Buford
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Most workers in Buford will have workers’ compensation benefits available to them if they’re injured at work. These benefits are a fantastic resource because they provide you with a weekly paycheck while you recover, and they take care of your medical bills. You can also receive benefits for any permanent condition that you will endure because of the work injury.

While these benefits are designed to help workers, they are expensive for employers and insurance companies, which means that they tend to put up a fight when you request benefits. Don’t let them dissuade you—these benefits are your rights. You need to talk to a Buford workers’ compensation attorney.  

Workers’ compensation is a unique system with its own laws, regulations, and requirements. It can be tricky to ensure that you meet all of the qualifications to get benefits, and because these cases are so unique, many attorneys will not work on them. John Foy & Associates is the exception.

We don’t just have 20+ years of experience working on these cases—we have put them at the core of our business. We believe in helping workers and the victims of injuries, and we know how to prove your case. Let us give you a free consultation. We never charge a dime unless you get the benefits you deserve.

Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.

How Much Will My Workers’ Compensation Benefits Be?

One of the most common questions that we get asked in workers’ compensation cases is how much you can actually receive. The answer is often more than you might think. In fact, you’re entitled to several different types of payments in a workers’ compensation case. These include:

• Medical Benefits. Your employer will cover the cost of your medical expenses that are caused by your work injury or accident. In most situations, these medical benefits will not continue indefinitely. Instead, you can receive up to 400 weeks (about seven and a half years) of medical benefits. Some catastrophic accidents will warrant lifetime medical benefits, however.
• Weekly Benefits. While you are recovering from a work injury and are unable to work, you can receive weekly benefits. These benefits are designed to replace your paycheck that you would have otherwise received if you were still working. However, it is not the full amount of your check—it is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, with a maximum amount of $575.00 per week. You do not have to pay income tax on this weekly payment. And while the amount is often easy to calculate, it can be more complex if you work varying hours. Your lawyer can help you figure out what an “average” week is for you and how much you should really be receiving.

These benefits should start as soon as you have been out of work for more than seven days. Employers or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier are required to start payments no later than 21 days after the first day that you missed work.  

• Permanency benefits. There are many situations where a work injury can change your ability to work in the future. To offset this loss, the workers’ compensation system includes a way to provide you with additional weekly benefits, called permanency benefits. These benefits were developed to account for the loss in potential earnings that you have after a work injury.
• Retraining or vocational rehabilitation. If you are seriously injured and cannot return to your previous job, you may be entitled to retraining so that you can learn another type of job. Retraining is often available in situations where you must go from a heavy-labor job to a lighter or sedentary position because of your work injury. Many workers sometimes overlook this benefit, but it can be very beneficial for employees in Bufordwho will need to change their field of work due to a work accident. In many cases, it’s the key to maintaining your career in the future.

Of course, some workplace accidents are fatal.  Death benefits are also available to families whose loved one was killed on the job.

How Long Will I Receive Weekly Benefits?

You can receive weekly benefits for up to 400 weeks if you remain off work. If you go back to work, but you are only able to work limited hours, or you are making less money, then you may be able to get partial benefits as well. Those partial benefits will continue for as long as 350 weeks from the date of your injury. They cannot exceed more than $383.00 per week.  

Your benefits will be reduced if you can return to work, even if you have some restrictions, such as no lifting over a certain limit. Benefits will also stop if a medical professional releases you to work without any restrictions or limitations at all. Nonetheless, some catastrophic injuries may entitle you to benefits for the rest of your life.

What Happens If I don’t Receive My Weekly Benefits?

If you do not get the benefits that you deserve, you can file a contested claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. A contested claim is similar to a lawsuit in the regular courts, but it does have some unique rules and laws that apply specifically to workers’ compensation cases.

Do not try to take on this process by yourself—both employers and their insurance companies know how to fight you, and you need a legal professional on your side. Always talk to a lawyer.  

Talk to a Buford Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free

If you have been injured on the job, you need benefits to ensure that you can pay your regular bills and provide for your family while you recover. John Foy & Associates can help you get the benefits that you deserve. We charge you nothing unless we get you money.

Let us give you a FREE consultation. Call us at 404-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.