Trusted workers’ compensation lawyer
Are you looking for a Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer? Conoscienti & Ledbetter may be of service to you. Book a consultation call with us today.
Author: J. Blake Ledbetter, Partner, Conoscienti & Ledbetter
Mr. Ledbetter specializes in civil litigation in metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia, and possesses vast experience in wrongful death lawsuits. Mr. Ledbetter was recognized as a SuperLawyers Rising Star in 2018 and 2019 in the area of Civil Litigation. Published on July 13, 2023.
Speak with experienced workers’ compensation lawyer today, for free.
Why You Need a Decatur Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Have you or your loved one been injured in a work accident in Decatur, Georgia? In that case, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits from your employer or insurance company.
Georgia law requires businesses with at least three employees to subscribe to a workers’ compensation insurance policy. The policy covers the medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation of injured employees, among other available benefits. If you qualify for workers’ compensation, you would not need to worry about medical expenses or surviving while out of work.
But the procedure for assessing these benefits could be complex. Some insurance companies or employers may prove uncooperative by denying your claim or failing to pay you when payment is due. You can avoid such scenarios if you get a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to represent you from the get-go.
Our workers’ compensation attorneys at Conoscienti & Ledbetter understand the fine points of Georgia workers’ compensation law. They can help you navigate the system successfully. They will fight for you to ensure you receive the benefits you’re legally entitled to, leaving you free to focus on your recovery.
Please continue reading to learn more about workers’ compensation claims in Decatur, Georgia, and some specific ways our experienced attorneys can assist you.
Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Decatur, Georgia?
Workers’ compensation coverage in Georgia applies to full-time or part-time employees, including minors.
If you’re an independent contractor, you are usually not eligible for workers’ compensation if you sustain an injury at work. But you might be able to get damages for personal injury if your injury was due to the actions or negligence of another, including the person who hired you.
You can contact a skilled premises liability lawyer to assess your case and ascertain your legal options if you’re in this situation.
Types of Injuries That Qualify You for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Georgia law only allows you to claim compensation for injuries arising during your job or due to your job.
You can claim compensation for several types of work injuries, including:
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Broken bones
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Head injuries
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Repetitive stress injuries
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Lacerations
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Burns
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Dislocated joints
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Exposure to toxic chemicals.
But if your injury was caused by the wilful act of another due to a personal disagreement you had with the person or any other reason; you might not qualify for workers’ compensation even if the attack happened at your workplace.
The Georgia Code also specifically excludes certain ailments from workers’ compensation coverage. They include the following
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Heart disease
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Heart attack
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Stroke
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Thrombosis.
Under the law, a person with such illnesses would only qualify for workers’ compensation if they can prove with competent and credible evidence that the illness is attributable to their job. In such instances, our skilled Atlanta Lawyers have the capacity to help you prove your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Speak with trusted workers’ compensation lawyer today, for free.
Beginning the Workers’ Compensation Claims Process
The workers’ compensation claims process starts when you formally notify your employer about your work injury. Under Georgia law, you must do this within 30 days from when you were injured.
Your employer will notify the insurance company. The company will investigate your claim and determine the benefits you’re entitled to based on your injury.
Employers and insurance companies usually have a list of approved medical providers for workers’ compensation purposes. Even if you received initial emergency treatment at a different doctor, you might have to continue your treatment with one of the approved doctors once you’re more stable. Doing otherwise may jeopardize your access to paid healthcare under the workers’ compensation program.
The Benefits You Can Get
A successful workers’ compensation claim gives you access to certain benefits, including the following:
Paid Medical Treatment
The insurance company usually covers the cost of your medical bills and related expenses, including the following:
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Physical therapy
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Medication
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Travel expenses related to your treatment
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Medical or vocational rehabilitation
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Lifetime medical benefits if your injury is catastrophic.
Wage Loss Compensation
An injury takes time to heal. Time in which you would have been working and earning your wages. You are entitled to weekly income benefits if you are away from work for more than seven days.
Disability Benefits
If your accident has left you with a disability to any degree, you may be eligible for disability benefits. But you’ll need to have received a disability rating from an authorized medical provider certifying that you have any of the following:
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Temporary total disability
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Temporary partial disability
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Permanent partial disability
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Permanent total disability.
The rating is used to assess the amount of benefits you can get.
Death Benefits
You can claim death benefits for a loved one who succumbed to a work-related injury. The insurance company may also cover the funeral and burial expenses.
Don’t delay. Schedule a risk-free consultation today.
What if the Insurance Company Fails To Pay You?
If the insurance company fails to pay you or you’re dissatisfied with the compensation process, you can request a hearing before an administrative judge by filing a claim at the State Board of Workers Compensation using Form WC-14.
The hearing could be complex, and you’ll need to provide sufficient evidence to prove your claim. Consider getting an experienced attorney in Decatur to help present your claim convincingly to the judge.
How Do I Know if I am Eligible for Workers; Compensation?
To determine whether you are eligible for workers’ compensation, consult with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer who can offer a free case evaluation. Eligibility generally hinges on whether your situation involves work- related injuries or illnesses, including catastrophic injuries, occupational diseases, or n on-the-job injury stemming from a workplace accident. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can guide you through the workers’ compensation benefits and appeals process, helping you understand if you can receive money for your work-related injury or illness.
HOW OUR DECATUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWYERS CAN HELP
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we understand that many injured workers rely on the benefits from the workers’ compensation system to survive while recovering. We are here to help you navigate the process without stress so you are free to focus on getting better.
Some of the specific ways we can make things easier are as follows:
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We can assess your eligibility for workers’ compensation. If you do not qualify, we can help you identify other legal options to help you get compensation for your injuries. This assessment helps to save you time and money that may have been spent pursuing benefits you’re ineligible for.
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We can represent you in your dealings with the insurance company and defend your interests if you need to negotiate for a lump sum payment.
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We can also help you navigate the SBWC approval process if you wish to accept a settlement offer made by the insurance company.
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If you’ve filed a claim with the SBWC, our attorneys can represent you during the hearing and organize the documents/evidence you’ll need to ensure your success before the judge.
You can rely on us for competent legal representation through each stage of the workers’ compensation process. Give us a chance to make your life easier.
SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION WITH OUR REPUTABLE DECATUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS
It is not a favor when your employer pays your hospital bills or other expenses after a work injury. Those benefits are your entitlement guaranteed by Georgia law.
If your employer or their insurance company is trying to deny you access, you can rely on us to fight for you and help you get the compensation you deserve.
We also offer legal advice and services related to Business Contracts & Agreements. If you have any concerns in this area, schedule a free consultation immediately to discuss them with our experienced lawyers.
Decatur Office
(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030
