Cartersville
Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At John Foy & Associates, we know how tough it can be to recover after a workplace injury. Workers in Cartersville, no matter their income or job type, should receive workers’ compensation, but securing these benefits can be a challenge.

Insurance companies often hesitate to pay what injured employees are rightfully owed. If you’ve been hurt, a Cartersville workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights and guide you through the process.

Our team has recovered over $1 billion for clients. Whether you need a Cartersville personal injury lawyer or help with workers’ compensation, we’re ready to support you. Reach out today for a free consultation.

What Is the Process for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Under Georgia law, workers’ compensation provides benefits and income to assist injured workers in recovering from work-related injuries or illnesses.

These benefits are meant to help you return to work or, in the case of death, provide support to your dependents. Our lawyers suggest following the process below for a workers’ compensation claim.

Report the Injury Immediately

After a work-related injury, notify your supervisor right away. Reporting the injury promptly is essential, as waiting too long could cause you to lose your benefits. This step also helps document the accident and your workplace injury.

Complete the Appropriate Form

To begin your claim, complete Form WC-14 and file it with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Send copies to your employer and their insurance company. A workers’ compensation attorney can assist injured workers throughout this process.

Find Out Which Doctors You Can See

Seek medical attention promptly, but keep in mind that your choice of doctors may be limited to those approved by your employer. Immediate treatment is imperative for documenting your injuries and preventing delays in your benefits or long-term disability claims.

Know that Fault Does Not Matter

Workers’ compensation differs from personal injury claims in that fault is not considered. You cannot sue or blame your employer for the accident, and all claims are handled through workers’ compensation insurance. Your employer cannot penalize you for filing a claim.

How Much Income Can I Receive Under Workers’ Compensation?

If your work-related injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, workers’ compensation benefits provide you with two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to $575 per week (as of 2017). These compensation benefits are designed to help cover lost income while you recover.

You will continue receiving these benefits until either 400 weeks have passed or you’ve reached “maximum medical improvement,” meaning the doctor determines your condition has improved as much as possible with medical care under the workers’ compensation policy.

If your injury results in a permanent disability, you will be evaluated according to compensation laws to determine the extent of your disability moving forward.

Does Workers’ Compensation Automatically Cover All Workers?

Most workers are covered, but there are some exceptions. In Cartersville, any business with three or more employees, including part-time workers, is required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This ensures coverage for any work-related accident.

If a business fails to carry workers’ compensation insurance when required, it could be charged with a misdemeanor. While you cannot sue your employer through a workers’ compensation claim, you can take legal action if they were supposed to have the insurance but didn’t.

If you were injured in a work-related accident and your employer claims there’s no workers’ compensation, consult a Cartersville workers’ compensation attorney right away, as this may be illegal.

Why Isn’t the Insurance Company Helping Me?

It’s frustrating when the insurance company doesn’t seem to care after a job-related injury. The reality is that their priority is often minimizing costs – not supporting injured workers. To them, you’re viewed as a financial liability rather than a person in need of assistance.

This is why speaking with an experienced legal team is so important. Understanding your rights and knowing what additional compensation you may be entitled to can make all the difference after a workplace injury.

At John Foy & Associates, our experienced attorneys help injured workers fight insurance companies that are focused on protecting their bottom line.

What Happens if I’m Not Able to Return to Work?

After your medical treatment is complete, your medical condition will be evaluated to determine if you have a permanent disability. If you are found to be permanently and totally disabled due to workplace accidents, you’ll receive weekly compensation benefits under workers’ compensation for the rest of your life.

Permanent total disabilities can include injuries such as losing a limb or significant damage to your eyes. Even with a permanent partial disability, you may still be eligible for additional benefits.

The workers’ compensation insurance company may attempt to prove you can return to work by having their own doctor assess your condition. To protect your rights, consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in Cartersville right away.

What Can a Cartersville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Do for Me?

Many workers injured on the job wonder if their case is “big enough” to need legal help. It’s common to have doubts until you notice your employer has already hired their own lawyer. If you’ve experienced a job-related injury, it’s important to have someone on your side.

Our experienced Cartersville workers’ compensation attorneys have handled countless workplace injury cases. Here’s how we can support you:

• Evaluate your work injury claim with a free consultation.
• Offer ongoing legal advice so you’re informed throughout the claims process.
• Assist with gathering medical records and other necessary documents.
• Work with witnesses and medical experts to strengthen your claim.
• Review your medical care options and determine fair compensation for your medical bills.
• Negotiate with the insurance company and assess settlement offers.
• Help file Social Security disability claims related to your job-related injury.

We provide dedicated legal representation to ensure your case is handled fairly.

Speak with a Cartersville Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free

If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to have someone in your corner. At John Foy & Associates, we understand the challenges injured workers face after a workplace accident and are here to support you.

Having recovered over $1 billion for our clients, we’re ready to help with your workers’ compensation claim. A Cartersville workers’ compensation lawyer from our team can guide you through the process and ensure you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

Contact The Strong Arm, John Foy & Associates, for a free consultation today. Our law firm cares deeply about the Georgia community, and we’re committed to fighting for your rights and helping you move forward.