LaGrange, GA Workers' Comp Lawyer

Workplace injuries are common in just about every occupation. Georgia employees may be able to access high-quality medical care through employer-sponsored workers’ compensation insurance if they get hurt on the job. But securing these benefits may not be as easy as you think.

If you run into difficulties having your claim approved, contact a LaGrange workers’ compensation attorney from Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to learn your legal options. Call us today for a free consultation to find out how we can help.

What Are Common Types of LaGrange Workplace Accidents?

The most common kinds of accidents in LaGrange workplaces include:

• Back injuries, herniated discs, or muscle strain can affect people who repeatedly lift heavy objects, like delivery people or construction workers.
• Repetitive motion injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome, occur often with office workers.
• Slip and falls happen often in restaurants, hotels, or construction sites where slick or wet floors are common, resulting in fractured wrists, sprained ankles, or torn ligaments.
• Chronic respiratory illness can result from exposure to toxic fumes or chemicals common in the mining and refinery industries or chemical labs.

These are just a few examples. If you were injured or suffered an illness because of your job, you likely have a LaGrange workers’ comp claim.

What Should I Do If I Am Hurt On the Job in LaGrange?

If you’re badly hurt, seek medical attention immediately. Otherwise, report the injury to your supervisor. They should direct you to an employer-approved medical facility for treatment. Then:

• Tell the doctor you were hurt while working.
• Report the work-related injury to your employer as soon as possible.
• File a workers’ compensation claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC).
• Follow all treatment and aftercare orders from your treating physician, including follow-up appointments and any movement or activity restrictions.
• Communicate with your employer about your condition if your doctor has provided you with an off-work restriction.
• Determine a return-to-work date with your treating physician and communicate that to your employer.

If you’re temporarily or permanently disabled due to your workplace injuries, you may not be able to return to the same job you had before the injury. Your employer may be able to make accommodations for you or find you a new role. However, they’re not required to give you a new job if there isn’t one available. If you’re disabled because of a workplace injury, you should consult a lawyer about your options. They can also ensure that your rights are protected.

What Does Georgia Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Georgia workers’ comp is intended to ensure that injured employees have access to necessary medical care and enough time to rest and heal. The program covers all medical expenses related to the injury, including medications and durable medical devices, like a wheelchair, crutches, or sling.

Workers’ compensation benefits also include a wage replacement benefit. This is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, which can help you pay your usual household bills while you’re recovering from your work injury. There is a maximum amount for weekly wage loss benefits, which changes each year. You should check with a reputable Georgia workers’ comp lawyer to ensure you’re getting what you’re entitled to receive.

Are All Georgia Businesses Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation?

Almost all businesses in Georgia must have workers’ compensation insurance. If a business owner employs three or more people, they must provide workers’ comp benefits. Unfortunately, independent contractors and freelancers usually are not covered by workers’ compensation.

How Much Does Georgia Workers’ Comp Pay in Benefits?

The medical care benefit will vary according to your total expenses. Your wage benefit is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a cap that changes yearly. If you sustain a permanent disability from your work injury, you may be entitled to additional money for the loss of use of whatever body part is disabled.

How Long Can It Take to Start Receiving Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

If you cannot work for more than seven days due to your workplace injury, then you will start receiving benefits on the eighth day. You should receive your first check about three weeks after your first missed day at work, as long as the claim is filed on time and correctly.

If you have to miss more than 21 consecutive workdays, you will receive back pay for the first seven days of work you missed.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?

You must file a claim within one year of the date of your injury to protect your right to workers’ comp benefits. Otherwise, you may forfeit them. You should talk to a lawyer quickly to ensure you haven’t missed any important filing deadlines.

What Should I Do If My Workers’ Comp Claim Is Denied?

You have the right to appeal a denied worker’s compensation claim by requesting a hearing before the SBWC. The hearing is overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) who will listen to your case about why you deserve benefits and your employer’s case about why they denied your claim.

You have the right to have a lawyer represent you in the hearing. Your attorney can draft your argument and speak to the ALJ on your behalf. Your employer will almost certainly be represented by their lawyer. Having your own legal advocate can help put you on more equal footing.

Contact a LaGrange Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Do you need help filing a Georgia workers’ compensation claim, appealing a denial, or fighting retaliation from your employer for filing a claim? We can help you with all these matters. Our experienced LaGrange workers’ comp attorneys at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., keep on top of changes in Georgia workers’ comp laws, and we take your rights seriously. Contact us today for a free consultation.