Name: Hansford McDaniel - Workers' Compensation Attorneys
Brand: Hansford McDaniel - Workers' Compensation Attorneys
SKU: 1
Rating: 4.9 (1000 reviews)

Question 1

What is Workers' Compensation?

Accepted Answer

Most employers will not actually educate their employees about the nuances of workers’ compensation. To put it into basic terms, workers’ compensation is a form of accident insurance purchased by employers – when mandated by the State – that helps injured employees pay for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and some of their lost wages. The goal of workers’ compensation is assisting the recovery of an injured worker so he or she can come back to work sooner than later.

Question 2

What Should I Do if Involved in a Work Accident?

Accepted Answer

If you are injured in an on the job accident, you should notify your supervisor and co-workers immediately. You should request a copy the panel of physicians and seek medical care from a doctor on the panel if in fact the employer has a posted panel. It is also important that you ensure your rights and best interests are effectively represented during this time. You should retain the counsel of an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer. Hansford McDaniel - Workers' Compensation Attorneys represent clients across Georgia and Alabama. You can call on us today for trusted counsel.

Question 3

Do I Need to Hire a Workers' Comp Attorney?

Accepted Answer

If you have sustained a serious injury in the workplace, it is absolutely a good idea to consult with an attorney for two reasons. The first reason is that there are several deadlines that you must meet in order to avoid losing your ability to collect money for your injury. Even missing one deadline can cost you your case. The second reason is that an attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injury and that you aren’t denied benefits that you are entitled to. Work injury victims sometimes question the need for a workers’ compensation lawyer and believe they can handle their claim on their own. Although employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, it is entirely possible that your claim could be denied — our Atlanta workers' compensation attorneys protect your rights against unfair employers and their insurance providers.If you have sustained a serious injury in the workplace, it is absolutely a good idea to consult with an attorney for two reasons. The first reason is that there are several deadlines that you must meet in order to avoid losing your ability to collect money for your injury. Even missing one deadline can cost you your case. The second reason is that an attorney can help ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injury and that you aren’t denied benefits that you are entitled to.

Question 4

How Do I Appeal a Denied Claim?

Accepted Answer

When you’re hurting from a workplace accident, few things will be as frustrating as being told that your claim was denied. Thankfully, that’s not the end of your claim, though. You probably still have the chance to appeal the denial, which involves requesting a hearing, mediating with the insurance company, and, possibly, going before the state’s Appellate Division. Handling the appeal process on your own can be difficult and stressful, so we recommend working with an experienced Atlanta workers' comp attorney.

Question 5

Who Will Take Care of My Medical Bills?

Accepted Answer

After a workplace injury, one of your most important benefits through workers’ compensation will be covered for your necessary medical bills. Typically, if you are taken to an in-network urgent care or emergency room department for treatment, then the insurance company is required to pay for those initial treatments, even if it tries to deny the claim later. Sometimes, an insurer can be required to pay up to a certain minimum amount of medical treatments, too, even after denying the claim.

Question 6

Is Workers’ Comp Available from Your Employer?

Accepted Answer

Workers’ compensation has to be provided by any Georgia employer that has three or more employees. This employee minimum threshold includes part-time workers, so don’t be convinced that you don’t have workers’ compensation just because you are part-time and employed by a small mom-and-pop shop.

Question 7

Can I See Any Doctor I Want?

Accepted Answer

Your employer must maintain a posted panel of available doctors. This should be located in a visible area, such as a breakroom, time clock, or other designated area. In order to qualify to have your medical expenses covered by workers’ compensation, you are required to go to one of the panel doctors. However, if your employer does not have a panel, you will most likely be able to select from any doctor you wish. It is always best to check with your employer to confirm so that your bills are covered. You should not be expected to pay for any authorized medical treatment related to your workers’ compensation claim and work-related injury. The cost for these treatments should be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If you seek unauthorized treatment, however, you will be expected to cover those costs through your own insurance or finances.

Question 8

Do I Have a Time Limit on When I Can File?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In Georgia, you have only 30 days to officially report your injury. If you do not report it within this timeframe, you may damage your case and be denied the chance to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. The quicker you act following a workplace accident, the better. Although there is an official 30-day limit on filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is best to file your claim as soon as possible. Any delays in filing your case could signal to your employer and their insurance company that your injuries are not as serious as your claim. Of course, if you are physically unable to file your workers’ compensation claim immediately following an accident, you can still file your claim within the 30-day limit.Yes. In Georgia, you have only 30 days to officially report your injury. If you do not report it within this timeframe, you may damage your case and be denied the chance to obtain workers’ compensation benefits. The quicker you act following a workplace accident, the better.

Question 9

How Long Will it Take Before My Case is Selected?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately every case is different. The insurance company has up to 21 days to investigate your case. If an insurance company refused to pay your claim, it could take much longer to get the benefits you need. That is why our team here at the firm fights to get you the best settlement possible for your workers’ compensation claim. We work quickly and effectively to ensure your case is resolved in a timely manner.

Question 10

Why Hire Your Law Firm?

Accepted Answer

Our team understands the pain you are experiencing. We have experience handling thousands of workers' compensation cases, securing million-dollar case results over the years. Our founding attorney has been given a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating and selected to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list. He understands that your situation has affected many aspects of your life and the lives of people near to you. Mr. Hansford knows the urgency of your situation and is ready to begin working for you today! Call us now.

Question 11

What if I live Outside of Atlanta or Conyers?

Accepted Answer

Our firm has represented clients all over the state of Georgia and Alabama. We are happy to represent clients outside of the Atlanta area, including Athens, Columbus, Macon, Marietta, Savannah, Dalton, Augusta, and beyond. Visit our locations today to learn more!

Question 12

Are employers required to carry workers' compensation insurance in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

In Georgia, any company that regularly employs three or more full-time or part-time employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Almost every employee in the state of Georgia should be covered by workers’ compensation insurance through their employer. This includes part-time employees, seasonal employees, and some other classes of employees who work in non-traditional roles. Our attorneys can advise you if you are unsure about your right to recover workers’ compensation benefits.In Georgia, any company that regularly employs three or more full-time or part-time employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Question 13

What benefits am I entitled to receive?

Accepted Answer

Pursuant to the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, anyone who has been injured in a workplace accident and is unable to work is eligible for certain benefits, which includes payment of two-thirds of your weekly income (up to a maximum of $575/week – this amount is subject to change due to inflation) for up to 400 weeks. In cases involving certain catastrophic injuries, the injured employee may be entitled to receive benefits for the rest of his or her life. Employers are also required to pay any and all reasonable medical expenses resulting from the injury.

Question 14

If I have to travel far for my authorized treatments, will I be reimbursed?

Accepted Answer

Necessary travel to reach authorized physicians and treatment centers could become quite costly. As part of an approved workers’ compensation claim, you are entitled to reimbursement for travel expenses. You will need to provide evidence of your travel costs – such as receipts for gas, your home address, and the shortest distance from your home to your treatment center – to be reimbursed. Your employer’s insurance carrier may set a cap on how much coverage you can obtain for travel expenses alone.

Question 15

What if I have a preexisting injury? Can I still file a claim?

Accepted Answer

Many people believe that if they have a preexisting injury, they won’t be able to file a successful workers’ compensation claim because their employer may simply blame their medical problems on a prior injury. This isn’t the case! In Georgia, a worker is still entitled to compensation for an injury which exacerbates a preexisting condition. For example, if you suffered a back injury in the past and you hurt it again during the course of your work duties, you still have a valid claim.

Question 16

What does 'no-fault' mean?

Accepted Answer

The Georgia workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, which means that an employee does not have to prove that their employer or a coworker was at fault for their injury in order to have a successful claim. Not only does this make it easier for the injured employee to recover, but it also means that even if the employee was partially at fault for their injury, they can still file a claim. There are rare cases of company negligence in which an employer could be found liable in a work injury case. Attributing fault to an employer for a work injury is reserved for cases of gross negligence or misconduct, in which the employer’s negligence was especially great or if they intended to harm their employee. In these cases, an injury victim may be able to recover additional benefits.The Georgia workers’ compensation system operates on a no-fault basis, which means that an employee does not have to prove that their employer or a coworker was at fault for their injury in order to have a successful claim. Not only does this make it easier for the injured employee to recover, but it also means that even if the employee was partially at fault for their injury, they can still file a claim.

Question 17

Can workers' compensation cover sensory damage?

Accepted Answer

Georgia allows workers’ compensation benefits to be rewarded to employees who suffer sensory damage, such as deafness and blindness, while performing work-related duties. In fact, hearing loss is the most common form of employee injury in the country, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data. Determining the amount of compensation deserved for hearing or sight loss may be complicated, and it is often advised that workers seek the counsel of a professional Georgia workers’ compensation attorney to ensure a fair sum is given.

Question 18

Can I choose my own doctor for my workers' comp claim in Georgia?

Accepted Answer

Georgia allows employers and their insurance providers some control over the doctors and physicians that can be consulted for your workers’ compensation claim and related injuries. Your employer may choose to post a list of six physicians who are approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and tell you to choose one you would like to be your primary care physician during your claim. Your employer can also choose a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization (WCMCO) that has been Board certified. WCMCOs tend to allow you to choose from multiple care providers and physicians, and permit you to change to another physician in the organization without notifying your employer.

Question 19

I am getting Social Security Disability payments - can I also get workers' compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are not automatically disqualified from Social Security Disability insurance (SSDI) benefits just because you also have been approved for workers’ compensation benefits, and vice versa. Federal regulations may reduce but not eliminate your SSDI benefits once you are approved for workers’ compensation, though.

Question 20

Can my employer get into legal trouble for not covering me with workers' compensation insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia can impose harsh penalties against any employer that fails to provide workers’ comp coverage when legally necessary. Penalties may include a fine up to $5,000 per violation and a misdemeanor charge filed against a company executive or business owner, who will need to defend himself or herself in criminal court.

Question 21

Can I sue my employer for compensation for my injury?

Accepted Answer

The workers’ compensation system is an exclusive remedy for employees against their employers and co-workers, which means that injured employees are barred from suing for personal injury if their employers have WC insurance. However, injured workers are allowed to make personal injury claims against third parties (i.e. someone other than an employer or coworker). For example, if an unsafe piece of equipment caused your injury, you may be able to sue the manufacturer for damages.

Question 22

Can I Get Fired for Hiring a Workers’ Comp Attorney?

Accepted Answer

No, you cannot get terminated for hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer to help you after being in a workplace accident. It is your right to seek legal counsel, even if you just want advice or insight, not necessarily representation. An employer cannot terminate you for speaking to or hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. You also cannot be fired for filing a claim, with or without an attorney’s help. If you are fired or otherwise penalized for hiring a workers’ comp lawyer, then you will have a separate employment lawsuit on your hands that could penalize your employer and reward you with punitive damages.

Question 23

How is your firm different than other firms handling injury and disability?

Accepted Answer

Hansford McDaniel - Workers' Compensation Attorneys is different from many other workers compensation firms for several reasons. Our 20+ years of experience has provided us with the wisdom and the insight needed to secure millions of dollars in successful results for our client. Additionally, our attorneys have received numerous awards and recognitions, including our founding attorney’s selection to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠ list, and a 10.0 Superb Avvo rating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Workers Comp FAQ