Cleveland Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

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Workplace injuries are sometimes unavoidable, even for seasoned workers who know their jobs inside out. Something as simple as lifting an object that is too heavy could lead to an injury. Whether serious or minor, a work-related injury that leaves you with medical expenses or inhibits you from working could qualify you for workers’ compensation benefits.

The purpose of workman’s comp insurance is to protect both the employee and the employer in the event of an injury. However, the process of obtaining workman’s comp benefits is not always easy, especially without help from an experienced attorney. It is recommended that you hire a Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer to help manage the process of claiming and receiving your benefits.

How to Claim Workers’ Compensation

Unlike other types of personal injury cases, employees do not need to prove that their employer was responsible for their injury to receive workers’ compensation benefits. As long as they were hurt while at work or performing work-related tasks, they should be eligible to receive benefits. However, it is a good idea to work with a skilled workers’ comp attorney when pursuing benefits, as there are several important steps to take.

Seek Medical Care for Workplace Injuries

Injured persons should seek medical care immediately, even if they think their condition is not serious. A doctor can treat existing injuries and potentially diagnose any that have not shown symptoms yet. This is important because the type of injuries determines the extent of the treatment they need, and that could affect how much the worker may receive from workman’s comp benefits.

Inform Employer of Workplace Accidents

After receiving initial treatment, victims should inform their employers of the injuries they acquired on the job. In Cleveland, workers typically have 30 days to do this, but it is best to do so as soon as possible. After that, the injured person will need to begin a formal claims process, which their workers’ compensation attorney could assist them with.

Deadlines for Workman’s Comp Claims

Unlike other personal injury claims in Cleveland, an employee only has one year to file for workman’s comp benefits. To do this, they must first fill out a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Most companies’ human resources departments should be able to provide this form; otherwise, the injured worker can ask their attorney about obtaining one.

Potential Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Cleveland

Employees who are eligible for workers’ compensation might receive benefits for lost wages and medical expenses like hospital visits, rehab or physical therapy, medication, and more. However, it is important to remember that insurance companies will not pay out more than is necessary. They may also try to minimize the extent of a victim’s injuries, which is another reason why victims should get their wounds thoroughly assessed by a medical professional. This helps ensure that the benefits they might receive will cover all of their treatment expenses.

Generally, employees can receive workers’ compensation benefits for up to 400 weeks if needed. However, in some cases, the state has awarded lifelong benefits depending on the severity of a worker’s injuries and the treatment needed. An experienced local attorney at our firm could help fight for the maximum amount of workers’ comp benefits available.

What if a Workers’ Compensation Claim Gets Denied?

If a workers’ compensation claim gets denied, the injured party can request an appeal. They will need to request a hearing from the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

If the hearing is accepted, they must then appear in court to present their claim. They should meet with a Cleveland workers’ comp attorney for guidance on the process and assistance with creating and arguing their case.

Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Case with a Cleveland Attorney

Most business owners in Georgia must carry workers’ compensation insurance to enable employees who are hurt on the job to receive pay. Workman’s comp also protects the employer from personal injury lawsuits for workplace accidents.

Although workman’s comp insurance was created to allow all eligible injured persons to receive benefits, many people do not understand the protocol they must follow, making it harder to obtain those benefits. However, a Cleveland workers’ compensation lawyer at Smith Hulsey could help. Contact our office today to discuss your eligibility and learn how to begin the claims process.

Smith Hulsey Law

Smith Hulsey Law
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