Applying for Workers' Compensation in Georgia
The Law Offices of Nathaniel F. Hansford has Secured Millions
Every year, thousands of people are hurt while on the job. For some, these injuries may be slight and relatively easy to recover from. For others, a workplace accident or illness can result in permanent disability or even death. No matter the situation, medical bills, physical therapy, and time off the job can quickly lead to significant debt, stress, and anxiety.
Fortunately, there are legal avenues for injury victims to pursue the just compensation they need to cover their medical treatment and lost wages while away from the job. At the Law Offices of Nathaniel F. Hansford, LLC, our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to assist you through this time. We represent clients all over Georgia and Alabama.
To schedule a free, private consultation, call (770) 629-9321. Services available in Spanish, Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian.
Establishing Eligibility for Benefits in Georgia
The workers’ comp system in Georgia is governed by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, which administers the rule that all employers must provide their employees with workers’ compensation insurance. This is a no-fault program provided by employers that covers employees in the event of a workplace accident or illness. Any business that has three or more employees is required to offer these benefits. All employees are immediately covered by workers’ compensation upon their first day of hire.
Georgia law also provides that employees are entitled to three different types of workers’ compensation benefits:
- Wage benefits: One purpose of workers’ compensation benefits is to provide a source of income to employees while they are unable to work. Wage benefits account for this loss. Wage benefits are often equivalent to a fraction of the employee’s pre-injury wages and vary depending on the type of injury the worker sustained. Temporary total disability benefits are equivalent to two-thirds of a victim’s average weekly wage (pre-injury). Temporary partial disability benefits are calculated by determining the difference between pre-injury and post-injury income and taking two-thirds of that figure.
- Medical benefits: The medical benefits provided by a workers’ compensation claim cover the cost of treatment for occupational injuries. When involved in a workers’ compensation claim, injury victims receive treatment from a pre-approved provider who will be compensated through the workers’ compensation system. Medical benefits should cover all health expenses incurred by an injured employee, including the cost of co-pays, prescriptions, medical devices, therapy, etc. Workers’ compensation can also account for the other expenses that are associated with medical costs, such as the cost of transportation to and from medical appointments.
- Permanent disability benefits
There is one time limitation on the payment of medical benefits. If your injury incurred after July 1, 2013, you are limited to receiving medical benefits for only 400 weeks after the incident date, unless your injury was catastrophic in nature. A physician must also determine that the individual is unable to work due to an injury if they wish to receive wage benefits.
Put 20+ Years’ Combined Experience to Work for Your Case
If you have been hurt on the job, it is important that you report your injury to your employer immediately and request to file a workers’ compensation claim. Keep in mind, you must report your injury within 30 days. While some claims proceed smoothly, employers often contest claims, causing delays and requiring workers’ comp hearings. If your claim is being investigated by an employer, it is important to contact a qualified Atlanta, Georgia workers’ compensation attorney to represent you in this process and fight for your rights.
Contact the Law Offices of Nathaniel F. Hansford, LLC at Tel:(770) 629-9321 for a free initial consultation. We represent clients in Clayton, DeKalb, Cobb, and Henry Counties.