When you suffer a workplace injury, you may be unsure of what exactly your rights are or if you need a Marietta workers’ compensation attorney. Your employer may have even told you that you do not need a lawyer to report your incident and recover workers’ compensation for your injuries. While this is technically true, it is important to know that workers’ compensation insurance adjusters typically only give you the bare minimum and do not always communicate well.
When you are looking to file a workers’ compensation claim, the best course of action you can take is to partner with a dedicated Marietta workers’ compensation lawyer such as one from Hasner Law. Our team is here to help guide you through the complicated insurance forms and ensure you are getting the most out of your benefits after your workplace accident.
Understanding Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws
Under Georgia law, any employer with three or more regular workers is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. There is no time requirement for eligibility, and employees have the ability to access their workers’ compensation benefits starting on their first day of work. Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees all qualify for these insurance benefits, while independent contractors do not. Traveling employees typically qualify as well.
To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must be operating within the limits of your workplace responsibilities. This does not mean you have to get hurt on your employer’s premises to qualify. If you are out of the office or driving to a job site and get into an accident, you would still qualify for workers’ comp because the task is deemed to be within the scope of your employment. Unlike personal injury claims, where you must prove negligence and fault, workers’ compensation claims only require you to establish fault if your claim has been denied. This is why it is pivotal to speak with a Marietta workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible. They can help demonstrate you were an active employee at the time of the accident, that the accident resulted from a workplace activity, and that you are currently suffering from your sustained injuries.
What Damages Are You Entitled to After a Workplace Accident?
After you file for workers’ compensation benefits, you are entitled to recover damages. These will vary based on the severity of your accident, the length of your recovery, and whether or not you can reasonably return to the same job in the same capacity in the future. Typically, these benefits will cover the following expenses:
- Any authorized doctor’s bills or medical visits
- Emergency trips to the hospital
- Physical therapy or any required rehabilitation
- The cost of any necessary prescription medications
- Travel expenses
- Medical or vocational rehabilitation
For those who have experienced an injury catastrophic in nature, you may be entitled to lifelong benefits. A catastrophic injury is one that results in a lifelong disability, paralysis, or the inability to work. For accidents not deemed to be catastrophic, your damages will come in the form of weekly benefits. If an authorized physician puts you out of work due to the workplace injury, you are entitled to receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, but not more than $800.00 per week, for up to 400 weeks.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help Your Case
While you concentrate on healing from your injuries, the knowledgeable team of attorneys at Hasner Law will begin working on the vital aspects of your workers’ compensation case:
- Conduct a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding your accident
- File your workers’ compensation claim within Georgia’s one-year deadline
- Help dispute any formerly-denied claims or undervalued offers
- Handle all communications, scheduling, and negotiations with the employer’s insurance company
- If applicable, file a personal injury lawsuit to hold a third party liable for their negligence
At Hasner Law, our Marietta workers’ compensation lawyers have more than 100 years of professional experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims. We are here to ensure your claim is filed on time and that your benefits begin coming in as quickly as possible. We understand the importance of receiving financial assistance after a workplace accident. When you partner with our team, you are gaining access to a group of professionals who know Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws inside and out, including all of the complicated ways the insurance company will attempt to offer you an unworthy settlement.
Consult a Knowledgeable Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
Don’t let a workplace injury keep you from being able to secure the compensation you deserve after your accident. Nobody should needlessly suffer because their employer’s insurance company denied their claim or offered them an unsuitable settlement. Hasner Law is here to guide you through the complexities of Georgia’s workers’ compensation process with compassion. With our team of experienced Marietta, GA workers’ compensation lawyers, you can trust us to manage your claim with expertise. We offer unparalleled service and a proven track record of success, ensuring you have the confidence that you’re in capable hands.
Take the first step towards a brighter future by scheduling your free consultation today. Call us at (678) 928-8784 or use our contact form.
