If you were injured while on the job in Georgia, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical bills and lost wages due to your injuries. You may also be entitled to compensation for any permanent or temporary disabilities you may have endured due to your injuries.
Workers’ compensation is a type of workplace insurance that covers employees who get hurt at the workplace. In Georgia, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) is responsible for administering the program. If you were injured at work, review these seven facts about Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws to better your understanding of this complex system.
Facts About Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
Here are seven interesting facts you should be aware of regarding workers’ compensation in Georgia:
You Can Still Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits if You were Responsible for Your Injury
The SBWC employee handbook states that employees who are injured due to their own inattentiveness or haste may still receive benefits. However, this does not include employees who were injured due to willful misconduct such as fighting or using drugs or alcohol on the job.
You May Still Recover Workers’ Compensation Benefits Even if You are Fired
Because Georgia is an at-will employment state, your employer can fire you for no cause or any cause at all, unless there is a formal contract stating otherwise. However, you can usually receive any workers’ compensation benefits you may be owed if you are fired after your injury.
Workers’ Compensation Does Not Reimburse for Pain and Suffering
Workers’ compensation does not compensate injured workers for their pain and suffering. Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical bills that are acquired due to your injuries and lost wages due to time away from work as a result of your injuries. Pain and suffering can only be reimbursed in a personal injury lawsuit
You Cannot Sue Your Employer for Your Injuries
According to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, you may be able to bring a personal injury lawsuit against third parties that you believe may be at fault for your injuries. However, you cannot bring a personal injury lawsuit directly against your employer because workers’ compensation laws prohibit you from suing.
You Can Choose From a List of Doctors for Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
If you are injured on the job, your employer is required to provide a list of medical professionals who can treat your injuries. This list must include at least six options of qualified doctors or Managed Care Organizations (MCO) to provide you with options.
However, if your employer does not have this panel of medical professionals, or the panel does not reach the standards set by the state, then you are able to treat with your doctor of choice.
You May be Able to Obtain a Lump-Sum Settlement
In Georgia, there is no way to go to court and ask for a lump-sum payment settlement because workers’ compensation is voluntary. However, each party can agree to a lump-sum settlement, but this eliminates the right to any future benefits.
You May be Able to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits After You Return to Work
There are certain situations in which you may return to work while continuing to receive benefits. This includes if you suffer a permanent partial disability or if you are making less money back at work than you did before your injury.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Claiming Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia
Like any insurance plan or government program, there are rules and procedures that must be abided by that can potentially impact your claim and the overall compensation you may receive.
To be reimbursed for any medical bills or lost wages that are the result of a work injury, it is important to report your injury to your supervisor right away and seek medical attention.
It is also important to follow all treatment plans given to you by your medical professional when pursuing a Georgia workers’ compensation claim. If you have questions regarding a workers’ compensation claim, a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney on our team can help you understand the legal process.
Do You Need Legal Representation to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
In Georgia, you can represent yourself in workers’ compensation matters. However, a Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can prevent you from making mistakes and ensure you have the proper evidence to make the most of your workers’ compensation claim.
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Connect With our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Bader Law Injury Lawyers is available to guide you through the workers’ compensation claims process and answer any questions you may have regarding your claim. We can also ensure all Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation rules, regulations, and procedures are adhered to.
Call (404) 888-8888 today for your free legal consultation with a compassionate member of the team.
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