Apr 11, 2017

How Employers May Interfere with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

In Georgia, it is required that all employers subject to
workers’ compensation laws must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees.
This coverage offers employees protection should they be injured while
working. Because workers’ compensation claims can be expensive for
employers, dishonest employers may try to prevent employees from successfully
filing workers’ compensation claims for their work-related injuries.
Learn some of the ways that employers may interfere with their employees
right to file injury claims.

Discouraging Claims

Employers may not do anything to directly interfere with employee claims,
but they may discourage employees from making claims. They may offer incentives
for employees if the company maintains a certain amount of accident-free
days or a strong safety record. Employees can be encouraged to not report
injuries to maintain this record.

Employers may also ask that employees don’t report injuries as being
work-related to their doctor. It is possible that employees may be instructed
to use their personal health insurance coverage to seek treatment for
injuries sustained at work.

Delaying Filing Claims

If a worker is injured on the job, they should report their injury to their
employer. When an injury is reported to an employer, they should provide
the injured employee with a WC-1 First Report of Injury (ROI) form. This
form should be returned to the employer after it has been completed, and
the employer should begin the process of filing the claim. Employers may
delay the process by waiting to provide the appropriate form or by failing
to immediately begin the claim process after being presented with a completed ROI form.

Editing Reports

It is the responsibility of the employee to provide a consistent report
of the accident to their employer, coworkers, the insurance company, and
medical personnel. Employers can interfere with employee reports, however.
Employers may edit ROI forms or edit the employee’s statement to
insurance. They also may encourage employees to alter their reports in
a way that protects the company. It is possible that employees can be
offered benefits or rewards for their cooperation or may be threatened
with retaliatory action, such as demotion, pay cuts, or termination if
they do not cooperate.

Informing Employees They are Ineligible for Workers’ Compensation

Georgia requires that all companies that employ more than 3 workers must
carry workers’ compensation insurance coverage or must self-insure.
There are certain types of employment that exempts workers from workers
compensation coverage, such as domestic employees, farm laborers, and
independent contractors. Employees of a company are eligible for workers’
compensation, but companies may try to prevent claims by informing employees
they are not eligible for workers’ compensation coverage.

Employers may also try to prove that employees are independent contractors
and are not directly employed by the company to avoid paying claims. Misclassified
employees can struggle to ensure that they receive the compensation they
deserve for their injuries.

If you suspect that your employer is preventing you from making a rightful
workers’ compensation claim, you should seek representation from
skilled Atlanta
workers’ compensation attorneys. At
Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys, we understand the frustration and difficulties you may be facing if you
are denied the compensation you deserve for your work-related injuries.
Contact our offices at 770-922-3660 to request a free case evaluation.