Managing Partner
The last thing you want after suffering a workplace injury in Georgia is trouble with your workers’ compensation claim. You need workers’ compensation benefits to support your recovery, and any mistakes with your claim could derail your case. Some common errors to avoid include:
Waiting Too Long to Report the Injury
Waiting to report your injury to your employer can have catastrophic consequences for your workers’ comp case. In Georgia, you only have 30 days to report workplace injuries to your employer. If you miss that deadline, you’ll likely lose your right to benefits. Even if your injury initially seems minor, it’s vital to let your supervisor know immediately. The sooner you report the injury, the stronger your case will be.
Failing to See an Approved Doctor
Georgia law requires you to see a doctor from your employer’s approved list. If you go to your physician without approval, the workers’ comp insurance company may refuse to pay for your treatment. Always ask your employer for their listing of approved physicians and pick one from that list. In emergencies, you can go to the ER first, but make sure you follow up with an approved doctor afterward.
Not Following Medical Advice
Skipping appointments, ignoring treatment instructions, or returning to work too soon can hurt your case. Employers and insurance companies look for reasons to reduce or stop your benefits, and not following your doctor’s advice gives them a reason to question your claim. Always stick to your treatment plan, and keep all your medical records in case you need them later.
Quitting Your Job Too Soon
Leaving your job before your case concludes could affect your wage benefits or future medical care. If your doctor has approved you to return to work but you quit your job, you won’t be eligible for wage loss benefits. Some people quit out of frustration or because their employer pressures them to leave, but doing so could limit your options. Talk to a lawyer before making any decisions about your job.
Assuming You’re Not Eligible
Some workers don’t file claims because they think the injury was their fault or they aren’t covered. Georgia’s workers’ comp system is a no-fault insurance plan, which means you can receive benefits even if you made a mistake that caused the injury. Furthermore, most businesses with three or more employees must provide workers’ compensation for their workforce, including for part-time workers. Don’t let unproven assumptions stop you from getting the help you need.
Failing to Keep Records
It’s harder to prove the extent of your injuries or how they’ve impacted your life without good documentation. Save your medical bills, mileage logs, any written or electronic communication with your employer, and anything related to your treatment or time off work.
How Our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help
Our Georgia workers’ comp team knows how tough it is to deal with a work injury, and we can step in to handle the legal work in your case. We’ll start by filing your claim correctly and on time with all the necessary supporting documents. If your employer has denied or delayed your claim, we’ll dig into the reasons, gather additional evidence, and fight to overturn the decision.
We can also speak directly with the insurance company and protect you from accidentally saying something that could harm your claim or accepting an unfairly low settlement. If your employer continues to deny you your rightful benefits, we can represent you in appeals hearings.
Finally, we can investigate to see if you qualify for additional compensation through a personal injury claim. These claims can provide compensation for losses workers’ compensation doesn’t cover, giving you a better chance of getting the most money possible for your injury.
Ready to speak to our lawyers about your workers’ comp case? Call Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
