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A Guide to Worker’s Compensation Benefits

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Workers’ compensation can be a tricky field to navigate on your own. If you have been injured on the job, you may find yourself with more questions than answers, or wondering what steps to take next. At McAleer Law, we handle Workers’ Compensation cases in Georgia and would like to provide you with some answers to common Workers’ Compensation questions.

How Do I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

To begin, you will need to complete and file a WC-14 with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Make sure you send a copy of this to your employer as well. A WC-14 form is a notice of your Workers’ Compensation claim and contains information such as your employer, insurance information, attorney information and mediation issues. This form can be found on the board’s website and you can get a qualified Workers’ Compensation lawyer in Atlanta to help you fill it out.

What Do My Workers’ Compensation Payments Cover?

Your compensation will cover any hospital or medical bills you incurred that were necessary to treat and diagnose your injury. Your checks will also cover disability payments for the time that you are unable to work due to your injuries. While the disability payments vary, it is typically two-thirds of your salary. The payments may also cover retraining, rehabilitation, and other benefits. McAleer Law can provide more in-depth information on exactly what your Workers’ Compensation payments will cover.

Are all Injuries That Occur on the Job Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation covers most on-the-job injuries, even if the injury was caused by the carelessness of the employee or other co-workers. It is important to note, however, that there are limits to this. Coverage for Workers’ Compensation may be denied in situations such as:

  • Injuries suffered when the employee was not on the job
  • Self-inflicted injuries (such as injuries caused by an individual who starts a fight)
  • Any injuries suffered while the employee was committing a serious crime
  • Injuries suffered while the employee was acting outside of the company’s code of conduct or company policies

It is important to check with a trusted legal advisor to find out if your injury is covered under Georgia Workers’ Compensation law.

Can I Be Treated by My Own Doctor for Workers’ Compensation Injuries?

If you have been injured on the job and are interested in seeking medical help from your personal doctor, you may be able to see your own doctor if you have requested it in writing prior to suffering an injury. The more likely scenario is that you will be referred to a doctor paid for by your company’s insurance provider. Be wary of this, though, as these doctors may be more interested in receiving future business from your employer than making sure to provide accurate information about the severity of your injury.

If you’ve been injured on the job and need help navigating the world of Workers’ Compensation, don’t wait until things pile up to seek help. Our experienced staff is ready to take your call and help you get the settlement you deserve for the injuries you received while on the job. Contact us today to get started.

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