What to Do After a Workplace Accident in Dawsonville

Sustaining injuries at work can be painful and overwhelming. Besides facing long-term treatment, you could lose your chance to support your family. That is why injured employees usually have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits.

The process of damage recovery is rarely simple. It requires a professional approach and significant legal experience. A dedicated workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand what to do after a workplace accident in Dawsonville and work towards a fair payout.

Step #1: Notify Your Employer

While you have 30 days to notify the employer after a workplace accident in Dawsonville, you should do it as soon as possible. The faster you tell the employer about the incident, the faster they can start investigating the injury. In Georgia, the employer has 21 days after the notification to file a report to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC).

When notifying the employer, immediately ask them for a list of approved physicians, so you can start getting assistance as soon as possible.

You have one year from the date of the injury to file a claim with SBWC. However, the earlier you file, the faster they can approve your benefits.

Step #2: Arrange Medical Treatment

Your health is your top priority. That is why seeking emergency medical treatment is always the first step to take after a workplace accident in Dawsonville. Even if you do not believe that the injury is major, get a medical evaluation anyway. Not all damage is obvious from the beginning. Some injuries manifest themselves within days. Meanwhile, failing to seek help could hurt your chances of receiving proper benefits.

In Georgia, to make sure that medical expenses are covered under the workers’ comp law, you must work with a physician approved by your employer. This doctor is responsible for handling all your work-related injuries and referring you to specialists.

While you are getting medical treatment, you must collect all the related documents. Make sure to hold on to all the doctor’s reports, prescriptions, and test results. They will serve as evidence in your workers’ comp claim.

Step #3: Speak to an Attorney

Once you receive emergency medical assistance after a workplace accident in Dawsonville, the next thing to do is to seek legal guidance from a workers’ compensation attorney.

Many workers’ compensation cases are complicated. Some of the nuances include the employer refusing to confirm that your injuries were sustained in the workplace. Meanwhile, the size of the offered compensation may not be sufficient to cover your expenses.

An experienced attorney can help you navigate all the complexities surrounding your case. They can assist with filing an accurate claim and receiving a fair benefits amount. In case the workplace injury was caused by a third party, a lawyer can work on building a strong personal injury case.

Discuss What to Do After a Workplace Accident With a Skilled Attorney in Dawsonville

Knowing what to do after a workplace accident in Dawsonville can help you minimize stress and receive the compensation you deserve.

A qualified workers’ compensation attorney from Smith Hulsey Law can handle your case and fight for the money you deserve. We work hard to help members of our community avoid legal mistakes and receive fair treatment.