- workers compensation lawyer, Workers' Comp
Workplace accidents can happen without warning, leaving employees injured and unable to work. In Georgia, most employees are protected by workers’ compensation if they suffer a workplace accident or illness.
However, filing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits can be overwhelming. It’s essential to know what steps to take after an accident at work. This blog will outline those crucial steps and explain why hiring an experienced Lawrenceville workers’ compensation lawyer is vital for your case.
Notify Your Employer of the Workplace Accident
In Georgia, you must report a workplace accident to your employer within 30 days. You risk having your workers’ compensation claim denied if you don’t notify your employer within this timeframe.
Inform your supervisor or manager immediately after a workplace injury, then complete a written work accident report within 30 days. Provide all necessary details such as the time, date, location of the accident, and any witnesses present.
When filing a work accident report, you must be honest and provide accurate information. Any false reports could harm your claim or even lead to criminal charges against you.
Make sure to document everything in writing and keep a copy for yourself. Filing out the official workplace accident report form can be challenging. An Augusta workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the process.
Take Photos of the Work Accident Scene
Taking photos of the accident scene is critical after a workplace injury in Georgia. These photos serve as valuable evidence to support your workers’ compensation claim and may also be useful if you have the right to file a third-party liability claim.
Start by taking photos of where the work accident happened. Take pictures from different angles and distances to capture all key details, including any hazards like wet floors, loose wires, or broken equipment. Document any visible injuries right away, as they can change over time.
While workers’ compensation generally covers medical expenses and lost wages, you may be able to sue a third party, such as a subcontractor, equipment manufacturer, or property owner, if their negligence contributed to your injury. Clear and detailed photos can help prove what happened and who may be responsible.
Seek Medical Care From a Workers’ Compensation Doctor
You should seek medical assistance immediately after an accident at work in Georgia. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s always best to get checked out by a professional. Delaying medical attention can worsen your condition. Plus, seeking medical help promptly helps establish a connection between your injury and the work accident.
You must seek medical treatment from a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. Georgia law requires employers to provide a list of authorized doctors, often called a panel of physicians, for injured workers to choose from.
If you visit a doctor who is not on the approved list, your medical bills may not be covered, and you could have trouble receiving benefits. The workers’ compensation doctor will evaluate your injuries, recommend treatment, and determine when you can return to work. They will also document your condition, which is crucial for your workers’ compensation claim.
If you’re unhappy with the doctor’s care, you may be able to switch to another doctor on the employer’s approved list or request a second opinion in certain cases. It’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations and attend all appointments to protect your health and ensure you continue receiving benefits.
Ask Colleagues to Provide Witness Testimonies
Witness testimony is important evidence in your workers’ compensation case. Eyewitness accounts can demonstrate you were injured while performing your job.
Talk to colleagues or coworkers who witnessed your work injury. Ask them to describe what they saw and heard. Remember to take detailed notes on their responses. If possible, gather testimony from witnesses who saw the accident from different angles or perspectives. This will help build a complete picture of what happened.
Document Your Time Off Work and Medical Bills
Keeping detailed records of the time you miss from your job after a workplace accident is essential. Workers’ compensation in Georgia provides wage replacement if your injury prevents you from working, but you need to document your missed days accurately.
Keep a log of the days you miss work. Save any communication from your employer about your time off and doctor’s notes restricting your ability to work. This documentation helps ensure you receive the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
It’s also important to track medical costs related to your work injury. Organized records make it easier to prove your expenses and protect your rights if any issues arise with your workers’ compensation claim.
Keep copies of your medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts for out-of-pocket expenses. If you have to travel for medical care, note your mileage and transportation costs, as these may be reimbursable.
Contact a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Seeking legal assistance from an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial after a workplace accident. Contacting a lawyer as soon as possible can prevent mistakes that might hurt your claim. Missing deadlines, failing to see an approved doctor, or not documenting your injury could result in reduced or denied benefits.
A Columbus workers’ compensation attorney will assist with filing your claim, handle communication with the insurance company, and help you obtain the full benefits you deserve.
File a Workers’ Comp Claim
After reporting a workplace injury, you must file a workers’ compensation claim. Your employer should provide a “Notice of Claim” Form WC-14 for you to complete. You can download Form WC-14 from the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation website if your employer doesn’t provide it.
Provide all the requested information and file the form with the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation. Send a copy to your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company.
An Alpharetta workers’ compensation lawyer can help you file your claim.
How Our Workers’ Comp Lawyers Can Help You
While workers’ compensation is designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages, employers and insurance companies may try to limit or deny claims. A lawyer can guide you through the claims process, help you gather necessary evidence, and protect your rights.
Insurance companies may try to push for a quick settlement that doesn’t fully cover your future medical needs or lost income. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate any settlement offers and negotiate for a fair amount.
If your workers’ comp claim is denied, an attorney can challenge the decision and represent you in hearings before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
If a defective machine or negligent subcontractor caused your injury, you could file a separate lawsuit to recover additional compensation. Our Georgia personal injury lawyers can help with your workers’ compensation and third-party claims.
We offer a free consultation and only get paid if we recover benefits for you. Contact us today by calling 678-635-9939 or filling out our online form.
