You have been a dedicated employee with your employer in Augusta for over five years. As a data entry operator, you sit at a computer terminal for 8 hours daily keying information into the company database. But in the last few months, you have been experiencing tingling and numbness in your arm and hand. After making a visit to your physician and having several tests, you learn you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The doctor informs you to notify your employer of the diagnosis for your injury and file a claim with the company’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
It is important for you to understand you have 30 days to provide your employer with documentation of your diagnosis and work-related injury. If you live in Augusta, you must make your request for benefits for workers’ compensation within one year of the date of the injury or the date of the last medical treatment for the issue. The laws of workers’ compensation can be difficult to understand, and you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney to ensure all your rights receive appropriate consideration.
Will Workers’ Compensation Cover My Injury in Augusta?
Like other states, Georgia requires all companies operating in the state to carry workers’ compensation insurance to cover injuries for their employees. In Augusta, initiating a workers’ compensation claim is much like filing any other insurance claim, you are not suing the company you work for; instead, you are requesting benefits to cover your injury. Workers’ compensation benefits will provide coverage for you and pay benefits if you have injuries that fall into the following criteria:
- A previous condition you may have that your employment or work irritates or increases. An example of this condition is a prior back injury in which you do not experience pain and discomfort until a later date.
- Any injury you experience while on your lunch break or any other designated break time, a company function (like a clambake or a carnival), and injuries that occur after you utilize your employer’s equipment, like a table and chair in the company break room.
- Illnesses like cancer (lung) that happen after you work with hazardous chemicals or materials during your employment during your regularly scheduled work hours.
- Issues or diseases like physical, mental, or emotional stress due to a drastic increase in additional work requirements. If you are the victim of harassment from your immediate supervisor due to the added work and develop a mental condition; as a result, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
You should schedule a consultation with a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your injury and the specifics of your claim for clarification on whether or not your injury falls into any of the criteria to collect benefits under workers’ compensation laws in Augusta.
What Expenses Will My Augusta Workers’ Compensation Cover?
When you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, you will not be able to seek legal action against your employer for your injuries. While you receive benefits for workers’ compensation, you will be able to receive coverage for the following:
- Treatment for medical care for your work-related injury or accident
- Wages replacement for the whole duration of your hospital stay and recovery time
- Funds to cover education costs if you need to train for a new position
- Payments for long-term and permanent injuries
- Compensation for surviving family members of employees that died while on duty
Workers’ compensation benefits in Augusta, Georgia will pay you 2/3 of your average weekly wages, and there are very specific benefit limits your claim can not exceed. The benefits are not subject to income taxes, and you will be able to cover your monthly expenses providing you make a fair wage with your current employer.
How Do I File a Claim for Augusta, GA Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
If you sustain an injury while on duty at work, there are a few steps you should take to initiate a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. By following these protocols, you increase your chances of receiving benefits for your work-related injury. After an accident or injury at your workplace, you should:
- Immediately notify your employer of the accident or injury. You need to make your notification in writing and make sure you retain a copy of the report for your records.
- Seek medical attention for your injury as soon as possible after the accident or injury takes place. Document all medical appointments and treatments you receive relating to your injury to support your claim for benefits.
- File for workers’ compensation benefits and include as much detail as possible regarding the injury. You should also include the names of any witnesses to the accident or injury.
- Contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for a consultation about how to pursue your claim for benefits under Georgia laws. They can help you file a timely claim and negotiate with your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier to ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to relating to your claim.
How Can a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Help Me in Augusta, Georgia?
An Augusta workers compensation attorney has the experience and resources necessary to navigate the confusing laws surrounding workers’ compensation claims and will be able to assist you in getting your claim processed. They can explain to you the complete process of filing a claim for benefits and will be able to negotiate on your behalf to ensure your receive the compensation you need to survive while you recover from your injury.
Call the office of Ted A. Greve & Associates for a no-obligation case review to learn how they can help you with your workers’ compensation claim. Let us put our knowledge and resources to work to assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Workers’ compensation laws can be confusing; we can work on your behalf while you focus on getting better. Do not delay; call us today so we can get to work on your case.
