Workers Compensation in Savannah, 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 Savannah, Georgia workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.

Workers Compensation Statistics in Savannah, Georgia?

As more and more film and television productions come to Savannah, as reported by WB Savannah, it also brings an increased risk for workplace injuries. Film sets can play host to an array of injuries. Typically caused by falling objects, sprains and strains, improper lifting, and injuries dealing with heavy machinery and equipment. The office side of production also must guard against repetitive stress injuries and workplace illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have been injured in a work-related incident in Savannah, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

How Does Workers Comp Work in Savannah, 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. 

The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation states that nearly every business in Georgia is required to carry worker’s compensation insurance. This holds true regardless of full-time or part-time status of employees. Georgia allows compensation for medical care, disability benefits, vocational rehabilitation, and death benefits. Also, Georgia allows some coverage for mental health issues. But there must be an accompanying physical injury from which the mental injury stems.

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 Savannah, 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 a Savannah, 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. All 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.

The Georgia Department of Administrative Services has a downloadable injury report form that walks you through the process. If you have sustained an injury at work, the first action you should take is to notify your employer. Once you’ve notified your employer, you should seek medical care as soon as possible. Delayed treatment can cause the injury to worsen, and slow your recovery time. After you have received treatment, you should obtain 2 copies of the physician’s report. Keep 1 for your own files, and give 1 to your employer to file with the insurance company.

Timeline and Other Information

After you file your report and give your physician’s report to your employer, it will be submitted to the insurance company. If your claim is approved you should begin receiving benefits not later than 21 days after the first day of work you missed due to injury. Also, if you miss more than 21 consecutive days you can be reimbursed for the first full week as well. If a dispute arises, you may hire an attorney to recover what you think is fair. Once a settlement is reached payments can arrive anywhere between 30 and 60 days.

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 to 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 a Savannah, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Savannah, Georgia, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether you were hurt on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Savannah, 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 Savannah, Georgia

If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Savannah, 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!