Protecting Your Interests if You Are Injured at Work

If you are injured at work or suffer from an occupational illness, your employer may seem sympathetic at first. However, the longer your disability lasts, the more your employer and the workers’ compensation carrier may start to view you as an unwanted expense. They may look for ways to stop your benefits, even if you are unable to return to work.

At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we are here to protect your interests after a workplace injury or illness. Attorney Ellene Welsh and our office staff will help you obtain all of the benefits to which you are entitled from Georgia workers’ compensation. From our office locations in Douglasville, Columbus and Atlanta, we represent injured workers throughout West Georgia.

Call us at 770-489-3456 toll-free today for a free initial consultation.

Dedicated to Personal and Attentive Service

If you are injured in an accident at work, from repetitive stress, or from a physical or mental disorder that is work-related, you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including:

• Free medical care and prescription drugs
• Wage loss benefits to replace up to two-thirds of your lost income
• A lump-sum settlement if you have suffered a permanent impairment
• In some cases, light-duty work assignments or retraining to help you get back into the workforce

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation is a large, complex area of law. Unless you know the rules, you could make a mistake that results in loss of your benefits — or fewer benefits than you deserve. To protect your interests, seek prompt advice from an experienced and compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer if you have suffered a serious injury.

Get the Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Need in West Georgia

If you are not receiving the medical care and benefits you need, contact us online or call our office at 770-489-3456, to schedule a free initial consultation.

Learn what to do if you become sick because of your workplace conditions.

All on the job injury cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means that you pay no attorney fees unless you win your claim.

 

Workers Compensation Lawyer in Douglasville, GA

Experience counts when you’ve been injured at work. Practicing law since 1988, attorney Ellene Welsh aggressively stands up for clients hurt on the job. We know how needed money can be after getting injured on the job. So, we take a proactive approach to your case, fight to help you recover maximum compensation, and make sure you receive all of the employee benefits you’re entitled to under Georgia law.

Your first consultation is free, so don’t wait to contact our Workers Compensation Attorney in Douglasville to schedule yours today. Call 770-489-3456 now.

Do I qualify for workers’ compensation benefits?

Under Georgia law, any employee injured at work has a right to seek workers’ compensation benefits. This law applies to both full and part-time employees, but not independent contractors.

You don’t have to get hurt at your workplace to qualify – you can also successfully secure workers comp benefits if you get injured while “on the job,” performing a job-related task or responsibility.

For instance, let’s say you’re driving a work truck to carry materials to an Atlanta job site when you get into an auto accident: You’d most likely qualify for workers comp since you were performing a duty for your job.

Georgia’s No-Fault Workers’ Compensation System

If a Georgia employer has three or more employees, they must possess workers’ compensation insurance. When a worker gets hurt while on the job, this insurance program can cover lost wages, disability, and medical bills – regardless of fault.

You may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if you are entirely or partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury. Georgia’s no-fault system states that any injured worker can seek worker’s comp benefits.

How do I file a work injury claim in Douglasville, Georgia?

Georgia has strict policies in place for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what you need to know after being hurt at work.

1. Report the Accident: Report your accident and injury to your employer immediately after it occurs or as soon as you realize that you are hurt. You must report your accident within one month of the date of the occurrence. Missing this deadline can hinder your rights to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
2. See a Doctor: Make sure that you visit the doctor as soon as possible and see a medical provider pre-approved by your employer. The insurance company may decline to pay your medical bills if you see an unauthorized physician. The only time you don’t have to see an approved doctor is if you need emergency medical attention immediately after your work injury.
3. File a Claim: To claim benefits, you’ll have to fill out Form WC-14 and send copies to your employer, the State Board of Workers Compensation, and your employer’s insurer. Most victims have up to one year from the date of their injury to send in this form.

Once you’ve made your claim, your employer’s insurance company will then evaluate your claim for benefits. If your request is accepted, you’ll begin to receive the benefits for which you’re qualified. If your claim is rejected, you have the right to appeal the settlement and fight to get the funds you believe you deserve.

Why Should I Call a Workers Compensation Lawyer After I Am Injured At Work in Douglasville, Georgia?

The workers’ compensation system in Georgia is supposed to help injured employees recover physically and financially after an accident at work. However, just because you’re qualified for workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t mean getting your compensation will be easy.

The system is set up to benefit employers and insurance companies, not injured workers like you. When you file a workers comp claim, you must follow stringent policies and work within strict time limitations. Your employers’ insurance provider will attempt to make it hard for you to get the money you deserve so that they don’t have to pay you. Simple mistakes when filing a claim could decrease your compensation.

Hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in your workers’ compensation case. At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, our workers’ compensation attorney in Douglasville has more than three decades of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims. We know Georgia workers’ compensation law like the back of our hand. We know what steps need to be taken to get you the maximum benefits you deserve for your damages.

When you hire the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we will advise you throughout the process and advocate for your rights. Our goal is to help you obtain the money you need to recover from your work injury. Give us a call today to set up a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you. 770-489-3456

Is there a deadline for filing a workers’ compensation claim in Douglasville?

Georgia workers should notify their employer of their injuries immediately, even if they do not seem very serious at first. Although the law provides up to 30 days from the injury date to file a claim, any delay can hinder the claims process or lead to lost compensation. In addition, the reviewing board might believe that a claimant’s injuries are not serious if they wait too long to receive medical care.

Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation

After you file your claim, the claim goes to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for evaluation. The employer should provide the injured worker with a list of medical professionals approved by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The injured employee must then seek medical attention from one of these approved doctors. If the injured worker requires emergency medical treatment, they may receive medical care from any practitioner. However, once the emergency is over, they are required to return to one of the approved practitioners. Workers must let their employer know which approved physician they have chosen, and they have the right to switch doctors one time without informing their employer.

Understanding Worker’s Compensation Benefits

The medical provider treating an injured worker may advise staying out of work for some time to recover. Injured workers may be able to receive workers comp benefits if they cannot work for seven days or more. Most injured employees claiming workers’ compensation will receive their initial benefits check within 21 days of missing work. Claimants out of work for more than 21 days may also receive benefits for the first week.

After July 1, 2016, Georgia law limits benefits to no more than two-thirds of the injured employee’s weekly earnings, but not to exceed $575 per week for up to 400 weeks. In some situations, an employee will be able to return to work immediately but may not be able to perform physically demanding previous job tasks. If an injured worker can only return to a lower-paying job, they can receive partial benefit payments of no more than $383 per week for up to 350 weeks.

There are also individual provisions for workers who suffer permanent injuries, amputations, or disfigurements. If a worker dies from their injury, their dependents may receive up to $575 per week. A widowed spouse without kids may only receive up to $230,000 total. It’s also necessary to note that workers’ compensation benefits may change Social Security benefits in some cases. It is best to get the advice of an experienced Douglasville Workers’ Compensation Attorney like Ellene Welsh in these situations.

Third-Party Liability in a Work Injury Case

Many workplace injury cases involve third-party liability. Third-party liability occurs when a negligent third party (any entity that is not the employer) causes bodily injury to a worker in Georgia. Construction accidents commonly involve third-party liability, as many entities are present on all construction sites. Other workers, subcontractors, cleaning crews, nearby drivers, and pedestrians walking through the site may all end up with third-party liability for a worker’s injuries. At the Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we’re here to help you with these claims in Georgia.

Third-Party Claims and Worker’s Comp

Georgia’s workers’ compensation system states that once an employee files for this type of coverage, they give up the right to file a personal injury claim against the employer. It does not, however, bar recovery from third parties. Suppose an individual or entity that is not the employer caused the workplace accident. In that case, the employee could seek recovery through the workers’ compensation program and a personal injury claim. Examples of third parties who may be liable for workplace accidents include:

• Coworkers
• Other drivers
• Manufacturing companies
• Property owners
• Independent contractors

It is worth considering filing a third-party claim on top of workers’ compensation, as this can result in higher compensation for your damages. For example, you could not only recover for your medical expenses and lost wages through workers comp, but also for your physical pain, emotional suffering, loss of the capacity to earn, and lost quality of life with a personal injury claim. However, you must prove the third party’s fault, wrongful act, or omission to win a settlement or verdict in a PI claim.

You Deserve an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney in Douglasville On Your Side

If you have been hurt on the job while working in Douglasville, Georgia, you may be qualified for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you get back on your feet after an unfortunate injury at work.

Don’t let insurance companies pay you less than you deserve. Let the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Ellene Welsh help you get maximum compensation. Our workers’ compensation attorney in Douglasville has handled complicated workers’ compensation and personal injury cases for more than two decades. We understand Georgia law and know what needs to be done to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Douglasville law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation at 770-489-3456. Our team will review the details of your case and explain your legal rights. We will guide you in your legal claim and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. There’s a limited amount of time to act, so give us a call now!