Dallas, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

The effects of a workplace injury can be lifelong. Hard-working people in Dallas, Georgia, suffer severe financial, emotional, and physical consequences when they get hurt on the job. We understand that employees want to get better and get back to work. That is why we fight tirelessly for employees’ rights, so they can focus on recovering from their injuries.

At Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., we have years of experience representing clients in a range of workplace injury cases, including workers’ compensation claims. Although our past successes do not guarantee a settlement, we have a track record of achieving results for our clients.

Contact our experienced Dallas, Georgia personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.

What Kind of Benefits Can You Get from GA Workers’ Comp in Dallas?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance covering medical bills and partial replacement of lost wages when an employee is hurt at work or develops an occupational illness, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Workers’ compensation coverage applies as soon as you start working. There is no minimum number of weeks or months before you are covered. In Georgia, all businesses with more than three employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Employee’s Rights Under Georgia Law

According to the Georgia Employees Bill of Rights, employees are entitled to numerous benefits under the workers’ compensation law. Some of these rights include:

• Medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits for job-related injuries
• Names of doctors to receive medical care
• Doctor bills, hospital bills, physical therapy, medications, and travel expenses 
• Income benefits for more than seven missed days of work
• Benefits to dependents if the employee dies as a result of the injury, such as burial expenses and income benefits

Employees’ Responsibilities

Employees also have specific responsibilities under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law.

• Follow safety rules and procedures.
• Report accidents to your employer immediately, not later than 30 days after the accident.
• Accept reasonable medical treatment.
• Consent to drug testing following job-related injuries.
• File claims and appeals on time

This list is not exhaustive. If you believe you are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage, you should consider speaking with an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to ensure you do not miss any of the deadlines associated with filing your claim.

Types of Compensation for Dallas, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claims

Workers’ compensation generally provides the following types of benefits:

• Medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor’s bills, physical therapy, prescriptions and medication, and necessary travel expenses, like travel to and from doctor’s appointments.
• Income benefits of two-thirds of your weekly wage, with a maximum of $675 per week as of 2021.
• Reduced wage benefits if you have to return to work at a lower-paying job, you may be eligible for a benefit of up to up to $450 per week as of 2021.
• For catastrophic injuries, you may be eligible to receive lifetime benefits, while income benefits are limited to 400 weeks.

Georgia’s workers’ compensation law makes workers’ comp benefits the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries – unless a non-employer third party was at fault. This means that employees generally cannot sue their employers for their losses. They may only recover through workers’ compensation insurance. Injured workers are not required to prove that their employer did anything wrong. Workers could recover benefits even if they were at fault for the accident.

Accident victims can usually not seek non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress damages, even if their injuries were severe. However, these damages may be available in a third-party personal injury claim if someone other than the employer and co-workers was to blame.

How Do You Know If You Should File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Put simply, employees who are injured on the job are generally eligible for workers’ compensation. If you were hurt on the job or contracted an occupational illness, you should most likely file a workers’ comp claim.

There are a few instances where an employee may not be able to receive workers’ compensation, even if they are injured while at work, such as:

• If the employee’s willful misconduct, such as horseplay or fighting, caused the injury
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Stress or anxiety related to work
• Injuries to third parties or contractors not employed by the company

Another important note is that workplace injuries are not limited to high-risk jobs, like construction or manufacturing. Workplace injuries can occur in any work environment, including “safe” office jobs.

What Are Your Options When Your Claim Is Denied or Undervalued?

When your workers’ compensation claim is denied or undervalued, you have the opportunity to learn the reason why this decision was made. After receiving the denial or unfavorable decision, you have a right to appeal the decision in front of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, where a judge will hear your side of the story and ultimately decide your eligibility for benefits.

In these cases, you should get a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney by your side as you seek your appeal. Our Dallas, GA workers compensation lawyers are ready to help you seek the compensation benefits you deserve.

What Are Your Next Steps If You Were Hurt at Work?

If you were hurt at work, notify your employer as soon as possible. You should be sure to review your employer’s workers’ compensation policy to understand all of your obligations.

To file a workers’ compensation claim, you can request a Form WC-14 from the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Follow this link for more information about how to file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia.

You mustn’t miss any deadlines in filing your claim, or else your claim may be denied.

Trust Our Dallas, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

While many people believe they do not need a Dallas, GA workers compensation lawyer to file their own workers’ compensation claim, there are, unfortunately, many ways a case can go wrong. Missing deadlines, failing to report your injuries, and other mistakes can cost an employee valuable benefits.

One of the best ways to improve your chances of receiving full workers’ compensation coverage is to consult with an experienced Dallas, Georgia workers’ comp lawyer – especially if you are appealing a decision.

We believe workers should not have to pay for injuries suffered on the job, which is why we fight for workers’ right to recover medical bills and lost income. Trust our experienced lawyers at Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to fight for your workers’ compensation rights in Dallas, Georgia. Contact our law offices now for a free claim review. We are ready to help you with with your workers compensation issues, so you can reclaim your life.