Alpharetta
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Almost all Alpharetta workers have workers’ compensation benefits starting on their first day of work. Workers’ compensation covers all employees, from entry-level employees to top-level executives and everyone in-between. However, despite this broad coverage, many injured workers have trouble getting their claims paid by workers’ compensation insurance.

John Foy & Associates has the experience and know-how to get results. We’ve been helping injured workers get their workers’ compensation benefits for more than 20 years, and we know how the system works and what we need to do to get you paid. Call our Alpharetta workers’ compensation lawyers and get your free consultation today.

A construction worker who fell off a ladder holds his injured leg in pain. Let our Alpharetta workers’ compensation lawyers get you the compensation you need to heal and recover. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment for a free consultation today.

Why Should You Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer? 

In 2019, there were 2.8 million employer-reported non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses. While many of these injured employees received proper compensation, many more got ripped off by the insurance companies. 

Insurance companies are businesses, and their interests are solely in saving money. Many people find it hard to believe, but insurance companies have zero desire to pay you the total amount of compensation you need. That’s why, in these instances, it’s necessary to fight back and get the money you deserve. 

Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Alpharetta will: 

• Help you gather evidence of your workplace injury.
• Handle the insurance companies and represent your best interest to them. 
• Handle all of your communications with other parties. 
• Talk to any witnesses and consult with experts to provide supporting testimony. 
• Help you understand the legal options available to you. 

There are many benefits to hiring one of our Augusta workers’ compensation attorneys. We never accept any payment upfront. Our results and testimonials show our hard work, dedication, and experience in achieving our clients’ goals. If we can’t win you a settlement, you owe us absolutely nothing for our services. 

How does Workers’ Compensation Work in Alpharetta?

If you get injured on the job, you shouldn’t have to take your employer to court to get your injuries paid for. The government established the workers’ compensation program to give injured workers an easier path to financial recovery. The program serves two purposes:

• It provides medical care and financial support for injured workers like you
• It does this without the need for a drawn-out, expensive lawsuit

All employers are required by law to carry a workers compensation insurance policy that will cover injured workers on the job. So then, if you get physically hurt at work, the policy will protect you.

It’s important to understand a few things about workers’ compensation. Firstly, it isn’t a government handout. Instead, it’s an insurance policy that your employer has paid for, mostly through deductions from your paycheck. Secondly, you have a right to workers’ compensation benefits for any injury in the workplace, no matter what caused it or how it occurred.

What Damages Will Workers’ Compensation Pay for in Alpharetta?

All the costs of a workplace injury get covered by workers’ compensation, including the pay you missed if you were out of work because you were injured. For most damages, you can expect these benefits:

• Medical care, including doctor visits, emergency rooms, surgery, and tests
• Prescription drugs and medical equipment
• Physical therapy to help you recover
• Vocational training, if you need it, to return to work
• The cost of traveling to and from healthcare providers, at a rate of $0.40 per mile
• Lost pay and reduced earning capability. Workers compensation will issue a paycheck that is smaller than what you usually receive but it is tax-free.

If you have a disability or a permanent condition, you are eligible for even more financial benefits. You may also receive benefits if a workplace accident claims the life of a close family member.  

We know that money can’t ever compensate you for a life-altering injury or a tragic loss, but we also know that serious injuries carry a big financial impact. Workers’ compensation can help you get the care you need and stay on top of your bills while you continue your healing process.

What Injuries Are Covered By Workers’ Compensation in Alpharetta?

Workers’ compensation covers just about any injury that happens in the workplace. Fault doesn’t matter as you’re covered no matter who or what caused the injury. It also doesn’t matter how you were injured

The injury doesn’t need to be related to the work you do. You’re covered even if you trip on the stairs or slip in the break room. You don’t have to blame anyone to get benefits.

Some of the most common injuries we see are related to the construction industry. It’s not unusual for construction workers to suffer injuries caused by falling debris, construction equipment, or electrical shocks. But we also see injured office workers with desk jobs, restaurant employees, delivery drivers, and people in just about any industry or occupation you can think of.

What If You Were Injured Outside of Work? 

Workers compensation covers injuries that happen at work, so injuries that occur outside your workplace generally aren’t covered. Fortunately, the program also accommodates specific injuries that occur when you’re working off-site. For example, you may receive compensation if you get injured in one of these circumstances:

• While on business travel
• While driving a company car
• While running an errand as part of your job
• While attending a meeting off-site
• While working from a remote location

Unfortunately, if you get injured while traveling to or from work, your injuries will probably not get covered. However, if you were in your employer’s parking lot or on the sidewalk when you got injured, you may be able to get benefits.

Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Psychological Injury?

Workers compensation primarily covers physical injuries. However, if you suffer trauma or another psychological condition along with a physical injury, then your physical and psychological injuries will both be covered.  

But if you aren’t physically hurt, workers’ compensation will not cover psychological treatment. Thus, you could recover for both physical and psychological wounds after a physical attack, but not for psychological issues caused by verbal harassment.

Can You Get Workers’ Compensation without Suing Your Employer?

Yes. Workers in Alpharetta aren’t even allowed to sue their employers for workplace injuries in the first place. Workers’ compensation has wholly replaced the ordinary system of lawsuits and courtrooms. This is good for workers, for several reasons:

• Lawsuits can take a long time; workers compensation gets you benefits more quickly
• Lawsuits are unpredictable; workers compensation is a more straightforward system with fewer variables
• Lawsuits force you to go against your employer; workers compensation is a claim with an insurance company

Many injured employees aren’t sure they want to file a workers’ compensation claim. They fear they’ll lose their job or suffer other consequences if they make a claim against their employer. But in filing a workers’ compensation claim, you’re not accusing your employer of anything. You’re just making an insurance claim.  

Most employers are supportive and want the very best for you. Unfortunately, it’s the insurance companies that will try to deny your claim. But you’ll have a much better chance of complete financial recovery if you have a good Alpharetta workers’ compensation lawyer working for you.

The Statute of Limitations for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Alpharetta 

The general statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims under Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) §34-9-82 gives you one year from the date of your injury. However, remember that this is only a general time frame. Even if you have one year, it’s not in the interest of your claim to take that long to file. 

Workers’ compensation insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries and use the amount of time you took to file as evidence showing you weren’t really hurt. The longer you let time pass, the harder it becomes to get fair compensation. So don’t wait too long to reach out to one of our workers’ compensation lawyers in Alpharetta for assistance. 

Talk to an Alpharetta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free

If you get injured at work, you have a right to a full financial recovery. At John Foy & Associates, we’ve been helping people like you recover workers’ compensation benefits for more than 20 years. So call us or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.