Legal Protections For Injured Workers In Georgia
The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law requires that any entity that employs three or more individuals must carry this type of no-fault insurance. The benefits awarded through this system are used to cover medical and lost wages claims in the event that an employee is injured or becomes ill while on the job.
Although some states provide insurance coverage to employers, Georgia requires companies to obtain it on the private market, or to apply to be “self-insured.” Obtaining self-insured status happens only in rare instances. Most employees will find that if they file a workers’ compensation claim, their employer’s insurance company and its legal representatives handle it.
Interacting With Insurance Companies
Straightforward claims may be paid out to employees with relative ease, but more complicated claims can quickly become mired in dispute. While it may seem obvious that a person has been hurt at work and thus deserves benefits, this area of law has many nuances. For example, some injuries exacerbate a pre-existing condition that was unrelated to the individual’s job. Benefits still may be available, but only to compensate for the harm that did not arise directly from the pre-existing condition.
In other situations, there may be a dispute over the type of workers’ compensation that should be paid to an injured individual. These benefits may be permanent and total, temporary and total, or partial, depending on the extent of the harm. Permanent and total benefits, which may last indefinitely, are intended to compensate an injured employee who will not be able to hold a job again because of the work-related accident or illness.
By contrast, temporary and total benefits may be paid for a limited time to someone who can return to normal work once he or she has recovered. Partial benefits are often appropriate when a person can continue working, but only in a reduced capacity or in a type of job where he or she will receive a lower salary.
When there is any uncertainty or complexity surrounding a claim, insurance companies may attempt to intimidate employees or dissuade them from pursuing workers’ compensation by sending complicated legal documents that request medical records and information, or by drawing out the process as long as possible. However, they understand the nature of Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws and often eventually back down in the face of a legitimate claim, brought with the assistance of a Qualified Workers’ Compensation Lawyer such as an Attorney from Julie A. Rice, Attorney at Law, & Affiliates.
With the help of a legal professional, you can compile the medical evidence, statements from doctors, and personal affidavits necessary to establish the validity of your claim, which can go a long way toward reducing the stress of a courtroom battle.
Discuss Your Work Injury With Our Experienced Lawyers
Dealing with a workers’ compensation insurance company does not always need to be difficult or stressful event. While insurers may have standard procedures or routines for denying certain workers’ compensation claims, or attempting to dissuade employees from seeking benefits.
We understand these approaches and can explore ways to pursue a resolution that protects your rights. We represent employees hurt at work in Marietta, Decatur and Lawrenceville, among other communities in Fulton, DeKalb, Clayton, Cobb, Gwinnett and in counties throughout the entire State of Georgia.
For more information and for a free legal consultation, contact us by phone at 770-865-8654, by email at juliericelaw@icloud.com, or online through our website. We are here to help and we look forward to hearing from you soon.