Your full-time job in Augusta, Georgia requires you to lift heavy boxes for eight hours a day. Normally, you can handle it with no problem. One day your co-worker stacks and leaves a pile of boxes for you to put away. He tells you he’s in a rush and runs out the door for an appointment. You think nothing of it and prepare to work. You notice the stack of boxes is a little off kilter, but begin putting them away anyways. Suddenly the load topples over and you are beneath under a pile of boxes filled to capacity. Other workers rush to your aid to free you.

Your supervisor immediately sends you to the infirmary and from there you head to the emergency room. Before you leave, you complete an accident report and give it to your supervisor, just in case. You discover at the emergency room you have a couple broken ribs and a severely strained back. Doctors say you won’t be able to return to work for at least three months. You panic, what happens now?

The answer is you need to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer. You already have an accident report on file; you just have to notify your employer of your updated status. Since the injury took place at work, you’ll be able to get benefits. Now you wonder what you’ll get from your workers’ compensation benefits.

What Does Workers’ Compensation in Augusta, Georgia Cover?

As a resident of Augusta, Georgia, you are able to receive workers’ compensation benefits from your employer due to your injury. The no-fault system is for people like you that have work-related injuries. Since your co-worker left a hazard for you, resulting in your injury, you’re definitely entitled to benefits. The good thing is you have an accident report on file, so your employer is aware of your condition.

If you are hesitant to file for benefits, you should understand:

• Your work-related injury entitles you for benefits;
• Since you have no previous history of back problems, you will receive benefits;
• Any psychiatric or psychological issues you may have aren’t eligible for benefits.
• You can stay out of work per your physician’s orders as long as you need to.
• Your employer may request you see their doctor to maintain your benefits.
• There’s no guarantee your position will be available upon your recovery.

All Medical treatment for your injury like doctors and hospital bills, physical therapy, prescriptions, and travel expenses is covered. You can receive medical care for a maximum of 400 weeks from the date of your accident. If you can’t work for more than 7 days, you are able to receive benefits.

Augusta, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefit Amounts

While on workers’ compensation in Augusta, Georgia, you will receive 2/3 of your weekly pay, but not more than $575 per week for accidents after July 1, 2016. If your injury causes you to get a lower paying job, you will receive a reduce benefit amount not more than $383 per week for up to 350 weeks if you accident is after July 1, 2016.

Catastrophic injuries may entitle you to receive lifetime benefits. In the event your injury prevents you from getting a job, you are entitled to receive assistance to find another one or training. If by some chance, you die as a result of your injuries; your dependents will receive your benefits.

What You Need to Remember About Workers’ Compensation in Augusta, Georgia

In Augusta, Georgia, workers’ compensation benefits provide you income when you are unable to work due to a work-related injury. Since you have an accident report on file, you are eligible for benefits. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system so your co-worker’s negligence in stacking the boxes won’t matter. You have the option of filing a suit against your co-worker if you choose.

Also remember if you are under the influence of drugs and alcohol or goofing off, your injury may not be covered. The court system will decide. The same applies if you leave work to run an errand and sustain an injury while out. Anyone causing intentional harm to him or herself won’t receive workers’ compensation.

Workers’ compensation is in place to ensure any employee with work-related injuries receive payment without having to file a lawsuit. It is a safeguard in place for anyone hurt while working for an employer with more than three permanent staff members. There are some positions not eligible for workers’ compensation. Positions not eligible for workers’ compensation are:

• Anyone working for a company with fewer than 3 staff members;
• Farm workers;
• Household workers;
• Many railroad workers;
• Government (U.S.) workers;
• Independent contractors.

The majority of injuries occurring at work are eligible for workers’ compensation, even if you are at fault. Heart and vascular diseases, and psychological and psychiatric won’t receive benefits unless they come from another occupational disease.

Denied Workers’ Compensation Claims in Augusta, Georgia

If you receive a denial for your claim, ask for a hearing with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You will have the opportunity to work your case out in mediation prior to your hearing. You should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney even if it is for mediation. A lawyer will help protect your rights. Litigations and mediations deal with complex issues and medical documentation. Understand claims for psychiatric, psychological, and heart and vascular diseases will not receive workers’ compensation benefits. Being an independent contractor or if the employer indicates you are not an employee means you are ineligible for benefits.

Consulting a legal professional is an excellent option if you need to file a workers’ compensation claim and need to know if your injury qualifies. Let an attorney worry about the specific details of your case while you focus on healing.

Call Ted A. Greve & Associates Injury Lawyers for Assistance

If you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim and your benefits, contact the workers compensation attorneys in Augusta GA at Ted. A. Greve & Associates Injury Lawyers for assistance. They will work to help you understand and get the benefits you deserve. Call Ted A. Greve & Associates Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.