Workers Compensation in Atlanta, GA

You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer is required to carry is governed by Georgia state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Atlanta, Georgia workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Atlanta, Georgia?

The jobs in Atlanta with the highest rate of injury are found in the agriculture, aquaculture, and manufacturing industries. Couriers and messengers are also especially vulnerable, mainly due to a high rate of auto accidents. According to The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta has seen a steady rise of injuries and fatalities due to traffic accidents. If you have been injured in an auto accident while performing work related tasks or assignments, you may be entitled to benefits under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Atlanta, Georgia?

Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim. 

According to The City of Atlanta, all businesses with 3 or more employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Benefits entitle a worker to medical care, as well as wage replacement if you are unable to return to work. You may also qualify for workers’ benefits for mental health in Atlanta. But only  if you can prove that there is a direct correlation between your physical injury, and any developing mental health issues.

For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.

The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Atlanta, Georgia are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.

Get Medical Attention

After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from an Atlanta, Georgia healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occured is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.

When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.

File a First Report of Injury

The first report of an on the job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.

If you are a worker in Atlanta, and have suffered an injury at work, you should file a report as quickly as possible with your employer. Get immediate medical treatment for the injury. Any delay could worsen the severity of the injury. As well as cost more money to treat and delay the process of healing and getting back to work. You should always consider bringing a copy of the doctor’s report with you when you file a claim. In addition to keeping a copy for your own personal file at home.

Timeline and Other Information

In Atlanta, the law dictates that if your claim is subject to dispute, you can have a hearing 30-90 days within the date of file.  If there are no disputes, you should begin receiving benefits within 21 days of the first day you missed work due to injury or illness. You can receive temporary disability benefits in Atlanta for up to 400 weeks.

Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point. Typically about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.

Why You Should Hire an Atlanta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Atlanta, Georgia, in others, it may be more difficult.  Your employer might ask whether you suffer an injury on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a nAtlanta, Georgia workers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.

Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Atlanta, Georgia

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Atlanta, Georgia you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them. 

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!