Columbus Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Sustaining a work-related injury or illness can leave you concerned about your health and financial stability. In Georgia, the workers’ compensation system helps injured workers secure the monetary benefits they need to recover. But accessing the benefits you are owed after a work injury is often easier said than done.

At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our Columbus workers’ compensation lawyers understand how frustrating it is to take on the system after a work injury. We’re here to protect your rights as an injured worker and demand the benefits you are entitled to. We’ll handle every aspect of your workers’ comp claim while you focus on your recovery.

Contact us now for a free consultation to learn more.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is an insurance system that covers medical costs and provides other financial support to employees who get hurt or sick while performing job duties. In the event of a workplace accident, this insurance coverage allows employees to receive benefits for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs. It also replaces a portion of lost income if the employee is too hurt or sick to return to work or work at full capacity.

Workers’ comp benefits aim to ensure that injured workers can recover their health without financial hardship. It also protects employers from potentially expensive lawsuits. This is because workers’ comp is a no-fault system, meaning employees don’t have to prove fault to receive benefits. But they also surrender the right to sue employers for work injuries.

What Work Injuries Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?

Workers’ compensation aims to cover all injuries directly related to an employee’s job responsibilities. The primary factor that makes an injury eligible for workers’ compensation is that it must occur while the employee is performing work-related duties or activities. This could mean anything from operating machinery on a factory floor to tripping over a cable while walking to a meeting. Chronic conditions that arise due to repetitive movements or strains, like carpal tunnel syndrome, also generally qualify if you can establish a direct link between the condition and your job duties.

Workers’ comp insurance typically does not cover injuries sustained during lunch breaks, commutes, or personal time – even if you are on the employer’s premises. However, exceptions should apply. It’s worth consulting an attorney if you get hurt at work or while traveling to work.

How Do I Know If I Am Covered by Workers’ Comp?

Most Georgia businesses with three or more employees, including part-time workers, legally must carry workers’ compensation insurance. This coverage generally applies from your first day of employment. Independent contractors, certain agricultural workers, and federal employees are usually exempt from Georgia’s workers’ compensation system.

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, check with your employer’s human resources department or the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). If you find your employer is not carrying workers’ compensation insurance as the law requires, they could face severe penalties.

What Should I Do If I Am Injured On the Job in Columbus?

If you get hurt at work in Columbus, Georgia, you should take the following steps to protect your health and preserve your right to workers’ compensation benefits:

What Would My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Cover?

If you qualify for workers’ comp benefits in Georgia, you could receive the following:

• Medical benefits – These cover all authorized medical care necessary for treating your work-related injury or illness, including hospital stays, surgeries, and prescriptions.
• Temporary total disability benefits – If you cannot work at all due to your injury or illness, you could be eligible for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These generally amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a statewide cap.
• Temporary partial disability benefits – If you can return to work but only in a limited capacity, you could claim temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. TPD benefits make up some of the difference between your current and previous earnings. These benefits are usually two-thirds of the difference between pre- and post-injury wages.
• Permanent total disability benefits – If an injury or illness leaves you permanently unable to work, you could qualify for permanent total disability (PTD) benefits. These are typically a continuation of TTD benefits and could last for life.
• Permanent partial disability benefits – If you have a permanent impairment but can still do some work, you could receive permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. These are calculated based on a medical rating and the impaired body part.

How Soon Must I File a Workers’ Comp Benefits Claim in Georgia?

You have one year from the injury date to file a workers’ compensation claim with the SBWC. This is separate from reporting the injury to your employer, which you must do within 30 days of the incident. After reporting an injury to your employer, you or your lawyer can file a claim with the SBWC. Failure to report a work injury promptly could jeopardize your eligibility for benefits.

What Can I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, remember that this isn’t the end of the road. You have the right to appeal the decision. A skilled attorney can file your appeal paperwork and gather the necessary documentation, medical records, and witness statements to strengthen your case. They can also represent you in hearings, protecting your rights and making persuasive arguments to the SBWC. Hiring a lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process and demand the benefits you are due.

Contact a Columbus, GA Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Discuss your Columbus workers’ comp case with an experienced local attorney today. Contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to get started with your free consultation.