Trusted Accident Attorney
Injured in a workplace industrial accident? Turn to Conoscienti and Ledbetter, your trusted workplace industrial accident attorney in Atlanta, for legal support.
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 February 13, 2024.
Speak with experienced Accident Attorney today, for free.
Conoscienti & Ledbetter: Your Workplace Industrial Accident Lawyer, Atlanta
If you or a loved one has been involved in an Atlanta workplace accident, we understand the seriousness of your situation. Not only are you dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of an injury, but you may also be facing financial difficulties and concerns about your ability to earn a living. This is undoubtedly a distressing time, and the road to recovery may seem overwhelming. However, you are not alone in this struggle.
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we have extensive knowledge of workplace industrial accidents in Atlanta. As experienced attorneys, we are familiar with the various factors that can contribute to such incidents, including hazardous environments, defective equipment, inadequate training, and errors made by other employees.
No matter the cause of your injury, our unwavering commitment is to assist you in receiving the rightful compensation you deserve. Let our Atlanta workplace accident lawyer help you!
Common Workplace Accidents and Injuries in Atlanta, GA
Workplaces in Atlanta, including offices and construction sites, can pose various hazards that jeopardize workers’ physical and mental well-being. Each year in Georgia, numerous workplace accidents result in workers requiring emergency medical attention. These incidents can range from slips and falls to workplace violence.
Trips, Slips, and Falls
These accidents can occur when objects or tools are left on the floor, posing a risk of tripping and injury to employees. Furthermore, inadequate footwear, slippery workplace floors, and busy corridors can also contribute to trips and falls.
It is important to note that tripping only sometimes results in a fall. If individuals catch themselves before falling, they can still sustain injuries from tripping or slipping. Sometimes, striking an object during a trip can cause injury, and attempting to prevent a coworker from falling can also lead to workplace injuries.
Tripping and slipping injuries often involve damage to the knees and back, such as ACL tears. Likewise, twisting injuries in the back can lead to herniation.
Injuries From Contact With Objects and Equipment
Contact with equipment and objects poses a prevalent risk in numerous industries. Occupations that handle heavy objects and operate powerful machinery are particularly susceptible to these accidents. Examples of such professions include construction workers, electricians, machinists, factory workers, and agricultural workers. Our construction accident lawyer can work with you to establish your claim.
Lifting Injuries
A lifting accident can cause pain in various areas of the body. For example, when someone hastily attempts to lift a heavy object, it can result in a shoulder injury. Similarly, an elbow injury can occur under similar circumstances. Knee injuries may arise from the weight of the lifted item. Also, lifting can lead to back injuries commonly associated with such incidents.
Injuries Caused by Workplace Violence
Workplace violence among coworkers can lead to severe injuries. In Georgia, the law provides clear guidelines on what workers’ compensation insurance covers regarding such incidents. According to court rulings, individuals who are not the aggressors can seek compensation for injuries sustained during an attack. This ensures that victims are protected and receive the benefits they deserve.
The victim can pursue a personal injury claim if the incident did not involve a fellow employee.
Speak with trusted Accident Attorney today, for free.
What Does a Workers Compensation Claim Cover?
When submitting a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia, you may qualify for different types of compensation. This includes coverage for medical expenses linked to the injury, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages while recovering.
Following Georgia law, compensation for lost income is provided to an injured worker at varying levels based on the severity of the injury.
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Partial and Temporary Disabilities: Even if expected to heal, temporary injuries may require employees to perform limited duties for a certain period. During this time, injured workers are eligible for workers’ compensation payments, which cover two-thirds of their lost wages, up to a maximum of $450 per week. These benefits can be claimed for up to 350 weeks.
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Total and Temporary Disabilities: Certain injuries may render a worker temporarily unable to work. In such instances, workers must remain out of work for at least seven days before benefits occur. During this period, two-thirds of the regular paycheck will be disbursed until the worker reaches their “maximum medical improvement” or until 400 weeks have passed. The maximum compensation for total and temporary disabilities is $675 per week.
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Partial and Permanent Disabilities: When employees sustain a workplace injury that leads to permanent but partial disability, they can usually resume work with certain limitations. In such cases, the employee is entitled to receive two-thirds of the pay reduction, and the duration of compensation depends on the nature of the injury.
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Total and Permanent Disabilities: If a workplace injury leads to a permanent disability, rendering the worker unable to continue working, they are entitled to receive income for life. The payment can be distributed in regular installments or as a lump sum, depending on the settlement.
How Can an Experienced Workplace Accident Lawyer Help You?
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) enables workers to receive benefits for injuries and illnesses arising from work-related tasks. However, the process of securing these benefits can be intricate and challenging. Therefore, having the guidance of a seasoned workplace accident lawyer by your side can help you receive the utmost compensation for your injuries and losses.
Gather and Review Evidence
Gathering various types of evidence is crucial to effectively demonstrate the extent of your health condition. Medical evidence, including your medical bills and records, provides essential documentation. Your attorney can also assist in obtaining copies of scans or test reports that accurately describe the full extent of your injuries.
Moreover, your lawyer can seek expert testimony to provide vocational evidence, explaining how your new health status impacts your ability to complete your job duties. Witness statements from individuals close to you can be invaluable in court, vividly illustrating the changes in your day-to-day life.
Accelerate Legal Processes
Employers may attempt to evade responsibility for your injury to safeguard their reputation or avoid higher workers’ compensation costs. Insurance companies are also notorious for their impersonal approach, arguing that your injury is beyond the scope of your job or a result of a pre-existing condition.
These disputes can prolong your case for months or even years without guaranteeing a favorable outcome. At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we protect your rights and maintain our integrity. Our proficient attorneys can expedite the settlement process while advocating for your rights with your employer and the insurance company.
Handle Negotiations
You deserve to receive fair workers’ compensation benefits without being shortchanged. The compensation you receive should accurately reflect the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. However, it’s not uncommon for insurance companies to pressure you into accepting a lower settlement or offering insufficient amounts that fail to cover all your expenses.
An experienced attorney can be instrumental in helping you determine a settlement that is generally accepted for injuries similar to yours. They can also assist in calculating lost wages if you are still waiting to return to your previous position.
At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, our personal injury and corporate governance attorney has decades of experience standing up to potentially intimidating insurance company representatives seeking to minimize payouts.
Take Action With Conoscienti & Ledbetter: Your Allies in Workers’ Compensation Claims
Navigating the intricate maze of workers’ compensation claims can feel overwhelming, especially when you are recovering from a debilitating injury. At Conoscienti & Ledbetter, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re up against. Our team of experienced personal injury attorneys is well-versed in the complexities of Georgia workers’ compensation laws and is dedicated to advocating for your rights.
Our team strives to streamline the process, alleviate stress, and secure a just settlement that accurately reflects the gravity of your injury. We are here to support and advocate for you during this difficult time.
If you are grappling with a workers’ compensation claim or encountering issues with insurers like Travelers Insurance, don’t hesitate to contact us for support and guidance.
Decatur Office
(404) 373-5800
315 W Ponce de Leon Ave. Suite 400 Decatur, GA 30030