If you’ve been injured on the job in Atlanta, you should be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. This is usually used to pay for medical treatment and lost wages after a workplace accident; however, the claims process can be more complicated than you might think. That’s why you may benefit from meeting with an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer.
Van Sant Law has been serving the people of Georgia since 2008. We provide a personalized local service, taking the time to understand each client’s situation. As part of this process, we will assess your workers’ compensation case and refer you to a highly experienced attorney who can handle your claim.
Get in touch with our Atlanta personal injury lawyers to learn more about our services. We’ll determine whether you have a valid case and make sure you get the legal support you deserve throughout the claims process.
Types of Cases a Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Atlanta Can Help With
Workplace injuries can happen in many industries across Atlanta. With regular construction projects popping up on I-285 and in Midtown Atlanta, workers may face a range of risks that lead to unexpected injuries.
Some of the most common cases we’ve supported have included:
- Construction site accidents
- Workplace slip-and-fall injuries
- Machinery and equipment accidents
- Vehicle and transportation accidents
- Injuries caused by unsafe working conditions
- Serious and catastrophic workplace injuries
One of our previous clients was injured while working on a Midtown Atlanta construction site. When they came to us, we assessed the circumstances and referred the client to an attorney who handles workers’ compensation claims, while our team pursued a separate, third-party personal injury claim on behalf of the client.
What Does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation is there to provide a range of medical benefits after a workplace injury. As long as you were performing your duties when the accident happened, you should be able to pursue a settlement.
Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200, covered medical care may include:
- Medical treatment, surgical care, and hospital stays related to the injury, as prescribed by a licensed physician
- Medical and surgical supplies reasonably required for treatment
- Artificial equipment and prosthetic devices that may be needed because of the injury
- Other treatment and medical services that may help cure the injury, provide relief, or restore you to suitable employment
- Temporary medical care in certain emergency situations when the employer fails to provide required care
A workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, can help you understand more about the benefits covered as part of your claim. We can put you in touch with the right team so that you can get started on pursuing a fair settlement with the relevant insurance companies.
How to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
After experiencing a work injury, there are certain steps and actions you must take to help secure your rights. The first 72 hours should focus on reporting the injury, seeking medical treatment, and liability investigation. Here’s what you should do:
Report the Accident
First, you need to report your injury to your supervisor, employer, or another appropriate representative as soon as possible. Your employer will have specific procedures for reporting a workplace accident, so make sure you follow these carefully and ask for a copy of the incident report for your own records.
Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80, you generally must notify your employer of a workplace injury within 30 days. However, they may have their own in-house deadlines that you must stick to as well.
Seek Medical Assistance
Whether you have minor or catastrophic injuries after the accident, you should always seek immediate medical care. Depending on the circumstances, you may receive emergency treatment at hospitals such as Grady Memorial Hospital or Piedmont Atlanta Hospital.
Your employer should also provide a panel of physicians from which you can choose a doctor to treat your work injury. Alternatively, under O.C.G.A. 34-9-201, they may also contract with a certified managed care organization to provide medical services. Using an authorized physician through these means should help to make your workers’ compensation claim easier.
Gather Your Evidence
Ask for copies of your medical records, medical bills, accident reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, or any other evidence that could support your workers’ compensation claim. This should help with demonstrating the extent of your injuries and proving fault.
Investigate Liability
A workplace injury may involve more than a workers’ compensation claim. For example, if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident, you may also have a separate personal injury claim against that third party. A skilled lawyer can help you identify negligent parties and pursue a fair settlement from each one.
File Your Claim
When you’re ready, you should file your claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, using their WC-14 form. Here, you’ll need to provide your personal details, information about your injury, who your employer is, and what benefits you are seeking.
Speak with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Atlanta
Contacting an attorney for dedicated legal advice can make such a difference to your claim. An experienced legal team will assess your circumstances, help identify liability, file your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and protect your rights after a work injury.
Van Sant Law can assess your workers’ compensation lawsuit and, when appropriate, refer you to an attorney who can evaluate and handle your claim.
Georgia Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Comp
According to Georgia law, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82, injured workers must generally file a workers’ compensation claim within one year after the injury. However, there may be varying time limits depending on the situation, which is why you need an experienced legal representative in your corner.
Workers’ comp cases in Georgia have strict reporting deadlines. If you’re unsure about your claim or Atlanta’s filing rules, call us immediately. We can explain your options and evaluate whether there’s also a third-party personal injury case.
Contact Van Sant Law for Free Today
Workers in Georgia are entitled to workers’ compensation, and we want to help make sure you get the benefits you’re entitled to. Our founding attorney, David M. Van Sant, has been recognized by Georgia Super Lawyers and was previously recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, so you know you’re in good hands.
Book a free consultation today to find out more about how our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys can assist you. We never settle a case unless the client is happy with the result; that is the Van Sant Law client satisfaction guarantee.
