Workers Compensation Lawyers in Gainesville, GA

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Worker’s compensation is a collection of benefits you may be entitled to as a worker in the case of an injury in the workplace. This assortment of benefits exists so that injured workers get the medical treatment they require as well as a wage benefit while they’re unable to work.

Employers and the insurance companies in charge of worker compensation payouts very often try to skirt the rules and avoid paying. So, if you’ve sustained an injury in the workplace and are having difficulty securing your workers’ compensation benefits, you should seek an experienced attorney by searching “workers comp lawyers near me.” We recommend looking for a local attorney who has many years of experience with workers compensation, such as those at SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers.

The Process to Get Worker’s Compensation in Gainesville, GA

The process of claiming your rightful worker’s compensation in Gainesville involves several steps that you have to take quickly and correctly, or you risk getting your worker’s comp claim denied. Below, we've compiled the fundamental steps to take after your work injury:

How To Protect Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

Protecting your rights after a workplace injury in Gainesville is paramount to pursuing the workers comp benefits to which you’re entitled. There are several steps that you should take to give yourself in the best possible chance at securing compensation:

Report the Injury on Time - The first and most crucial step you need to take is reporting your injury in a timely manner. While you have a deadline of 30 days, the quicker you report your workplace injury, the better your chances of receiving worker’s compensation. Aside from reporting quickly, you need to make sure to include all of the information that backs up your claim.

That includes the exact time of the accident, what exactly led to the accident, and all of the symptoms you are experiencing as a result. If you have witnesses or camera recordings to back up your claim, then you are in an even better position, though that is not a mandatory requirement.

Adhere to the Doctor’s Orders - Seek medical treatment from a doctor approved by the insurance company in Gainesville, and make sure to adhere to his or her orders exactly as they give them. Skipping a step in your treatment can result in having your claim denied by the insurance company as you refused to follow instructions.

Have Proof of All Communication - Reporting your injury verbally is a sound choice, but it is always best to have proof in writing. The best way to go about this is to send an email to your employer detailing the injury and the event that led to the injury. If email is not an option, you can opt for an SMS message, which cannot be erased from the carrier’s records.

Be Mindful of Surveillance and Social Media - While you have an open workers’ compensation case in Georgia, know that you may be legally surveilled outside of your home and on social media. Your actions and abilities should align with your injury claim. If you’re acting outside of the parameters of your doctor’s orders (e.g. you lift 30 pounds when your physician says you should only lift 10 pounds), this could jeopardize your workers’ comp case.

Benefits of Worker’s Compensation in Georgia

Worker’s compensation is one of the most useful worker-protection programs that helps injured workers. Aside from providing you with financial compensation, worker’s comp in Gainesville, GA, provides you with several other benefits, including:

Am I Eligible for Worker’s Compensation?

Before you begin the worker’s compensation process, we recommend consulting with a workers’ comp lawyer to see if you’re eligible. In the following section, we will discuss some of the eligibility requirements you need to meet to receive worker’s compensation in Gainesville, GA.

Be an Employee

The first condition is that you are an employee. Without this condition, you may not be eligible to receive worker’s compensation benefits in Gainesville. That is why it’s essential that you ensure everything is above board in regard to your employment.

Your Job has Workers’ Comp Insurance

All Gainesville worker's compensation lawyers will tell you that employers with more than 3 employees have to provide worker’s compensation. Companies with fewer than three employees are not required by law to have worker’s comp insurance, so it may be best to ask if they do.

Sustain an Injury in the Workplace

To be eligible for worker’s compensation, you need to sustain an injury in the workplace and it must be documented and reported within 30 days of the injury. Usually, the injury must be serious enough to prevent you from working or put you on light duty.

What is the Deadline to Get Workers’ Compensation?

When it comes to worker’s compensation, you need to be aware of an important deadline – you have exactly 30 days to report your work injury to your employer. If you fail to do so, your claim will most likely be denied.

What if my Worker’s Compensation Claim Was Denied?

If your worker’s compensation claim is denied, you have the right to request a reason for the denial and appeal that decision. Insurance companies in Gainesville, GA, deny requests for all sorts of reasons, but you should always keep in mind that while the insurance company may have denied you, that doesn’t mean you don’t have the right to compensation.

The wisest decision you can make following a denied request is to look for lawyers near me workers comp. The best worker’s compensation lawyers in Gainesville, GA, tend to have years of experience in the area, and they can advise you on your next steps. They can even help you appeal the claim and eventually get the compensation that your employer owes you.

Speak to a Work Injury Lawyer in Gainesville, GA

Have questions? You should consult with a dedicated worker’s compensation lawyer today. Our attorneys at SWS Accident & Injury Lawyers are ready to answer your questions, see if you are eligible for benefits, and guide you through your case. We offer free consultations in Gainesville, GA and surrounding areas. Connect with us today for compassionate support.