Albany
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

If you are injured on the job in Albany, you are most likely covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation coverage begins on the day you start work, and it applies regardless of your occupation or job title. Unfortunately, insurance companies aren’t always eager to pay your claim.

A work injury shouldn’t leave you without your legally guaranteed benefits while you fend for yourself. If you or a loved one has been hurt at work, you should talk to a workers’ compensation lawyer in Albany, GA, from John Foy & Associates right away.

What to Do If You Were Injured on the Job

Any time you are in an accident, the first and most important step to take is to make sure you’re safe and alright. Remove yourself from any danger still present and get any serious injuries treated as soon as possible.

As soon as you know you’re alright, there are some steps that you can take to help your chances at having a strong workers’ compensation claim. These steps include:

• Taking pictures of the scene of the accident
• Talking to any witnesses and getting their contact information
• Going to your employer’s approved doctor for diagnosis and treatment
• Saving any bills and documents related to your injury
• Reporting your accident to your employer as soon as possible

Time is of the essence with your workers’ compensation claim, and there is a statute of limitations in effect. If you don’t let them know within 30 days of the accident, your claim will likely be denied.

If you’re not sure what to do about your workers’ compensation claim, get in touch with one of our attorneys. Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Albany, GA, can help you through the process and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

How does Workers’ Compensation Work in Georgia?

Workers’ compensation, also known as “workers’ compensation,” is insurance that covers people who are injured at work. The government set up workers’ comp with two goals in mind:

1. To get injured workers the money they need to pay for medical care and compensate for lost paychecks.
2. To enable workers to get compensation without having to file slow, expensive lawsuits against their employers.

The law requires all employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. When an employee is injured on the job, the insurance is available to pay for the employee’s medical care and other costs. 

If you are injured on the job, there are two things you should know about workers’ compensation:

• It isn’t a handout from your employer or the government. Most employers finance workers’ compensation insurance by taking money out of your paycheck each month. You helped pay for this insurance, so you should be able to benefit from it.
• It does not matter how your injury happened. If it occurred on the job, workers’ compensation should cover it.

Will Workers’ Compensation Pay All My Costs?

Yes, as long as the injury happened while you were working. With help from a workers’ compensation lawyer in Albany, GA, Most victims are able to recover costs related to:

• Medical expenses
• Medications
• Physical therapy
• Vocation training if you need it to be able to return to work
• Mileage for your trips to and from medical appointments
• Lost wages (this paycheck will probably be smaller than your usual paycheck, but it is tax-free)

If you are unfortunate enough to become disabled or have a long-term medical condition because of your injury, you may be entitled to additional money. Benefits are also available to family members who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident. 

Of course, money cannot begin to truly compensate you for a tragic loss, but we have found that it does ease financial stress and make it easier to begin rebuilding your life.

What Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Albany?

Just about any injury that happens at your job is covered in Albany. You are covered for workers’ compensation regardless of:

• Who caused your injury
• How the injury occurred
• Whether the injury was related to your job duties (i.e., operating machinery or tripping on stairs)

You do not have to blame anyone or argue about who is at fault.

Many of the people who come to us with workers’ compensation claims are in the construction industry. Construction employees face many hazards: they can be hit by falling objects, fall from high places, get caught in machinery, or suffer electrical shocks. 

That doesn’t mean that construction or industrial workers are the only ones who have workplace injuries, though. Office employees, restaurant staff, delivery drivers, and people employed in many other occupations also get hurt on the job in Albany.

What Injuries does Workers’ Compensation NOT Cover?

Workers’ compensation is designed to compensate employees for workplace injuries. Therefore, if your injury didn’t happen at work, it probably isn’t covered. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, however. You may still have coverage if:

• You were injured while on a business trip
• You were injured operating a company vehicle
• You were hurt while running an errand for your employer
• Your injury happened at an off-site meeting for work
• Your injury occurred while you were working remotely

If your injury occurred while you were commuting to or from work, however, it is probably NOT covered by workers’ compensation. There may be coverage for an injury that happened on your employer’s sidewalk or in the parking lot. 

Can I Win Money for Emotional or Psychological Harm?

Sometimes. Workers’ compensation covers all the damage associated with a physical injury, including psychological or emotional issues stemming from an injury. So, for example, if you suffer post-traumatic stress disorder after a disabling industrial accident, your mental health treatment would be covered. 

Unfortunately, workers’ compensation will not cover you if you suffer a psychological condition without any accompanying physical injuries.

What do I Do If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied?

It’s not unheard of for workers’ compensation applicants who deserve compensation to have their first application denied. Sometimes, something goes wrong with your documentation, or the doctor doesn’t understand the scope of your injuries. Thankfully, there are avenues that you can take to have your application reconsidered.

In Georgia, workers’ compensation applicants can appeal their denial by requesting a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). In that hearing, you will present evidence that you deserve benefits for your injuries. If you did not already have a lawyer helping you with your claim, this is the time to get one.

A denied application usually means there is something wrong with your evidence or documentation. This can be a simple error or a misunderstanding of how to show that you need compensation. In any case, a skilled workers’ compensation attorney in Albany, GA, will significantly help your chances of having your claim accepted.

Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Without Suing My Employer?

Yes. In fact, under the workers’ compensation system, you are not even allowed to sue your employer in the Dougherty County court. There are several reasons that lawsuits are prohibited:

• A goal of workers’ compensation is to get employees the money they need as soon as possible. It is a much faster system than lawsuits.
• Workers’ compensation is reliable, whereas it’s hard to predict the outcome of a lawsuit.
• Workers’ compensation makes it possible for employees to recover money without having to blame or fight against their employees. Claims are with an insurance company, not the employer directly.

Many people who are injured on the job are reluctant to make a claim. They worry about angering their employers or losing their jobs. In fact, we find that employers are often happy to help, and are glad that their workers can recover money to get the care and treatment they need. 

The insurance companies, on the other hand, are likely to be resistant to paying. They operate for profit and often try to pay as little as possible to people who have been injured. They may dispute the facts, try to make it seem as though you are exaggerating your injuries, or send you to the wrong doctor.

That’s why we recommend that you get a qualified Albany, GA, workers’ compensation lawyer to help with your claim right away.

What Is a Third-Party Liability Claim?

Sometimes, there is an additional factor that led to your injury that did not have to do with you or your employer. If there was another party also at fault for your accident, you could be able to file a third-party liability claim even if you already pursued workers’ compensation.

A third-party claim works like any other personal injury claim. Whatever party was responsible—whether it’s a parts manufacturer, another driver, or a vendor—could also be liable to pay for your damages.

With the help of a personal injury lawyer in Albany, you can pursue payment from any negligent party. If you think you might be eligible for a third-party claim, let our team know in your initial consultation. We can tell you what you can expect from your claim.

Talk to an Albany Workers’ Compensation Attorney for Free

As an employee, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits if you are injured on the job. The Albany workers’ compensation lawyers at John Foy & Associates don’t want to see anyone lose benefits they’re legally entitled to. 

We have been helping injured workers get money for their injuries for more than 20 years. Our lawyers know how workers’ compensation works, and we’re familiar with the tricks insurance companies use to avoid paying claims.

Let us give you a no-obligation case evaluation to talk about your injury and your options. Call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.