Representing Injury Victims in Georgia Since 1995
Vidalia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Serving Employees & Their Families Throughout Atlanta & Georgia
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system of insurance that allows you to secure various types of compensation for workplace injuries through your employer. If you have been injured while at work or while performing your work duties, such as running errands for your boss, driving a company vehicle while working, or the like, you can seek workers’ compensation by alerting your supervisor and filing your claim for benefits promptly.
The workers’ compensation system can be difficult to navigate and your claim must be prepared and filed according to the requirements. If you have questions or need help with any matter involving your claim, Craig Injury Law can assist you. Our firm is backed by close to three decades of professional experience in filing and fighting for the compensation to which you are eligible after an accident. You have the right to consult with us about your case even if you have been denied a claim.
Reach out to our Vidalia workers’ compensation attorney at Craig Injury Law for a free initial consultation. Use our convenient Contact Page or call (912) 304-5202 to get started. Bahasa Indonesia spoken. Hablamos español.
Understanding Workers' Compensation Laws in Georgia
The Purpose of the workers' compensation law is a humanitarian measure providing relief to the injured employee and protecting employers from excessive damage awards; this law should be liberally interpreted by the court to carry out this purpose. Atha v. Jackson Atlanta, Inc.
The purpose of the Workers' Compensation Act is to alleviate the suffering of injured workers and their families by providing immediate and certain financial assistance, regardless of whether the injury resulted from the fault of the employer, if the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. Travelers Ins. Co. v. Southern Elec., Inc., 209 Ga. App. 718, 434 S.E.2d 507 (1993).
Key Aspects of Workers' Compensation Coverage
Workers' compensation laws vary from one authority to another, so the exact wording will differ depending on the area you are working in. However, I can give you a general overview of the themes and principles that many workers' compensations laws cover:
• Purpose/Scope: This section sets out the purpose of the act and who it applies to.
• "This Act provides for the payment of compensation to workers and their dependents in respect of injuries suffered by the workers arising out of and in the course of their employment."
• Compensation to Workers: Outlines the conditions under which a worker is entitled to compensation.
• "If a worker is injured in a work-related accident, the worker shall be paid compensation in accordance with this Act."
• Employer's Liability: Describes the responsibilities of the employer.
• "Every employer shall contribute to a fund or pay premiums for the purpose of compensating injured workers or their dependents."
• Rights and Obligations: This section would detail the rights and duties of both employers and workers.
• "A worker who receives an injury at work must report the injury to their employer within [specified time period]."
• Claims and Appeals: Describes the process of making claims and appealing decisions.
• "A worker or employer disagreeing with a decision may appeal to [specified body/authority] within [specified time period]."
• Medical Examination: Addresses the rights and obligations related to medical examinations.
• "An injured worker shall submit to a medical examination when requested by the employer or the compensation board."
• Benefits: Explains the several types of benefits an injured worker might receive.
• "Compensation benefits may include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and weekly payments for lost wages."
• Penalties: Outlines the consequences for fraud or non-compliance.
• "Any person who knowingly makes a false claim for compensation shall be liable to a fine of [specified amount] or imprisonment for [specified time period]."
How We Can Help with Workers’ Compensation Claims
We can begin representation involving your employer or your employer’s insurer at any stage of a claim. We urge you to keep in mind that “the right time” to involve an attorney is whenever an employer or an insurer takes (or fails to take) an action in violation of your legal rights, such as:
- Failure to provide workers’ compensation coverage
- Failure to allow access to medical treatment
- Failure to disclose rights or other information
- Failure to pay benefits to which you are entitled
- Failure to pay death benefits
In Georgia, workers’ compensation is a two-way street. To remain eligible for benefits, a contractor or employee who suffers a work-related injury must act within legal parameters. These parameters provide for the treatment of injuries and financial benefits when you are injured. We’re here to assist you in understanding and receiving the benefits to which you are entitled under Georgia law and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The benefits to which you are entitled under workers’ compensation generally include:
- All of your medical costs, including doctor and hospital bills, physical therapy sessions, prescription medicines, and your expenses for traveling to and from medical locations for up to 400 weeks. Catastrophic injuries may be compensated for up to a lifetime.
- Wage benefits if you are out of work for more than seven days. These generally amount to two-thirds of your weekly wage up to a specific dollar amount for up to 400 weeks.
- Permanent partial and permanent total disability benefits to those who have lasting injuries, such as for the loss of a limb, loss of sight or hearing, or loss of the use of any part of the body.
- Vocational rehabilitation if you are unable to return to your original line of work.
- Death benefits for families who have lost a loved one due to injuries that resulted in death.
We Will Fight for Compensation on Your Behalf
If you are denied benefits, you have the right to a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation where an Administrative Law Judge will hear your case. Your employer will likely have legal representation at the hearing so it is highly recommended that you hire an attorney as well to ensure that your claim is prepared and presented properly.
Craig Injury Law is here to ensure that you secure the compensation you need and deserve in the wake of a workplace accident and injury. No matter how your accident occurred, we can meet with you to help you understand your rights and pursue your options in recovering the financial resources you need in work-related injury claims or appeals.
Call today to set up a free consultation: (912) 304-5202.
Workers Compensation FAQ
WHAT IS IT?
Workers’ compensation is an accident insurance program paid by your employer which may provide you with medical, rehabilitation and income benefits if you are injured on the job. These benefits are provided to help you return to work. It also provides benefits to your dependents if you die as a result of a job-related injury.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WORK TO BE COVERED UNDER WORKERS’ COMPENSATION?
You are covered from the first day on your job.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THE COMPANY I WORK FOR IS COVERED BY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION?
The law requires any business with three or more workers, including regular part-time workers, to have workers’ compensation insurance.
The Workers’ Compensation Act defines the responsibility of the employer to provide prompt medical and disability benefits for injuries sustained on the job by workers, resulting in partial or total incapacity or death. In return, the employer is shielded from tort liability for these injuries.
EMPLOYER
Every employer, individual, firm, association, or corporation, regularly employing three or more persons, part-time or full time, shall provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Exempted officers of corporations or exempted members of limited liability companies shall not reduce the number of employees for this purpose.
EMPLOYEE
“Employee” or “worker” shall include every person, including minors, working full-time or part-time under a contract of hire, written or implied.
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