Atlanta Workplace Back Injury Lawyer

Getting your back injured at the workplace is very common, but in some cases this can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to work and perform daily activities. In Atlanta, with the help of a lawyer, it’s possible to recover compensation through the legal system after a back injury caused by negligence.

Since 1974, our workers’ compensation lawyers at Deming Parker have been handling claims for injured workers all over Georgia. Seeking legal advice from us will help you understand your rights, the compensation you’re entitled to, and the legal options available.

Need expert legal advice? Our experienced team of injury attorneys are here to help. Call our personal injury lawyers in the state of Georgia at (404) 636-4900 or contact us online.

Injured in the Workplace? Talk to an Atlanta Back Injury Attorney Today

After suffering a back injury at work, talking with an experienced lawyer it’s essential to effectively pursue legal action and secure rightful compensation. Our attorneys at Deming Parker bring 50+ years of experience to the table and have the necessary knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex workers’ compensation cases.

How a Lawyer Can Help You

Evaluate your case, the circumstances of your back injury, and your claim’s validity and potential value.
Gather and analyze evidence and other relevant documentation, such as medical records and accident reports, to support your claim and build a strong case.
File a workers’ compensation claim and handle all paperwork while adhering to the deadlines and requirements stipulated by law.
Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to level the playing field and reject lowball offers.
Represent you in court and other legal proceedings (like appeals), when needed.

Our lawyers can help you with these and every other legal aspect of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for your best interests. To have an idea of past settlements we’ve secured for other injured workers, please feel free to explore our case results and discuss your case in a free initial consultation.

When Can You Claim for a Back Injury at Work?

Back injuries at work are unfortunately common. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders involving the back account for 38.5% of all work-related injuries. However, your case must meet certain criteria to seek compensation for a back injury.

Specifically, the O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1 defines “personal injury” at work as harm to the body, mind, or emotions resulting from an accident arising out of and during employment. Therefore, to have a valid case, the following factors need to be present:

The injury must result from an accident that occurred while performing job-related duties.
The injury should be documented by a medical professional and linked to the workplace incident.
The injury must be reported to your employer promptly, typically within 30 days of the accident.

What Do I Do If I Hurt My Back at Work in Atlanta?

If you hurt your back at work, taking the right steps will significantly improve your chances of receiving compensation. Make sure to follow these steps:

Report the injury: Inform your employer about the injury as soon as possible and ensure the incident is documented.
Seek medical attention: Get medical treatment immediately and keep all your diagnosis and treatment records.
Gather evidence: Collect all documentation related to the incident, such as witness statements and photos of the accident scene.
Consult a lawyer: Speak with the experienced attorneys at Deming Parker to build a compelling case, calculate damages, and represent you in all legal proceedings.
File a workers’ compensation claim: With the help of your lawyer, submit a claim to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance.

Common Workplace Accidents Resulting in Back Injuries

We have seen how accidents at the workplace can range from mild to catastrophic, in the worst cases leading to severe and sometimes long-lasting back injuries. At Deming Parker, we’ve handled claims involving these and other causes:

Lifting heavy objects: Straining the back while lifting or moving heavy items.
Slip and falls: Falling due to slippery or uneven surfaces.
Repetitive motion injuries: Injuries from repetitive tasks that strain the back muscles.
Vehicle accidents: Incidents involving forklifts, trucks, or other industrial vehicles.
Machinery accidents: Being struck by or caught in moving machinery.

Our personal injury lawyers are ready to hear your story to provide honest advice on the best options to follow. We will consider the consequences and the long-term impact, making sure your claim demands a fair amount of compensation.

Damages You Can Recover in a Back Injury at Work

Although the average settlement for workers’ compensation in Georgia varies greatly according to your case’s specific circumstances, the damages you can recover through legal action aim to cover a broad spectrum of losses and impacts resulting from your injury, including:

Medical Expenses

Medical expenses include all costs related to your back injury’s diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing therapies.

Lost Wages

If your injury prevents you from working, recovering lost wages means getting compensated for the time you‘re unable to work due to your injury. This also includes any future earning capacity affected by the injury.

Disability Benefits

When your back injury results in a long-term or permanent disability, you can seek disability benefits, which are designed to support you if you can’t return to your previous job or any employment.

How to Appeal a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in Atlanta

Facing a denied workers’ compensation claim can certainly be frustrating, but it doesn’t mean the end of your case. If this is your case, you have a legal right to appeal the decision and continue fighting for the benefits you deserve.

Overall, this is the process:

Request a hearing: If your claim is denied, we request a hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This must be done within one year of the denial.
File form WC-14: Also called “Notice of Claim/Request for Hearing or Mediation”, we’ll submit this form to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, which officially begins the appeal process.
Prepare your case: Then, we’ll gather all relevant documents and evidence related to your claim and construct compelling arguments to support the appeal process.
Attend the hearing: At the hearing, we’ll present your case before an administrative law judge. Both we and your employer will have the opportunity to present evidence and argue positions.

After the hearing, the judge will issue a decision. If the judge rules in your favor, your benefits will be awarded. If not, we can appeal to the Appellate Division of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and, if necessary, to the superior court.