Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | April 18, 2024
Overexertion injuries pose a significant risk to workers across various industries in Georgia, often resulting in strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal problems. Many individuals wonder whether the workers’ compensation system covers these types of injuries. Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws generally extend coverage to overexertion injuries sustained by employees while performing job-related tasks. These injuries, which result from excessive physical effort such as lifting, pushing, or repetitive motions, are recognized under the state’s workers’ compensation system.
However, obtaining benefits for overexertion injuries requires meeting specific criteria, including prompt reporting, medical documentation, and compliance with legal requirements. As such, injured workers may benefit from seeking legal assistance from experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, like those at Hasner Law, to ensure their rights are protected and they receive the full compensation they deserve under Georgia law.
Understanding Overexertion Injuries
Overexertion injuries are common in the workplace and can occur across various industries, from construction to healthcare. These injuries typically occur when an individual strains their muscles, tendons, or ligaments due to excessive physical effort. These injuries can result from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying heavy objects and repetitive motions performed over extended periods. Common examples of overexertion injuries include:
- Strains
- Sprains
- Muscle pulls
- Tendonitis
While overexertion injuries may seem minor at first, they can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability if left untreated.
Coverage Under Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation
In Georgia, workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide benefits to employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. The state’s workers’ compensation laws typically cover overexertion injuries if they occur within the course and scope of employment. This means that if an employee sustains an overexertion injury while performing work duties or engaging in activities that benefit their employer, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
Proving a Work-Related Overexertion Injury
To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits for an overexertion injury in Georgia, you must meet certain criteria. The injury must have occurred in the workplace or while the employee was performing job-related tasks. Additionally, the injured worker must promptly report the injury to their employer and seek medical treatment from an authorized healthcare provider. It’s crucial to document the details of the incident and obtain medical records supporting the diagnosis of an overexertion injury.
Types of Benefits Available
If Georgia’s workers’ compensation system covers an employee’s overexertion injury, they may be entitled to various types of benefits. These benefits typically include:
- Medical Benefits: Workers’ compensation should cover the cost of medical treatment related to the overexertion injury, including doctor’s visits, diagnostic tests, prescription medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.
- Income Benefits: If the overexertion injury prevents the employee from working for more than seven days, they may be eligible for income benefits. These benefits can include temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, or permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the severity and duration of the disability.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: In cases where the overexertion injury results in permanent impairment affecting the employee’s ability to return to their previous job, vocational rehabilitation services may help them transition to suitable alternative employment.
- Death Benefits: If an employee dies as a result of an overexertion injury sustained in the workplace, their dependents may be eligible for death benefits, including benefits for funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.
Navigating the workers’ compensation process can be complex, especially when it comes to proving the validity of an overexertion injury claim. That’s why it’s essential for injured workers to seek legal assistance from an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Contact Our Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Overexertion injuries are a common occurrence in the workplace, and Georgia’s workers’ compensation system typically covers such injuries if they are sustained while performing job-related duties. However, navigating the complexities of the claims process can be daunting, and many injured workers may face challenges in obtaining the compensation they rightfully deserve. Seeking the assistance of knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys can significantly improve the chances of a successful outcome, ensuring that injured workers receive the medical care and financial support they need to recover and move forward.
At Hasner Law, our team of experienced workers’ compensation attorneys understands the intricacies of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws and is dedicated to advocating for the rights of injured workers. Contact us today through our contact form or by calling (678) 928-8784 for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
