Experienced Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Serving The Greater Atlanta Community

Simply going to work should not result in serious injuries, but sometimes, that’s exactly what happens. From slip-and-fall accidents to incidents with malfunctioning equipment, workplace injuries can result in thousands of dollars in medical expenses and impact your ability to return to work.

Our workers’ compensation attorneys at Hilley & Frieder, P.C., have over 35 years of experience and can represent you in your workers’ comp claim. Our Atlanta workplace accident lawyers will advocate aggressively for your right to compensation during each step of the claims process.

Who Is Eligible To File A Workers’ Compensation Claim?

If you suffer an injury while performing a work-related duty, then you are likely eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits provide funding for medical expenses, disability, and lost wages while you are away from work as you recover from your injury. Workers’ compensation benefits may also allow you to claim mileage reimbursement and, in tragic instances of a workplace fatality, death benefits and funeral expenses.

Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim In Georgia

Most workplace injuries are eligible for workers’ compensation, regardless of whose fault the accident was. In order to receive workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Report your injury to your employer.
2. Seek medical attention immediately.
3. Tell your physician that you were injured at work.
4. File your claim for workers’ compensation.

Injuries must be reported to your employer within 30 days. You may have to see a specific physician, so ask your employer where you need to go to receive medical treatment. When you see a doctor, make sure that you explain that you were injured at work and save all paperwork from your visit. All workers’ comp claims must be filed within one year from your injury date or the date of your last remedial treatment. Additionally, employees are protected from employer retaliation. It is not legal to fire an employee for getting injured or for filing a workers’ compensation claim.

However, these are only the basics of filing a claim. The process is often complicated and potentially confusing, leaving people with unanswered questions. One of our workers’ compensation attorneys can help clear up misconceptions and uncertainty.

Why You Should Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney

While most employees are eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim, it is not uncommon for your claim to be denied. Workers’ compensation benefits can be denied due to a lack of evidence or questions about whether your injury was work related. Our workplace injury lawyers at Hilley & Frieder can help you craft a compelling case for your workers’ comp benefits, appeal a denial or explore alternative compensation options.

Can You File For Workers’ Compensation And A Personal Injury Claim?

Filing a workers’ compensation claim waives your right to file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer. Our attorneys at Hilley & Frieder have decades of experience in both personal injury lawsuits and workers’ compensation and can help assess your potential claims and accident injuries to help you determine what sort of legal action makes the most sense for your case.

If a third party, like a subcontractor or a manufacturer of defective equipment, was responsible for your injuries, then you may even be able to file both a workers’ compensation claim with your employer and a personal injury lawsuit.

How Is Compensation Calculated?

You may be wondering if a workers’ compensation claim will fully cover all of your expenses after a work injury. In general, your compensation is equivalent to two-thirds of your average weekly wage. This amount is calculated based on what you earned in the 13 weeks prior to the injury.

However, different scenarios and factors can affect your benefits, and in some cases, calculating your weekly check can be more complicated than it may seem initially.

Can I Get Compensated Even After Being Fired?

People who have been fired can still receive workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that occurred during their employment due to their job. Additionally, your employer cannot terminate you for filing for workers’ compensation, though they may cite other reasons in an attempt to deny workers’ compensation benefits. It’s important to speak with an attorney if you suspect your employer of firing you due to your claim or your injury.

Consult A Workers’ Comp Lawyer For Free

Our workers’ compensation attorneys offer a free case evaluation and consultation. To schedule your free appointment, call our office at 404-795-6099 or send us an inquiry through our contact form. Our team looks forward to hearing about your case and answering your questions.