Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Augusta

A form of insurance called workers’ compensation was created to provide wage replacement and medical benefits to those who are sidelined by an on-the-job injury. However, the system can be complicated, and sometimes an employer will cast doubt on the severity of a worker’s injuries.

If you were hurt on the job and would like help pursuing compensation while you recuperate, you may benefit from contacting an Augusta workers’ compensation lawyer. A personal injury attorney could help you navigate the process and obtain the medical care and money you need.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits

The State Board of Workers’ Compensation provides detailed information on the various types of benefits someone injured on the job in Georgia could expect to receive. These benefits include medical treatment, wage replacement, and death benefits.

Medical Treatment

A worker who is hurt on the job is entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical treatment. This includes hospital stays, surgery, doctor visits, physical rehabilitation, and prescription medication. Vocational rehab may be utilized to enable the individual to return to the workforce and begin to earn a living again. An Augusta attorney experienced in workers’ compensation could help a plaintiff seek compensation for these expenses.

Wage Replacement

Suffering an injury at work and being forced to take a leave of absence of seven or more days can entitle a plaintiff to wage replacement benefits. These benefits amount to two-thirds of the injured worker’s average weekly income capped at $575 per week.

Death Benefits

Unfortunately, work-related injuries could be fatal. In Georgia, the dependents of a worker killed on the job are eligible for death benefits, including lost wages and funeral and burial expenses.

Filing a Claim in Augusta

An injured employee is required to report the accident to their employer within 30 days. If they do not, they potentially forfeit their right to workers’ compensation benefits.

The employer must then file a form called First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease. If the employer does not, the injured Augusta employee should immediately seek help from a workers’ compensation attorney. The employee also has the option of filing a claim directly with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation – either on their own or with a lawyer.

An injured worker may also need to have their case heard by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. There, the employee will be permitted to present evidence, such as medical expert testimony, about their injuries. An unsatisfactory ruling may be appealed, provided the appeal is filed within 20 days.

Contact an Augusta Workers’ Compensation Attorney Following a Workplace Injury

If you or a loved one was injured at work, you might qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. However, determining whether you are eligible is often easier said than done. Contact an Augusta workers’ compensation lawyer following a workplace injury to discuss your rights and options with a local legal professional. Together, you could work toward financial compensation for your injuries.