With very few exceptions, any injury that occurred in connection with the performance of your job is covered by workers’ compensation.
If you have been injured on the job, it is important that you fully understand your rights. You may be aware of workers’ compensation benefits, but you may also have a right to additional money due to a collision or the negligence of another person or of a medical provider, depending on the circumstances of the accident that caused the work injuries.
At the law firm of Hilley & Frieder in Atlanta, Georgia, we litigate both personal injury and workers’ compensation claims. This gives us the experience needed to get you the full compensation you deserve from all negligent parties after being hurt on the job.
If you have been injured at work, talk to a lawyer who can help ensure that you understand your rights. Call our office at 404-233-6200 for more information. You may also schedule a consultation with our firm by contacting us online.
We handle all types of disabling and catastrophic injuries for our clients. Types of common workplace injuries include:
We also help workers who suffer from occupational diseases.
After you have been injured in the workplace and recovered to a point approaching maximum medical improvement, two important questions must be answered: Can you work at your old job? Can you perform any job provided by your employer commensurate with your skills and physical abilities?
To answer these questions, your physician may direct that you submit to a functional capacity evaluation (FCE). This evaluation has huge implications for several important issues such as returning to work, employability at any job, continued medical care and determination of the degree of disability.
This is supposed to be an objective evaluation of your functional abilities by a trained vocational specialist. However, not all FCEs are alike. Some specialists may tend to be biased against injured employees while others are objective and fair.
FCEs do not last more than a couple of hours. The specialist then tries to guess whether you can return to a 40-hour-a-week job based only on a short period of testing. If you have been told to get a functional capacity evaluation, it may be time to get a lawyer.
An FCE is a series of tests that measure a person’s ability to perform physical work activities. Using weight and motion studies, the evaluator will look not only at your ability to perform the tests, but your attitude as well. If you appear to not be putting forth maximum effort, the evaluator may make negative notations that can harm your interests. An attorney at Hilley & Frieder can advise you regarding these and other matters.
Hilley & Frieder has represented hundreds of injured workers in Atlanta and elsewhere in Georgia. We understand the uses and limitations of FCEs, and our lawyers can help you get a fair evaluation. If you have already taken an FCE, we can evaluate it for objectivity.
The results of your functional capacity evaluation can significantly affect the benefits and medical care you receive. Get help from an experienced legal team.
Hurt on the job? Are you able to do the job after being injured? A properly performed FCE can provide the answer to that question. To make sure that your FCE accurately measures your capabilities, talk with an experienced attorney today. We will analyze your case and give you straightforward and honest advice on how to best proceed. Contact Hilley & Frieder at 404-233-6200 or contact us by email to schedule your free consultation.
Ronald Hilley was the contributing attorney to this content.
