Most injured workers, or those with an illness related to their job, are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. However, these benefits often fall short of covering all your losses. If another party caused or contributed to your accident or injury, you might have a third-party claim. Our Smyrna workers’ compensation lawyers can help you fight for the workers’ compensation benefits you need and determine whether you qualify to file an injury claim.
Contact a Smyrna third-party claims workers’ compensation lawyer at Bader Law Injury Lawyers today to get started. We have recovered over $30 million in workers’ compensation benefits and injury settlements for injured Georgians.
What Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available in Georgia?
In Georgia, workers’ compensation benefits provide essential support to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. The benefits available include:
Medical Benefits
Workers are entitled to full coverage of medical expenses related to their injury or illness. Authorized treating physicians and medical providers must be approved by the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If an injury prevents you from working, you may receive wage replacement benefits. These include:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits: If you are completely unable to work for more than seven days, you can receive approximately 66% of your average weekly wage, up to a state-set maximum.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits: If you can return to work but earn less due to your injury, you may receive benefits to partially compensate for the reduced income.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits: These benefits are calculated according to a schedule outlined by state law and based on the degree of impairment and the affected body part.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits: These benefits are also calculated based on the specific injury.
Our Smyrna personal injury lawyer can help you understand your benefits.
Death Benefits
In the tragic event of a work-related death, dependents of the deceased worker are eligible for death benefits, including funeral expenses and income replacement.
Understanding and navigating these workers’ compensation benefits can be complex. For personalized guidance and to ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to, contact Bader Law Injury Lawyers.
For a free legal consultation with a third-party claims workers’ compensation lawyer serving Smyrna, call (404) 888-8888
What Is a Third-Party Claim?
A third-party claim means that you are holding someone whose negligence caused or contributed to your injury liable. They are a “third party” because they are not your employer.
What Can I Recover Through a Third-Party Claim?
You can obtain compensation for the damages your workers’ compensation claim did not cover. These damages might include:
- The remainder of your lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering
How Do I Determine Whether I Qualify for a Third-Party Claim?
You may qualify for a third-party claim if another party’s actions or inaction caused your injury.
What Parties Might Be Liable for My Injuries?
The parties liable for your injuries depend on the specifics. We’ve listed a few examples to explain how this might work in your case:
- You fall down the stairs in your office building because the handrail was broken. You could hold the property owner liable for your injuries.
- You suffer a serious electric shock on a construction site. It turns out, an electrician working for another firm left exposed wiring. You could sue that electrician’s firm.
Our team will help you determine what party(s) might be liable for your injuries.
Smyrna Third-Party Claims Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
Common Challenges in Third-Party Claims
There are several challenges you might face if you handle a third-party claim by yourself.
Proving Third-Party Liability
One of the most significant hurdles in pursuing a third-party claim is establishing the liability of the third party. Unlike workers’ compensation claims, which do not require proving fault, third-party claims necessitate demonstrating that another party’s negligence or wrongful actions caused or contributed to your injury. This often involves:
- Gathering Evidence: Collecting and preserving evidence from the accident scene, such as photographs, witness statements, and expert testimonies.
- Legal Complexity: Understanding the legal standards and proving negligence or fault can be complex and requires a thorough understanding of personal injury law.
- Opposition from Defendants: The liable party and their insurance company will likely dispute liability, requiring a strong legal strategy to counter their defenses.
Dealing with Insurance Companies and Their Tactics
Insurance companies are known for their tactics to minimize payouts. When handling a third-party claim, you may face several challenges:
- Lowball Settlement Offers: Insurers may initially offer settlements far below what your claim is worth, hoping you’ll accept less to avoid prolonged negotiations or litigation.
- Delays and Denials: Insurance companies might delay processing your claim or deny it outright, often requiring persistence and legal pressure to move forward.
- Complex Legal Jargon: Insurance policies and settlement agreements can be laden with complex terms and conditions designed to protect the insurer’s interests. Understanding and negotiating these terms is vital to avoid unfavorable outcomes.
By understanding these challenges, you can better appreciate the importance of having an experienced Smyrna third-party claims workers’ compensation lawyer on your side. At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, we have the experience and dedication to navigate these obstacles and fight for the compensation you deserve. We also have specialized knowledge of how insurance companies handle claims. This is because our founder defended insurers before opening our firm.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
See What Our Smyrna Third-Party Claims Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Do for You
The complexities of third-party claims and workers’ compensation can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one has been injured at work and you believe a third party may be responsible, you want to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure you fight for the full compensation you deserve.
At Bader Law Injury Lawyers, our dedicated team is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t leave your future to chance—call us today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
