The recovery process following a workplace accident that causes injuries or worsens pre-existing conditions can be overwhelming. On top of the physical pain of the injury itself, you could face medical appointments that disrupt your routine and high healthcare costs associated with your treatments.
Workers’ compensation claims can provide financial coverage for your injuries and, in qualifying cases, provide payments to supplement any lost wages from missing work. Consult our legal team on seeking compensation for medical treatment after a workplace injury in Clarkesville. The dedicated attorneys at Smith Hulsey could explain the legal and procedural requirements to ensure you get the care and financial support you deserve.
After a work-related injury, an employee may require immediate medical attention. While employees are not restricted to a specific provider for short-term emergency care, follow-up care must be conducted by a Workers’ Compensation Managed Care Organization (WC/MCO), per Ga. SBWC Rules & Regul. § 208. Rule 208 also requires employers to make this information available to their employees; employers must post a list of names and contact information for at least six WC/MCOs that are certified to provide workers’ compensation evaluations and treatment.
Under the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) Bill of Rights for the Injured Worker Art. 3, employees may qualify for workers’ compensation reimbursement for medical treatment related to the injury, rehabilitation services from certain licensed care providers, and certain prescriptions that are necessary for health recovery. Injuries must have occurred on the job or in a workplace environment to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, per Occupational Safety and Health Administration standard 1904.5(a). Our experienced attorneys can help if an employee is denied reimbursement for qualifying medical costs from a work-related injury in Clarkesville.
The amount of money an injured employee may receive depends on the severity of the injury and how it impacts the employee’s ability to continue working. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation categorizes workplace injuries into one of two categories under the Bill of Rights for the Injured Worker Art. 5: catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries.
Catastrophic injuries are those that cause significantly adverse health effects, long-term disability, or permanent disfigurement. These include paralyzing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, blindness, and injuries requiring amputation.
Per O.C.G.A. 34 § 9-261, employees who suffer permanent or temporary complete disability caused by a catastrophic workplace injury can generally receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage, so long as two-thirds pay is no less than $50 and no more than $800. These payments may continue for as long as the injured employee cannot work, according to O.C.G.A. 34 § 9-260.
Most other work-related injuries are considered non-catastrophic. If a non-catastrophic injury causes temporary, partial disability, O.C.G.A. 34 § 9-262 stipulates that the employee can receive weekly benefits equivalent to two-thirds of their normal weekly pay, up to $533 per payment for a maximum of 350 weeks. The clock starts running for these payments from the date the injury occurred.
Under O.C.G.A. 34 § 9-263, the time limits for permanent partial disability benefits depend on the type and location of the injury. For example, a workplace injury to the arm generally qualifies for up to 225 weeks of benefits, whereas debilitating foot injuries qualify for up to 135 weeks of compensation.
If an insurance company tries to under-classify a workplace injury, our Clarkesville lawyers can help employees appeal the determination and seek compensation for their medical treatment.
Your ability to receive the full amount of qualifying compensation for medical treatment after a workplace injury in Clarkesville can be significantly impacted by errors in the claim application process. Working with a seasoned attorney at our firm can help you file correctly and appeal any potential benefit denials.
Give yourself the best chances of success in your case. Call Smith Hulsey and let us handle your claim while you focus on healing from your injuries.
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