Atlanta Workplace Injuries & Claims

Serving workers compensation clients in Georgia including in Marietta, Cartersville, Decatur and surrounding areas

Workers’ compensation is a state-mandated insurance program designed to protect employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses.  Under Georgia workers comp laws, if you are injured on the job, you may receive medical, rehabilitation, and income benefits.  The purpose of these benefits is to help you return to work.  If you die as a result of a job-related injury, your dependents may also receive benefits.

Types of injuries related to workers compensation

Local (including Atlanta) workers comp law covers catastrophic and non-catastrophic injuries.  Catastrophic injuries generally involve the following:

• Amputations
• Severe paralysis
• Severe head injuries
• Severe burns
• Blindness
• Injuries of a nature and severity that prevents an employee from being able to perform his or her prior work.

All other injuries are categorized as non- catastrophic. It is also important to understand the difference between "impairment" and "disability" as defined by Georgia workers compensation law.

Who can obtain compensation?

Under the law, any employee with a work-related illness or injury is eligible to file for workers’ compensation benefits, regardless of who was at fault.  In exchange for receiving these benefits, however, the employee gives up the right to sue the employer in court for damages for those injuries.

It is important to note that no compensation will be allowed for an injury or death due to an employee’s willful misconduct.  It often becomes necessary for the injured employee to seek legal representation by an Atlanta workers comp lawyer to obtain the benefits to which the employee is entitled.

How to begin the process of a workers comp claim

If you are injured at work, you have an obligation to report your accident immediately, but not later than 30 days after the accident, to your employer, your employer’s representative, your foreman, or immediate supervisor.  If you fail to report, your claim may be denied.

If you believe you are due benefits and your insurance carrier/employer denies your claim in Atlanta, you must file a claim within one year after the date of last authorized medical treatment or within two years of your last payment of weekly benefits or you will lose your right to benefits. Consult a lawyer for legal assistance.

An experienced Georgia workers comp lawyer can make sure that you comply with all deadlines and properly fill out forms.

Hoffspiegel & Associates will answer your questions

Georgia workers' compensation law is complex and ever-changing.  If you have any questions about workers compensation, or if you have been injured at work and your employer has refused to pay benefits, the Atlanta workers compensation lawyers of Hoffspiegel & Associates welcome your call. Contact our law firm online or at 404.760.8600 for a free consultation.