It can be a major inconvenience if you are injured at work and unable to perform typical work activities. Additionally, you will be unable to receive regular wages if you are at home recovering. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to make it easier to stay afloat while healing from workplace injuries. However, it can be challenging in some cases to receive your benefits. A workers’ compensation claim can be denied or only accepted medically.
Savannah, GA workers’ compensation lawyers can help you receive fair compensation by ensuring the proper filing of your claim. Before you begin your workers’ compensation claim, have an attorney review it. If you were already declined, it is not too late to receive benefits for your workplace injuries. Our Savannah workers’ compensation lawyers can guide you through the appeal process. Speak to a Savannah workers’ compensation lawyer at Hansford McDaniel Law Firm now to receive a free consultation.
Documenting The Workplace Injury
When you experience a workplace injury, you will need to take pictures of what occurred and show where it happened. If medical treatment was sought for your on-the-job injury, be sure to keep all medical records from approved physicians. If any coworkers were there, you can include them in your claim as eyewitnesses. These pictures will help reveal the nature of your injury and provide proof of your workers’ compensation claims to your employer’s insurance company.
Reporting To Your Employer
You typically have only 30 days to alert your employer and inform them of your injury and any workplace accidents. They should then begin the process of filing your workers’ compensation claim. The report should describe the type of workplace injuries you experienced. Always request a copy of the initial incident report to review with one of our Savannah workers’ compensation lawyers.
Get Medical Help
Your employer should send you to a hospital or medical provider from their posted panels of physicians. The doctor will perform an exam and possibly request imaging scans to diagnose your injuries. It is important to always set a work status update to provide your employer. You must continue to comply with your treating doctor’s orders after your examinations. Otherwise, you could be denied benefits for your workplace accident.
Speak To Your Attorney
You should consult with your Savannah workers’ compensation lawyer regarding any workplace injury and allow them to help you with your claim. After an investigation, they can provide legal advice regarding the amount you should receive in benefits. Additionally, Savannah workers’ compensation lawyers will protect you from making costly mistakes in the handling of your workplace injury claim.
Insurance Company Investigates Claim
Once your employer submits an insurance claim, the insurance company will launch an investigation. Based on how the accident occurred and the severity of your on-the-job injuries, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance company may request additional information and documentation to support your claim. This is why it is critical to consult with one of our Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys to help you recover compensation.
Insurance Company Responds With Acceptance Or Denial
After processing and investigation, your employer’s insurance company will accept or deny your claim. If you are declined benefits, you can file an appeal with the help of your Savannah workers’ compensation attorney.
Workers’ Comp FAQ
Many injured workers are often confused about the length of time any delays in the workers’ compensation process. To clarify how it works, you should speak to a workers’ comp attorney to guide you through the nuances of the workers’ compensation system.
What percentage does a workers’ compensation attorney get in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, attorneys do not charge an upfront fee to injured workers. Workers’ compensation attorneys typically request up to 25% of any award or settlement.
How long does it take to get a workers’ compensation settlement check in GA?
The time it takes to receive your workers’ compensation settlement check can greatly vary depending on the circumstances. The State Board generally takes 2-3 weeks to approve a settlement. The Employer/Insurer has up to 20 days to issue the settlement check after Board approval of your workers’ comp benefits.
Can you sue your employer for negligence in GA?
Generally speaking, you will be unable to sue your employer for negligence in most circumstances. You are not required to prove your employer was negligent in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Georgia is a no-fault state, which means you can receive personal injury benefits regardless of who caused your injuries. The only reasons you would sue for a workplace injury include the following:
A Third-Party Was Involved
You can file a lawsuit against another party that was involved in your personal injury. If the other party is not affiliated with your employer and you were harmed due to their negligence, you would be owed damages. For example, if you are working in a factory and an injury occurred after a machine malfunctioned due to a manufacturer’s defect, the manufacturer can be held responsible for the damages.
Gross Negligence
If your employer places you in a dangerous environment that puts your life at risk, you can sue. In this case, your employer is breaking state laws and is being grossly negligent towards employees. For example, if there is a gas leak in the facility and the employer wants to save money by not having it repaired, this would be a form of negligence worthy of a lawsuit. However, your attorney would need to prove your employer was purposely negligent.
How much does workers’ compensation pay in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation insurance is provided for part-time and full-time employees who were injured at work. Any individuals who are independent contractors, volunteers, sole proprietors, or other third parties not hired under the company as an employee would be ineligible for workers’ compensation. Here are the types of workers’ compensation benefits you may be eligible for:
Temporary Partial Disability
If you are able to work while disabled but are required to take on less hours, you can receive temporary partial disability benefits. In Georgia, you can only receive these benefits for up to 350 weeks following an injury. In Georgia, this is calculated as two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This goes up to the maximum compensation rate of $483.00.
Temporary Total Disability
You receive temporary total disability when you are taken completely out of work by an authorized treating physician or placed on working restrictions that the employer can not accommodate. Temporary total disability is paid out as 66 ⅔% of your average weekly wages at the time of your injury. The Georgia maximum reimbursement amount is $725 weekly.
Permanent Partial Disability
If your injury becomes a permanent part of your life, you will be eligible for additional benefits. Your doctor would review your impairment status and determine a permanent disability impairment rating for each injured body part.
Catastrophic Disability
Catastrophic injuries include amputations, brain injuries, blindness, spinal cord injuries, deafness, or other serious injuries that prevent you from ever returning to work. When you experience a catastrophic injury, you may be completely unable to return to work and require extensive medical care. Workers’ compensation benefits will continue for your lifetime to help support you after a catastrophic injury.
Mileage Reimbursement
In addition to weekly benefits that reimburse you for wage loss, you can also get mileage covered. Any trips to your doctor for medical care that require you to travel can be covered by your workers’ compensation insurance.
Medical Benefits
Injuries can result in expensive medical bills. For example, you may need X-rays, MRIs, injections, surgeries, physical therapy, and/or other ongoing treatments. Any healthcare treatments resulting from your on-the-job injury can be covered by workers’ comp insurance.
Death Benefits
Surviving spouses, dependents, and other eligible family members can receive death benefits. If a loved one has passed away, you would be eligible to receive compensation on behalf of them. Dependents can receive all of the weekly paid income benefits up to a maximum of $725 until they are no longer dependents. Spouses can continue to receive benefits up to a maximum of $290,000.
Vocational Rehabilitation
After you have suffered serious injuries and are unable to perform your normal job duties, you can receive free vocational rehabilitation. You would be retrained in a new field to help you find a new career. Other benefits include counseling to help you through the process and job placement services.
Funeral Benefits
Funeral expenses cost thousands of dollars on average. Surviving family members who are left with the funeral bills can be covered up to $7,500.
What If I Was Already Declined?
Being burdened by expensive medical bills and a drop in income during your recovery can be devastating. If you were declined benefits, you may be confused about the next steps you should take. Because your injuries prevent you from working to your full capacity, you may be wondering how you will be able to remain financially stable after suffering lost wages. Do not be discouraged. Our Savannah workers’ compensation attorneys can investigate how you were injured, build evidence for your case, and help prove you deserve benefits for your injuries. They will review your previous claim to discover why you were declined. It is possible you omitted important information on your application which resulted in your denial. They will ensure no errors are on your workers’ compensation claim. Our Savannah, GA attorneys will guide you through the appeal process.
How Do I Find Out More About My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
You can learn more by speaking to a workers’ compensation attorney at any time during your claim. Consulting with our attorneys will protect you from making common errors that prevent you from receiving full benefits in any workers’ compensation cases. Additionally, our attorneys can explain the process and prepare you for what to expect. Find out more by speaking to one of our experienced workers’ comp lawyers today. Contact Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Savannah, Georgia for a free consultation.
What Our Clients Say
“Nate and team run a top shelf operation! Compared several, nothing compares.”
-Derek Anderson
“Highly recommended for anyone injured. My first experience with an attorney. I had no idea what to expect. Now, after a year Nate and the entire support staff feel like family! I'm so glad I chose the Hansford McDaniel Law Firm!”
-Ken L
“I was very happy with the time frame and the service, couldn't have asked for any better. 5 stars!”
-Jimmy W
“You can trust Nate Hansford for your Worker’s Compensation needs. I refer my injury clients to Nate for Worker’s Comp. claims while I work on our clients third-party claims against negligent defendants. My clients are in good hands with Nate.”
-Blade Thompson (BLADE INJURY LAW)
“My experience at Hansford McDaniel Law Firm was a good one. My case was unusual and complicated in my opinion, but they helped me out when I had no one else to turn to. My results were better than I expected and I am very happy with the outcome. I would highly recommend [my attorney] at the Hansford McDaniel Law Firm to anyone I know that may have the same situation arise.”
-Christopher M
“Hello just here to shout out to the staff and attorneys at Hansford they made my experience a pleasure and always contacted me to let me know what’s happening never felt out of the loop. My issues were handled promptly. Would use their services again.”
-Andrew Jackson
“I highly recommend this company if you’re injured. They handled everything quickly and were very kind. They explained everything in detail on what was happening every step of the way. They definitely have some sharks and that’s what you’ll need!”
-Cassidy Underworld
“The challenge was very trying, but you guys made it pleasant with your patience and reassurance. Thank you so much and I pray that your Holiday season begins with joy and prosperity.”
-B. Haywood
“My case was handled in a prompt and timely manner. [My attorney] was very professional and willing and able to answer all the questions I had. He returned my calls immediately, and was very nice and respectful. I will refer anyone I know to Hansford McDaniel Law Firm.”
-Milton J
“What a great guy. He was patient with me. Answed all my questions in a timely manner. Well with brain trama you are confused. And Nate made it really simple and understandable. Thanks to you and your crew I'll be closing on a house very soon.”
-Sean Lemmond
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At Hansford McDaniel - Workers' Compensation Attorneys, we proudly represent clients from all over Georgia and throughout Alabama.
