also require you to prove your reduced capacity to work.
Hiring a Roswell workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get the support you need to obtain these benefits while treating your injuries. The team at Bader Law Injury Lawyers offers such support to its clients in order to help them get the compensation they need and deserve. Schedule your free consultation with our firm now by calling (404) 888-8888.
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