Every worker is automatically eligible for workers’ compensation in Dalton, GA. This is true no matter how long you’ve been at your job or what your pay it. From the day you start working, you’re covered.
But that doesn’t mean your employer’s insurance company will be eager to pay your claim. Often, we see insurance companies looking for ways to wriggle out of paying, reduce the total amount you get, or simply approve you for less treatment than you really need.
In some cases we even see insurers try to blame the worker or claim that the injury did not happen at work. If you have been hurt on the job, no matter how the accident happened, you should speak to a good Dalton workers’ compensation lawyer immediately.
At John Foy & Associates we’ve been helping workers recover from injuries for more than 20 years. When you are hurt on the job, we know that the insurance company has an army of lawyers who immediately work to undermine your claim.
We believe you deserve the same level of dedicated legal representation, and we have some of the most experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in the state of Georgia willing to help.
Let us give you a free consultation to find out your legal options. Call us at 404-400-4000 and get your free consultation today.
How does Workers’ Compensation Work in Dalton?
Workers’ compensation is a government-mandated program and functions the same way across the entire state of Georgia. The program has two basic goals:
- Get every injured worker the full medical care they need
- Help workers get that care without expensive lawsuits
The program works by requiring every employer to carry an insurance policy protecting their workers in the event of an on-the-job injury. The policy covers 100% of your medical costs and helps you return to work if possible. You don’t have to do anything to qualify for this coverage—it’s automatic if you’re employed.
Your wages also help pay for the insurance policy. Under workers compensation rules, both you and your employer pay part of the cost of the program. The money you pay in is deducted from your paycheck every time you’re paid. That means that you have already paid for your workers’ compensation benefits. It is not a handout or a freebie—it’s your right.
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What Kinds of Costs does Workers’ Compensation Cover in Dalton?
Workers’ compensation is meant to be all-inclusive of the costs of your injury. That means it will pay for:
- Medical care. All hospital stays, doctor appointments and other medical care is covered.
- Any drugs or medicine you need because of your injury are covered.
- Physical therapy & rehabilitation. If you need occupational therapy, physical therapy or any other kind of rehabilitative treatment, it’s completely paid for until you make the fullest possible recovery. In some cases this can include vocational therapy to help you learn to do your job (or another job) post-injury.
- Missed work time. Every week that you are laid up from an injury is a week that you cannot work and get paid. Workers’ compensation addresses this by issuing you a paycheck for the entire time you cannot work. This paycheck is normally two-thirds of what you would make at work, and is completely tax-free.
- You can be reimbursed for travel costs to go to and from doctor appointments and pharmacies. Track your mileage and you will be reimbursed at a rate of 40 cents per mile.
If you have a permanent disability you may also qualify for additional payments. No money can ever undo a disability, but it will help you recover from the financial blow that the injury has done to your career.
What Kinds of Injuries does Workers’ Compensation Cover?
If you are injured at work, you’re covered. It’s that simple. It doesn’t matter how the injury happened or what kind of injury it is.
Some workplace injuries are more common than others. We see most workers’ compensation claims come out of the construction industry. These include electric shock, being struck by a falling object, falling, or being caught in between large equipment. But we’ve also seen claims come from all kinds of industries, including white collar offices.
Generally, the injury has to happen at the workplace, but there are exceptions:
- If you are injured in a parking lot owned by your employer
- Injuries on outdoor walkways owned by the employer
- Injuries during business travel
- Any injury that happens while working remotely or while taking a work call
- Accidents while driving in a company car or truck
- Any injury while running an errand required by your employer
- Injuries at offsite meetings
What About Emotional/Psychological Trauma? Is It Also Covered?
In some cases, yes. The rule with workers’ compensation is that there has to be a physical injury. If you were injured physically, then any emotional trauma related to that injury is also covered, and you can get treatment for that trauma with 100% coverage. However, if the injury is purely emotional, with no physical injury, it will not be covered. If you’re not sure whether your specific situation will count, you should speak to a workers’ compensation lawyer.
Do I Have to Sue My Employer?
Never. In fact, not only do you not have to sue your employer, in the City of Dalton you are not allowed to sue your employer for workplace injuries. The workers’ compensation system is supposed to provide you with the care you need and completely do away with lawsuits.
Many injured workers don’t want to file a claim because they don’t want to point the finger at their employer. But there is no blame in the workers’ compensation system. Even injuries that are total accidents, like tripping on a staircase, are covered. You can keep your job and your employer cannot take any action against you related to your claim. Remember—you have already paid for your workers’ compensation benefits. Getting your coverage is your right.
Speak to a Dalton Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Free
A single injury can affect your ability to work—and your day-to-day health—for the rest of your life. You deserve the best treatment possible. At John Foy & Associates, we can help you get the full treatment you need, completely paid for by workers’ compensation. wait until it’s too late.
Call us at 706-400-4000 or fill out the form to your right and get your FREE consultation today.
706-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
