What To Do if You Are Injured on the Job

If you get injured on the job, you may face significant emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Fortunately, state law permits injured individuals to seek workers’ compensation for their losses.

Workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees. However, it is often difficult to obtain fair compensation. Successfully receiving your full benefits for medical care, lost income, and other damages from your employer can be difficult without the help of a workers’ compensation attorney. Knowing what to do if you are injured on the job is essential to preserving your right to file for compensation. The dedicated lawyers at Smith Hulsey Law could help you effectively file a claim and protect your rights throughout the process.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation coverage, an insurance program for workplace accidents, begins when you start employment. Employers with more than three employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover the costs of medical care and a portion of lost wages that resulted from the injury.

Available Benefits

In Georgia, depending on the extent of the injury, a person may recover several types of damages. Possible workers’ compensation benefits include:

  • Rehabilitation services for catastrophic injuries
  • Lost wages, including temporary or permanent disability benefits
  • Death benefits, such as compensation for funeral costs and dependents
  • Medical expenses, covering hospital stays, doctor appointments, and prescriptions

The duration of these compensation benefits may vary based on the specific injury or illness. Individuals can receive workers’ compensation for up to 400 weeks for non-catastrophic injuries, while catastrophic injuries may entitle a person to lifetime benefits.

Steps To Take After a Workplace Injury

Promptly filing a claim after you are injured on the job is crucial to ensuring you are eligible for benefits.

After an on-the-job accident, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible and seek immediate medical attention. You can request a list of approved doctors from your employer to seek treatment under workers’ compensation coverage.

If you wish to file a Notice of Claim, a formal document that notifies your employee of your injury, you must submit it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation within one year of the date of the injury. According to state law, your employer’s insurance company has 21 days to investigate the injury and file a report.

Are You Eligible for Workers’ Compensation?

To file a worker’s compensation claim, you must meet specific criteria. Benefits are only available if:

  • The injury occurred on the job
  • The injury resulted from performing your job duties
  • You were an employee at the time of your injury

If you do not meet all legal requirements, you may not be eligible to receive benefits.

Consult an Attorney To Learn More About What To Do After an On-the-Job Injury

If you are unsure of what to do if you are injured on the job, our knowledgeable lawyers could guide you through this complex process.

The hard-working team at Smith Hulsey Law has secured substantial settlements for injured individuals across the state. Speak with our team today to learn how we may assist you.

Smith Hulsey Law

Smith Hulsey Law
N/a