Your employer will likely find out if you hire an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim, but you should not be concerned if they do. Your employer cannot hold your decision to hire an attorney against you, and it is your right to retain legal representation as you seek compensation for a work-related injury.
A workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta will deal with the insurance company for you. They will evaluate your lost income and medical expenses and negotiate for what you need.
Your Employer Cannot Retaliate If You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
By law, your employer cannot:
- Use your work-related injury against you
- Command you not to hire an attorney for your workers’ compensation claim
- Retaliate against you for hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer
It is your right to hire an attorney, just as it is your right to secure all the compensation you deserve through workers’ compensation insurance.
Those With Disabling Injuries Are Also Protected from Discrimination or Retaliation
If any of your injuries are disabling, your employer cannot discriminate against you. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) explains that the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Rehabilitation Act, and other statutes afford you reasonable accommodations in the workplace. These statutes also protect you from wrongful termination after a work-related injury.
Our legal team will work to secure fair compensation through workers’ compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (404) 888-8888
Why You May Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Injured workers are often consumed with the demands of their recovery. You may lack the time or energy to:
- Document your injuries and treatment
- Calculate your average weekly wages
- Communicate with insurance companies
- Negotiate a settlement
- Handle the other demands of a workers’ compensation claim
An attorney from our team will handle every aspect of your claim, ensuring that your recovery remains your priority. A few other reasons you may want to hire our lawyers:
- We have negotiated with insurance companies many times: Experience is one of the greatest benefits when negotiating a workers’ compensation settlement. Our Georgia work injury attorneys offer years of experience dealing with insurers, and we know many strategies for succeeding in settlement talks.
- We understand the full cost of work injuries: Our attorneys understand how to calculate average weekly wages, evaluate the full cost of medical care, and formulate accurate settlement demands. We frequently consult doctors, economists, and other experts experienced in the field of workers’ compensation claims.
- We recognize when injured workers can file lawsuits: Some work injuries result from negligence by third parties (like manufacturers of defective equipment, negligent drivers, or negligent property owners). Such employees may be eligible to file lawsuits; our attorneys will discuss this possibility with you.
You should also consider how the insurance company will view your claim. If you are actively working on the claims process, the insurer may allege that you are not as injured as you claim to be. If you let a lawyer handle your claim, you will be able to rest and recover—this may be best for your health and your workers’ compensation claim.
What Your Workers’ Comp Attorney Will Do for You
An attorney from our team will build a compelling workers’ compensation claim by:
Documenting Your Medical Care
Medical costs are one of the recoverable losses injured workers can seek compensation for. We will reach out to your doctors and get documentation of:
- Emergency medical treatment
- X-rays, CT scans, and other medical imaging
- All doctor’s appointments related to your work injury
- Rehabilitation costs
- Medications
- Surgeries
- Hospital services
You should receive all the medical care you need. Your lawyer will keep a record of your injuries, symptoms, and related healthcare costs.
Calculating Your Lost Wages
You should receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you are unable to work. Your attorney will review your past income statements to determine what this figure amounts to.
Formulating Settlement Demands
After evaluating your medical expenses and lost wages, your workers’ compensation lawyer will determine how much compensation the insurance company owes you. In preparation for settlement negotiations, your lawyer will prepare:
- All documentation of your medical care
- Expert testimony about your injuries, future medical needs, and likely recovery timeline
- Any proof that your injuries are disabling
- Proof of your past income (which will show how they calculated your average weekly wages)
A workers’ compensation lawyer will know what the insurance company must see to offer a fair settlement.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
Your lawyer will represent you during negotiations with the insurance provider. It’s possible that the insurance company will want to pay you less compensation than you deserve, and your attorney will insist that it pays you the full settlement you are entitled to.
If you are eligible to file a lawsuit against negligent third parties, your lawyer will file the suit and represent you at trial if necessary.
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What Losses Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation in Georgia generally covers two primary losses:
- Medical expenses related to your work injury
- Two-thirds of lost income (based on the calculation of your average weekly wages)
You may also be entitled to retraining before returning to work, and your lawyer will discuss any other losses that entitle you to compensation.
Your attorney will ensure that their settlement demands include all of your covered losses. The longer you are injured and the more severe your injuries are, the more compensation you may be entitled to.
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Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers Today for Your Free Consultation
Your boss will likely find out if you hire a workers’ compensation attorney but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire one. Your employer cannot retaliate against you and you don’t want to handle your case alone.
Workers’ compensation claims and related lawsuits often come with deadlines. Your attorney will also need to document your losses and the work accident that caused your injuries. Don’t wait to speak with our team.
Call Bader Law Injury Lawyers today for your free, no-obligation consultation.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
