Most of us will never know what it’s like to suffer a workplace injury. For other people, they’re not so lucky. Thousands of people are injured at work in this country every year. Depending on what sort of work you do, you may be at high risk of a workplace accident. Construction workers tend to have a higher risk of injury. The same is true for people who do physical labor.
For full-time workers, there’s no question about whether or not they can apply for workers compensation. In Georgia, if you work for a company with more than three people, they have to carry workers comp insurance. The only employees who aren’t entitled to coverage under workers comp are:
- Railroad employees
- Federal employees
- Domestic servants and nannies
- Consultants and independent contractors
If you don’t work in any of these fields, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to file for workers comp. This is the true whether you are a full-time or part-time employee. A lot of our clients think that they aren’t entitled to workers comp benefits in Augusta because they don’t work 40 hours a week. This isn’t the case. All employees are able to collect under workers comp, regardless of how many hours they work. If you aren’t sure if your claim is eligible in Augusta, you should call one of our experienced workers comp lawyers and let them review your case.
What Benefits are Available to Injured Workers in Augusta, Georgia?
If you work in Augusta, Georgia and get hurt at work, you may be entitled to certain benefits. These benefits are similar to what is offered in other states across the country. The first thing you’re entitled to is medical care. Your employer’s insurance company has to provide you with medical treatment for your work-related injuries. This treatment is limited to injuries actually sustained in your workplace accident. The second thing you may be entitled to are replacement wages.
Replacement wages are meant to help you pay your bills until you’re well enough to return to work. This could be weeks, months or even years. It all depends on the type and severity of your injuries. In Georgia, you’re entitled the following benefits:
- 2/3 of your average weekly wages
- The maximum weekly amount you can receive is $675
- You can collect these benefits for up to 400 weeks
If you return to work on light duty, you may not be earning the same amount as before your accident. If this is the case, you can collect 2/3 of the difference between what you make on light duty and what you would’ve earned working full-time. The most you can receive per week is $400 and you can only collect these benefits for up to 350 weeks.
Why Would Someone Think They Weren’t Entitled to Benefits?
Some employees think that, because they aren’t entitled to the other benefits that full-time employees get, they aren’t entitled to workers comp either. That simply isn’t the case. Employers can preclude part-time workers from earning vacation and sick time. They may only offer medical benefits to their full-time employees. However, when it comes to workers compensation, your employer doesn’t get to pick and choose who will be covered.
As long as you’re an actual employee and not an intern or consultant, you will be covered under workers comp. As long as you follow your company’s policies and procedures, you should be okay. However, there are times when your employer may deny your claim. If this happens, your Augusta personal injury attorney will help appeal your claim.
Contact an Experienced Workers Comp Lawyer in Augusta, Georgia
If you’re injured at work, there’s a good chance you may be entitled to workers comp benefits. As long as you meet the basic requirements, your claim should be paid. Some of these requirements include the following:
- Your injury happened on company property
- You were hurt while on company time
- You were acting within the scope of your employment when the accident happened
- You were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- You did not suffer your injury outside of work
- You report the accident to your manager or Human Resources per company policy
- You’re treated by a company-approved doctor
- You comply with your doctor’s treatment plan
If your claim is denied, you need to call our office. Speak with one of our experienced workers comp lawyer in Augusta. They can review your case and let you know what your chances are. The initial consultation is free and you don’t pay a dime until your case is settled.
