No worker clocks in for a day of work expecting to suffer a serious injury or illness while on the job. Unfortunately, many workplaces in Sandy Springs and throughout Georgia contain hazards that put employees at risk. If you’ve been injured at work, you may need a Sandy Springs workers’ compensation lawyer to help you understand and defend your legal rights. You could be entitled to financial compensation through one or more legal outlets.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that gives financial benefits to workers who are hurt on the job. In Georgia, every employer with three or more employees is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. After an accident at work, an employee can file a workers’ compensation insurance claim to seek financial benefits for the losses related to the injury. Unlike a personal injury claim, it is not a requirement for the employee to prove fault or negligence to qualify for workers’ comp benefits.
You must be an employee, not an independent contractor, to qualify for workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia. Your employer must also have workers’ comp insurance. In general, all that a worker must prove to qualify is that he or she was at work or performing job-related tasks at the time of the injury or illness. It does not matter whose fault the injury was or how the injury occurred. The type of injury or illness also does not matter, for the most part. As long as you were injured by your occupation, you can qualify for benefits.
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can reimburse an injured employee for many different types of losses. In a typical case, these include:
The value of your workers’ compensation settlement, as well as how long you will be paid for a temporary or permanent disability, will depend on your specific case.
Although a workers’ compensation settlement can be easier to obtain than winning a personal injury trial, a lawsuit against your employer or another party for causing your accident could result in greater financial compensation for your losses. For example, you may be eligible for pain, suffering and punitive damages.
Before you accept a workers’ comp settlement and give up your right to negotiate for greater financial compensation, consult with an attorney about the value of your case. If an attorney believes that you could recover more through a lawsuit, the attorney can help you file a claim before Georgia’s deadline.
If you are injured on the job, you have certain rights and benefits under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law. If you need assistance filing a claim or obtaining the financial compensation that you deserve, consult with a Sandy Springs workers’ compensation attorney. At Hilley & Frieder, our lawyers are dedicated to preserving the rights of injured workers. We can fight for justice on your behalf and help you after any type of workplace accident or injury. Call (404) 233-6200 or contact us online today to request your free initial consultation.
