Most workers in McDonough are covered by workers’ compensation insurance (also known simply as workers’ comp). This means that if you’re injured while doing your job, the cost of your injuries should be covered. Workers’ compensation spans all industries and all levels of workers, and it does not take fault into account like other personal injury claims.
But, even though workers’ compensation should have you covered, workers’ comp insurance companies may still be hesitant in how much they pay out for each claim. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, so they want to be profitable and question the validity of aspects of your claim to limit their responsibility for your costs.
This can leave you lacking in the benefits you’re legally entitled to receive. To protect yourself and ensure your workers’ compensation covers all the costs of your work injury, you should consult with a McDonough workers compensation lawyer.
Our attorneys at John Foy & Associates have a 20-year history of helping injured workers get a fair recovery on their workers’ compensation claims. We never back down from insurance companies, and we know how to get them to pay what you really deserve.
For a FREE consultation to discuss your situation and the options available, call us today at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right today.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ comp was first enacted in the U.S. in 1911. Working conditions in the Industrial Revolution brought about necessary changes in how workplace injuries were treated, and the workers’ compensation was set up to protect people who are hurt during work. The two main purposes of workers’ compensation are:
- To provide medical treatment financially support workers who are hurt
- To avoid lawsuits
Employers in Georgia with three or more employees must carry a workers’ compensation insurance policy. This means that if you get hurt while on the job—no matter what the injury is—this insurance policy should pay for your treatment costs. Most employers pay for their workers’ compensation policies through deductions from each employee’s paycheck, so you paid for this coverage and are entitled to use.
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How Much Money Can I Recover in a Workers’ Compensation Claim?
The exact amount you’ll receive depends on a variety of factors and your personal situation. However, you should know that workers’ compensation will cover ALL of your injury costs, including:
- Medical expenses like hospital stays and doctor visits
- Prescription medication costs
- Costs of driving to medical appointments
- Any vocational training required before returning to work
- Payment during the time you’re out of work for your injury (which is an untaxed portion of your regular paycheck)
If you are disabled long-term because of your injury, you may receive additional money. Close family members of workers who are killed on the job are also eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.
What Kinds of Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
Any injury that happens at your workplace is covered by workers’ compensation. It doesn’t matter how the injury happened or even whether it was directly related to your job duties.
It also doesn’t matter who or what caused the injury. Unlike regular personal injury claims, the fault is not even considered in a workers’ compensation claim, so you don’t have to prove fault or blame your employer for your injury to receive benefits. If the injury occurred at work, it should be covered.
This applies to ALL work industries, not just those who are frequently dangerous like construction zones. Office workers, restaurant staff, and any other types of workers are covered.
Are Any Injuries NOT Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
The only time an injury is not covered by a workers’ compensation policy is if it didn’t happen at your workplace. However, there can be exceptions to this. Even if you’re not at your place of work, your injury might still be covered if it happened:
- On a business trip
- While running an errand requested by your employer
- When driving a company vehicle
- During an off-site work meeting
- When working remotely
These situations depend on the individual case. Having a workers’ compensation lawyer can help if your employer or insurer tries to deny the injury is covered even though you were engaged in work-related activities when you got hurt.
Will I Have to Sue My Employer?
No. In fact, you cannot sue your employer under a workers’ compensation claim.
Remember, one of the main reasons workers’ compensation exists is to avoid lawsuits between the employer and their employees. This is because lawsuits can be long and costly, dragging on for months and sometimes even years. As a worker, a long lawsuit can mean waiting a long time for compensation, if you even get it—so workers’ compensation ensures you definitely have your injuries covered, and you get paid sooner.
Plus, workers’ compensation claims are handled completely by the insurance company that provides them. This means there doesn’t need to be any bad blood between you and your employer. Most employers are happy to offer a way to cover their employees’ injuries so they can recover sooner. Any workers’ compensation issues typically stem from the insurance company being stubborn in their payout or delaying your claim—which is where a good attorney can help.
Are Mental Health Conditions Covered By Workers’ Compensation?
In some cases, mental or psychological health conditions can be covered under workers’ compensation—if a physical injury also exists. If you suffered a broken leg from a fall, for example, and also suffered emotional trauma, psychological treatment for the trauma will likely be covered. If you’re not sure whether your mental health condition applies, you should speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer about your situation.
Talk to a McDonough Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in for Free
If you were injured on the job and need help with your workers’ compensation claim, contact John Foy & Associates. With more than 20 years of experience helping workers get the financial recovery they need to get better, we know how the workers’ compensation process works. We can help you with your claim and stand up to the insurance company. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Call us at 404-400-4000, or fill out the form to your right to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
