Sustaining an injury at work, no matter how badly, can put you out of commission for some time. Even if the burn is small, you may have to miss work to get it checked out from the doctor. If it is bad, you may need to take some time off. This results in lost wages, medical bills, and it can even effect how you are able to perform your job if the burn injury is bad enough. However, working with an injury attorney in Atlanta, GA will help you understand your legal rights and can help you get the workers comp that you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation for Burns at Work
If you received a burn injury at work from faulty machinery, your personal injury lawyer will work with you to get workers comp benefits. Workers comp helps with out of pocket expenses, such as medications, therapy and medical bills. It also pays you two-thirds of the amount you lost in wages when not able to work.
The process for workers’ compensation will start when you first report the injury through a DWC-1 form with the employer. This form will have you enter the time, date, and the cause of the burn injury. It is best to file this form as soon as possible so that you can see an approved doctor. If your burn is bad enough that you needed to go to the emergency room, you can wait until you are stabilized to complete the report.
Often, the employer will have physicians that are approved by the company. Unless you are heading to the emergency room for the injury, you must use one of those physician. You may also be referred by the doctor to a dermatologist, plastic surgeon or other specialist to deal with the issue.
If you see a doctor and your claim is denied, it may be time to talk to a personal injury lawyer. They can take a look at the medical notes about your case and determine if you were wrongfully denied your benefits.
What are my legal options?
The options that you have will depend on the severity of the burns. It will also depend on the diagnosis that you receive from your treating physician. Some of the options that may happen include:
- You are completely healed and are cleared to go back to work.
- You need a bit more time to recover, but you will be able to resume your prior duties. If this happens, the doctor would diagnose you with temporary partial disability.
- If the burn is worse, the doctor could diagnose you with permanent partial disability. It is possible that you would work again, but probably not at the former job. Your employer may be able to give you a new position to accommodate that disability if it is available.
- The doctor could diagnose you with permanent total disability, which means that you will not be able to return to work at all. This includes your previous employer or somewhere new. If this happens, you will need to work with a personal injury lawyer to ensure that you receive compensation for lost wages.
With each of these situations, you could be eligible for some form of workers comp to help deal with your burn injury. An injury attorney in Atlanta, GA will be able to discuss the case with you. They will help you get the compensation that you deserve.
Difficulties Filing a Burn Injury Claim
The insurance company for your place of employment will sometimes make it difficult to claim your personal injury benefits. Either they do not want to pay out, or they want to confirm you sustained the injuries you claim. With a personal injury lawyer, you will have someone on your side to help you file the claim. They will help you get the compensation that you need after your burn injury at work.
If you have suffered from a burn injury or any other workers’ comp issue and you are looking for an Atlanta personal injury attorney, make sure to contact us at Ted A. Greve and Associates. Our team has the experience you need to ensure that you get the compensation that you need. Contact us today to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your case.
