While at your workplace, you might get injured, especially if you perform manual tasks or use heavy equipment/machinery. Fortunately, employers in Athens should provide workers’ compensation that covers the costs incurred during treatment of the injuries. However, benefiting from the worker’s compensation isn’t as easy as you may expect.
That’s why it’s a good idea to have a knowledgeable Athens workers’ compensation lawyer by your side. Morris Bart has a team of experienced lawyers who can help you file your claim and negotiate for your entitled compensation.
When Would You Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Athens?
Insurance companies will not always pay for your claims, even under workers’ compensation. In fact, your insurer and your employer can deny that your injuries happened while at work, dispute the extent of your injuries, offer a lesser settlement, or even reject your claim altogether.
Therefore, it is always a good idea to seek legal assistance from a qualified Athens workers’ compensation lawyer to deal with any disputes raised by the insurance company. You may also need to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Athens if you have to proceed to court for your injury claim.
For a free legal consultation with a Workers' Compensation lawyer serving Athens, call 800-537-8185
How does Workers’ Compensation Coverage Benefit You?
Worker’s compensation should cover all your losses following the injuries you sustained while at work. The compensation should replace a portion of your income and carter for health care expenses. Below are the costs that the insurer should pay:
Lost Wages
If you fail to report to work for more than a week due to injuries, you should receive lost-wage benefits as per the workers’ compensation insurance. Note that these benefits depend on whether the disability is permanent or temporary. For instance, if the accident led to a total disability, you could receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages because you’ll need a lengthy recovery period. On the other hand, if the accident resulted in a partial disability, you can receive two-thirds of the difference between your current earnings and what you earned before the disability.
Medical Treatment
Your workers’ compensation should cover all the reasonable and necessary health costs that you incurred due to the injuries at work. These expenses include emergency room expenses, lab work, hospital stays, surgery, and more. You can also get reimbursement for any travel costs that you incurred that are related to medical care, such as traveling to pharmacies, doctor’s appointments, and more.
Also, the compensation should cover any physical therapy or rehabilitative medical assistance that you need to recover from your injuries fully. Medical supply costs are also included in the case of ongoing recovery or treatment.
Vocational Assistance
Some injuries are so severe that you may have to undergo training before returning to your workplace or opt for different tasks after an accident. In this case, the insurance should pay for your occupational training to help you gain the necessary qualifications for a new line of work or assist you in returning to work.
Types of Injuries Workers’ Compensation Covers in Athens
Typically, you can file for a workers’ compensation claim if you were injured while at work. Unlike an insurance plan with several conditions, a worker’s compensation doesn’t have the same restrictions, requirements, or conditions for you to receive the benefits. Therefore, you are entitled to compensation for any illness or injury that arises within the course of your employment.
Note that this also includes tasks not directly linked to your specific duties. Some of the common workplace injuries in Athens include:
- Slip-and-falls
- Cuts and lacerations
- Burns
- Strains and sprains
- Bone fractures
- Injuries to the limbs
Workers should be compensated for illnesses caused by exposure to toxic substances like asbestos in the workplace. Also, note that this compensation extends to every sector even if some industries seem more dangerous, such as agricultural and construction jobs, as listed by the National Safety Council (NSC).
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Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Athens
Any business with three or more employees should have compensation coverage for its workers. Note that this includes both full-time and part-time workers. Also, the law guarantees that all employees should receive equal protection regardless of how long they have worked at a company, their position, or pay rate.
What Is the Time Limit for Pursuing a Worker’s Compensation Case?
As soon as you are injured while at your workplace, make sure you notify your employer immediately. You should report your injury within 30 days so that your employer can begin processing your benefits. If you fail to report within this timeframe, you might fail to recover any benefits.
In case your injuries prevented you from reporting the incident and you had to seek medical attention urgently, the law allows someone else to make a report on your behalf to your employer. Once you report the injuries, you should file a workers’ compensation claim within a year from the date of the injury. If you’ve been getting weekly income benefits, your time limit starts from the date you received the last benefit.
What If My Claim Is Denied?
When your employer or the insurance provider denies your compensation claim, it doesn’t mean that you can’t recover your rightful benefits. You can appeal this decision. Once the claim is denied, you’ll receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial from the State Board of Workers Compensation.
You can then request a hearing from the board to appeal the decision. To have a successful hearing, it’s a good idea to consult an experienced Athens workers’ compensation attorney to help you prepare a personalized strategy and guide you through your case.
Get Legal Assistance from Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
At Morris Bart, we have in-depth knowledge of Athens workers’ compensation law, so you can trust us to handle your case. We will formulate a specialized strategy to fight for your rights and ensure that you get all the benefits that you are entitled to. Contact Morris Bart today for a free review of your claim. We will help you through this challenging time as you focus on your recovery.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
