There is plenty that workers do not know about workers’ compensation, but should. These things not only help workers understand their rights, but can also help them better determine how to handle an injury claim, if one should arise. Regardless of the industry you work in, you should familiarize yourself with these facts. And, if you are ever injured, contact a workers’ compensation attorney in Georgia right away to explore your options.
10 Important Facts to Know About Workers’ Comp in Georgia
To ensure you get the workers’ compensation you deserve under Georgia law, you need to know the following:
- Report every illness and/or injury. If you have a work-related injury or illness, you must report it to your employer in order to receive workers’ compensation – and time is limited. Also, it is not enough to tell your co-worker that you think your injury or illness is work-related. Instead, you must report it directly to a supervisor, company owner, or manager.
- Never lie or misrepresent the facts on a claim. One of the biggest mistakes injured workers make is lying or misrepresenting their injuries. Making your injuries seem more severe could not only result in a job loss, but you will be without any workers’ compensation benefits too.
- Tell the doctor or clinic that you were injured at work. It is important that you start a paper trail showing that your injuries are work-related. Therefore, when you visit a physician, hospital, or clinic, make sure you tell them you are there for a work-related injury so that it is noted in your chart.
- Ensure medical records include everything about the injury. You also need your medical records to reflect the details of the injury – including when and where it happened, how it happened, etc.
- Speak with your employer about your coverage. You need to inquire with your employer about the type of coverage they carry for workers’ compensation, including their insurer.
- Do not miss follow up appointments or any doctor’s appointments. If you are recommended to see a specialist or you have follow-up appointments, never miss them. Doing so could stop your workers’ compensation payments.
- Communicate with your employer. You need to keep your employer up to date on your treatment, prognosis, etc. so that they can plan around you. While you may think keeping them in the dark will prolong your benefits, failing to communicate could actually result in a pause of benefits.
- Refusing to try light duty. If your physician says that you can return to work on light duty, you must. Refusing to do so could actually result in no benefits.
- Do not expect big payouts. In Georgia, it is rare someone will receive a big payout – even if they are permanently disabled and unable to return to work in the future. Your attorney can give you a better idea of how much you would receive, but never expect millions.
- Hire an attorney. While you may assume that you can file your workers’ compensation claim on your own, it is in your best interest to hire an attorney. An attorney can assess the facts of your case, help you file your claim, and ensure the workers’ compensation insurer pays you the amount you are due.
Contact Van Sant Law, Today
If you were injured at work, contact the attorneys at Van Sant Law. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys are here to protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve after a work-related injury. Call us at (800) 234-9556 or fill out a contact form to schedule a consultation.