Workers’ compensation is a system in Georgia that provides financial relief to employees who get injured on the job. It allows you to recover compensation for medical expenses and lost wages, without the need to prove fault. However, the process isn’t always straightforward, and getting a lawyer is highly recommended to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Deming Parker’s attorneys have over 50 years of experience helping injured workers in Sandy Springs and across Georgia recover rightful compensation for injuries sustained on the job. We can help you file your claim correctly, advocate on your behalf if it is denied or contested, and defend your interests every step of the way.
How a Sandy Springs Workers Compensation Lawyer Can Defend Your Interests
When you’re injured at work, the last thing you need is the additional burden of navigating the workers’ compensation system on your own. Deming Parker’s attorneys in Sandy Springs can be invaluable allies in this journey. Here’s what we can help you with:
- Navigating the workers’ compensation claim process: We’ll guide you through the process of filing your workers’ compensation claim, ensuring all necessary paperwork is correctly submitted and deadlines are met.
- Ensuring timely and full benefits: Our attorneys advocate on your behalf so you can receive the full benefits you’re entitled to as quickly and effectively as possible.
- Challenging denied claims and delayed payments: Our team will fight to overturn any obstacles in your claim or withholding of benefits.
- Negotiating settlements that reflect your true losses: Workers’ compensation settlements should accurately reflect your losses, and our attorneys will fight for a fair settlement.
- Advocating for your rights in workers’ compensation hearings: If your case requires a hearing, you can trust our experienced attorneys to advocate for your rights and present a compelling case.
Over the years, we’ve helped countless workers in Georgia secure fair compensation (as demonstrated in our case results), and we can do the same for you. An expert workers’ compensation lawyer at our law firm is ready to listen to your story and provide honest recommendations to pursue your claim effectively.
Common Types of Accidents at Work
Workplace accidents can occur in any industry, and they often result in significant injuries that require time off work and extensive medical treatment. Some common workplace accidents include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Overexertion injuries
- Being struck by objects
- Machinery accidents
- Vehicle-related accidents such as car or truck accidents
- Exposure to harmful substances
Our goal is to assess the full extent of the damage to help you claim the appropriate amount of compensation your family needs to recover and move forward.
Determining Fault – Who’s Responsible for a Sandy Springs Workplace Injury?
Workers’ compensation in Georgia is governed by the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, outlined in O.C.G.A. § 34-9. This law establishes a no-fault insurance system, meaning an injured worker doesn’t need to prove fault to receive benefits.
What Is the Employer’s Responsibility When a Worker Is Injured?
Under Georgia law, employers have several responsibilities when a worker is injured. These include:
- Providing immediate medical care
- Reporting the injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier
- Ensuring the injured employee receives full benefits
- Inform workers about their rights under the workers’ compensation system (including the process for selecting an authorized physician)
Employers must also maintain a safe working environment. Failure to do so could potentially expose them to additional liabilities beyond workers’ compensation if negligence is proven.
For example, when an employer fails to repair faulty equipment and a worker gets injured as a result, the worker may have grounds to file a personal injury lawsuit in addition to claiming workers’ compensation. This lawsuit could seek damages for pain and suffering, which aren’t covered by workers’ compensation benefits.
What Compensation Can You Claim After a Sandy Springs Workplace Injury?
Workers’ compensation covers the following range of expenses and losses:
Medical Expenses: Covering Your Treatment Costs
This includes costs for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, and any other necessary treatments related to your injury. It’s important to keep detailed records of all medical treatments and expenses to ensure you’re fully reimbursed.
Lost Wages: Compensating for Time Off Work
If your injury prevents you from working, you may be eligible for wage replacement benefits. In Georgia, workers’ compensation typically covers a portion of your lost wages, calculated based on your average weekly wage before the injury.
Disability Benefits: If Your Injury Results in Permanent Damage
In cases where a workplace injury results in permanent disability, workers’ compensation may provide additional benefits to compensate for your reduced earning capacity. This can include temporary or permanent partial disability benefits, depending on the extent of your injury and its impact on your ability to work.
It’s challenging to provide an exact figure on the average settlement for workers’ compensation, as it varies widely depending on many factors. We invite you to schedule a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and provide you with an estimate of your claim’s potential value.
What to Do When There Is an Injury in the Workplace?
When an injury occurs in the workplace, take the following steps to protect your health and your right to compensation:
- Report the injury: You have 30 days from the injury’s date to notify your employer. Informing your supervisor is usually enough, but make sure to document the notification in writing.
- Seek medical attention: See a physician authorized by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider, and keep detailed records of all treatments and expenses.
- Gather evidence: Document the circumstances of the injury, including photos of the accident scene, witness statements, and any violated safety protocols.
Consulting with an attorney is crucial to ensure you follow the correct procedures and maximize your chances of receiving full benefits. Our experienced team can guide you through the process, from reporting the injury to securing the compensation you’re entitled to.
What Injuries Should Be Reported to Employers?
All injuries sustained at work should be reported to your employer, even if they seem minor. Some injuries covered by workers’ compensation include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Burns
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Head injuries
- Sprains and strains
Contact a Sandy Springs Workers Compensation Lawyer at Deming Parker – Over 50 Years of Experience in Georgia
If you’ve been injured at work in Sandy Springs, our lawyers at Deming Parker can make all the difference in the outcome of your workers’ compensation case. Our firm, established in 1974, has a long history of successfully representing injured workers across Georgia.
We understand the nuances of workers’ compensation law, and our extensive experience allows us to anticipate and counter insurers’ tactics to minimize payouts. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your case with no upfront costs.