Workers’ compensation settlements play a critical role in providing financial relief to employees suffering from work-related illnesses or injuries. They can help injured workers cover medical expenses, recover a portion of lost wages, and cover some of the related costs of workplace injuries. For people who have experienced a workplace injury, understanding the workers’ compensation process, how settlements are calculated, and what factors influence settlement amounts can help employees navigate their claims effectively.
One of the most crucial things for employees to understand is that workers’ compensation settlements in Braselton are generally lower than settlements for the same types of injuries in personal injury cases. This is because workers’ compensation is a trade-off system. Workers do not have to prove liability in order to get coverage, but coverage limits are capped to protect employers. A workers’ compensation attorney at Smith Hulsey Law could help you secure a fair settlement.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system that provides benefits to employees who suffer injuries or occupational illnesses on the job. Injured workers do not have to prove negligence in order to get compensation. However, they do have to comply with specific requirements in order to qualify for workers’ compensation coverage.
The first qualification is that the employee must report the injury to the employer within 30 days. Then, they have one year to file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). Failure to notify the employer or file a claim with the SBWC can leave someone ineligible for Braselton workers’ compensation settlements, so it is essential to contact an attorney early in the process to ensure that a person is taking the necessary steps to preserve their rights.
While workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, it comes with certain trade-offs. For example, while it compensates workers for lost wages, it does so at a reduced rate instead of completely replacing those wages. It also limits the ability of injured workers to get compensation for things like pain and suffering. The compensation under workers’ compensation is limited to medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of lost wages. The compensation may be in payments, or an injured employee might negotiate a lump sum settlement between the injured worker and the employer’s insurance company.
Settlement amounts for Braselton workers’ compensation claims vary, but a Smith Hulsey Law lawyer could help predict a settlement range by looking at different factors, including:
Almost all of these factors are outside of the employee’s control. The severity of the injury and medical expenses significantly impact the settlement amount. The more severe the injury, the more likely it is to lead to substantial medical bills and extensive time away from work. Both of those factors increase settlement amounts.
Some insurers are stingier than others. The lawyers at Smith Hulsey Law could help determine whether an insurer is more or less likely to offer an adequate settlement and provide guidance based on the insurer’s approach.
Fortunately, workers do have control over one of the factors that can influence settlement amounts—whether they have legal representation. Having an experienced attorney can significantly impact the settlement amount. An attorney may also influence whether you receive a settlement offer at all, not only through effective negotiation but also by ensuring that workers take the necessary steps to protect their rights.
Obtaining workers’ compensation settlements in Braselton involves several steps. Workers need to file a claim, undergo medical evaluations, and begin the negotiation process. A lawyer from Smith Hulsey Law could assist with these steps, get approval for a settlement agreement, and structure payment options. Reach out to us today to learn more about a lawyer’s role in the process.
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