If you work in Evans, you are probably covered by workers’ compensation that pays for the costs of an on-the-job injury. Workers’ compensation provides medical compensation, weekly wage benefits, and more if you are hurt at work. That being said, workers’ compensation insurance companies are not always fair when paying out money on claims. To avoid getting taken advantage of or left with less than you deserve, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Evans today.
Our lawyers at John Foy & Associates have been helping injured workers get the benefits they need and deserve for over two decades. We know what it takes to win these types of cases, and we always work for the injured workers—never the insurance companies. To learn more and discuss your case with an experienced and compassionate workers’ compensation lawyer for FREE today, call us at (404) 400-4000 or contact us online.
What to Know About Workers’ Compensation After a Work Injury in Evans
Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance employers purchase to protect their employees if a work accident or injury occurs. In Georgia, all businesses with three or more regular workers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. (You can check with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) to make verify if your employer has coverage.)
“Regular” workers can refer to full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers as long as they work on a regular basis. If a business is incorporated:
- All officers in a corporation are also counted as employees when it comes to workers’ compensation.
- Up to five officers can waive coverage on themselves.
- However, even officers that waive coverage are still counted towards the minimum of three employees for workers’ compensation coverage requirements.
When an employer has a workers’ compensation policy, all of their workers are covered from the first day of work.
There are both pros and cons of how a workers’ compensation claim works. Here what you need to know:
- You cannot file a lawsuit against your employer to get benefits. You must file a claim with the SBWC and the insurance company that provides the workers’ compensation policy.
- Your employer cannot fire you just because you made a workers’ compensation claim.
- You are restricted to certain physicians for the treatment of your injuries. If you see an unauthorized doctor, your costs may not be covered.
- The insurance company might look for ways to reduce what they pay you, so working with a lawyer is highly recommended.
There are also situations where an employer should have workers’ compensation coverage but has not purchased it. Although this is rare, it does happen.
If your employer tells you there is no workers’ compensation after you are injured, contact a trusted workers’ compensation lawyer right away. The consequences of not carrying the required coverage in Georgia are very serious.
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Three Reasons to Work With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Evans
You might hear “workers’ compensation lawyer” and immediately worry about the cost. Thankfully, most workers’ compensation lawyers (like John Foy & Associates) do not take any upfront fees. You only pay a fee if your lawyer wins your case. That means you can begin working with your lawyer immediately and not worry about fees or costs.
There are several situations where an experienced lawyer can make all the difference in your workers’ compensation case. Here are the biggest reasons to seek out a legal professional after a work injury.
1. You’re Worried About Getting the Full Benefits You’re Entitled to Receive
A workers’ compensation claim can often make you feel fairly powerless. Although workers’ compensation benefits are meant to protect you, there are several rules that can get in the way. Plus, the insurance company may look for ways to reduce the value of your claim.
When the insurance company reviews your claim, they might try to say things like:
- Your injuries are not as bad as you’re claiming
- You were not hurt at work
- You can return to work sooner than you think
You are entitled to receive compensation for all medical costs from your injury and temporary disability benefits if you cannot work for more than seven days. Insurance companies don’t like to pay these benefits for very long, so you might feel pressure to return to work before you’re ready. This is a very frustrating and risky spot to be in, but a lawyer can help protect your rights.
You do not have to have a workers’ compensation lawyer to file a claim, but it’s often one of the best decisions injured workers can make.
2. The Insurance Company Is Questioning Your Claim
As mentioned above, the insurance company might look for ways to pay you less than you deserve. They might blame you for the injury, claim you were hurt outside of work, or question whether your injuries are really that severe.
The insurance company knows that most workers are not well-versed in Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws—and you shouldn’t have to be. You have a right to your benefits if you were hurt at work. Having a lawyer simply levels the playing field and shows the insurance company that you have expert knowledge on your side.
3. Your Employer does Not Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If your employer should have workers’ compensation but does not, you have grounds to file a lawsuit. Not carrying workers’ compensation is a misdemeanor offense, and a lawyer can help you take action.
In other situations, employers are not forthcoming about how to file a claim for compensation. This is also serious and a big reason to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Talk to an Evans Workers Compensation Lawyer for Free Today
As an employee in Evans, workers’ compensation is your right. You are entitled to medical benefits, wage benefits, and possibly more after a work injury. At John Foy & Associates, we’re here to make sure you get the benefits you deserve—as we have been doing for countless injured workers over the past 20 plus years.
Contact us today and we’ll get started with a FREE consultation and case evaluation. Call (404) 400-4000 or contact us online to get started with your FREE consultation.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form