What You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation (also known as workman’s comp) is a type of insurance required by each state that pays medical bills and lost wages if you are injured or get an illness at work. Workers’ compensation covers most job-related injuries, and in most cases you can get these benefits regardless of who was at fault.
If you’ve suffered from an injury or illness at work, you need to know what to do to make sure you get the full value of your workers’ compensation benefits. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have answered common questions including what to do and when to hire an attorney.
What If I’m Injured at Work?
- Immediately get medical attention from an authorized health care provider. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
- Notify your employer as soon as possible. If you don’t let your employer know about your injury within 30 days, you may not be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
- Review your case with an attorney to make sure you get the benefits you deserve.
- File a workers’ compensation claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
What Types of Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefits Can I Receive?
While each situation is different, here are the types of benefits that you may be eligible for in GA.
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Wage Replacement benefits cover the lost or reduced wages for the days you’re absent from work due to your injury.
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Medical Treatment benefits cover things like hospital bills, prescription drugs, and even mileage.
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Rehabilitation benefits cover physical therapy and other training needed to help you recover and get back to work due to your injuries.
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Disability benefits compensate you for the percentage of permanent impairment you sustain. Workers’ compensation does not award pain and suffering.
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Death benefits let your dependents (spouse and children) receive compensation for your lost wages, as well as funeral expenses.
Do I Need to Hire an Attorney?
In short, the answer is yes. Filing a workers’ compensation claim is a very complex process and there are many time deadlines. There are a lot of complicated forms to fill out which increases the possibility of signing an agreement that may affect you negatively. In addition, your company has the ability to deny you from receiving workers’ compensation. The costs of hiring an attorney to represent you don’t compare to the costs of having to pay your own medical bills. Hire a personal injury attorney experienced in workers’ compensation claims to avoid any denial of claims.
Contact the Macon Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill to Handle Your Claim
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Buzzell, Welsh & Hill have over 90 years of combined experience in all areas of personal injury, and are ready to assist you with your workers’ compensation case. When you’ve been injured at work, you shouldn’t have to cover the costs of medical bills and live with further stress. We will make sure you get the compensation required to support yourself and ensure a proper recovery.
To schedule a free consultation, complete our contact form or call us at (478) 217-2072 before it’s too late.
