Georgia Workers' Compensation Injury Checklist - First Steps

If you are injured on the job in Georgia, it is important to perform the following steps in order to have a successful claim.  Below is a checklist of things to do if you are injured while working in Georgia.

1)  Report ALL injuries

In Georgia, you have 30 days to report your injury to your employer.  Although 30 days is the maximum amount of time you can wait to report an injury, the old adage "the sooner, the better" applies.  The sooner you report an injury to your employer, the sooner the workers' compensation system can kick in to provide you with medical treatment, and possibly replacement of lost income.

It is also important to report ALL injuries, even if you believe they are small or will heal on there own.  Injuries, particularly the older you get, can be tricky.  Things that may have healed with rest when you were younger, might now require medical intervention.  So it is extremely important to report ALL injuries, no matter how small.  Reporting the injury protects you and is the first step in bringing a successful workers compensation claim.

2)  Seek medical treatment

After reporting an injury, you should always ask for medical treatment.  Whether it be with a plant nurse, or with a workers' compensation doctor, it is important to have any injury evaluated quickly.  Evidence supports the fact that quick medical treatment results in faster recovery time.  Additionally, medical providers generally keep detailed records, which will help prove your injury was the result of working rather than being caused by something else.

3) Follow the advice of your medical provider

Most injuries are initially treated conservatively.  This type of treatment includes medication, rest, physical therapy, and work restrictions (i.e. no lifting more than 10 pounds).  It is important to follow your medical providers instructions in order to increase the chances of making a full recovery.  This includes telling your employer that you can not perform your regular job in the event a doctor places you on work restrictions.

4)  Document everything

Georgia workers' compensation cases can hinge on whether or not you have proper documentation for an injury.  It is extremely important to document everything relating to your work accident and injury.  So be sure to keep any documents you receive from your employer and any medical providers.  It may also be beneficial to start a journal, or take notes, regarding medical treatment you receive and the types of symptoms your injury is causing.

5)  Find a Georgia workers' compensation attorney

Georgia's workers' compensation system is a specialized part of the law.  As such, many of the issues involving a workers' compensation claim are unique and different from common law used in personal injury claims.  Due to this specialization, it is crucial to hire an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to maximize the compensation and medical treatment you receive following an accident.

If you, or a loved one, has been injured while working in Georgia.  Give our experienced lawyers a call today for a free consultation at (770) 214-2500.