get workers comp benefits georgiaIf you are injured on the job in Georgia, you are entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits include coverage for medical care and wage replacement lost because of the accident and injury that occurred on the job. 

When you accept workers’ compensation benefits, it means you also relinquish your right to sue your employer for negligence. 

At Hines Law, we have been providing legal services for injured workers for decades and helped to recover compensation for those who truly need it. Thanks to the years of experience we have, we understand how insurance companies often make this process challenging. 

We have encountered cases where an injured workers’ employer denied their benefits or pressured them to come back to work too quickly. Our team can protect your rights and help ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Not only that, but we will make sure you are treated fairly by all parties throughout the process. 

An Overview of the Workers’ Compensation System 

Workers’ compensation is insurance. Employers are required to purchase this to help protect their employees. Any employer with three or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance according to the SBWC (State Board of Workers’ Compensation). A “regular employee” includes full-time, part-time, and seasonal workers. 

The benefits provided by workers’ compensation offer supplemental income when a worker cannot work for a period of seven days or more. The workers’ compensation program also includes medical coverage and benefits for vocational rehabilitation. If a worker dies due to a work-related injury, then the workers’ compensation coverage will provide benefits for the worker’s dependents. 

The “No-Fault” Workers’ Compensation System 

With personal injury lawsuits, the plaintiff must prove the defendant was at-fault for the accident that resulted in their injuries. If you cannot meet the burden of proof, you can’t recover compensation for the injuries you suffered. 

However, this isn’t the case with a workers’ comp case. The employer’s fault is not something that must be proven for a worker to receive benefits. 

Instead, a worker must prove that the injury occurred at work or that it was work-related. If this can be proven, then they are entitled to receive benefits. Put simply, as an employee, there’s no need to prove that your employer was at fault for the injuries to get benefits. Even though this is the case, some workers still have trouble getting the workers’ compensation coverage that they deserve. 

Insurance Companies Don’t Want to Pay Workers’ Compensation Benefits 

It’s important to remember that insurance companies are for-profit companies. Because of this, the last thing they want to do is to pay your claim. Because of this, those who work for these companies will search for any options to deny workers coverage or to reduce the amount of time they must pay for the benefits. 

In some situations, an insurance company will even put pressure on an injured worker to go back to their job so they can cease disability benefits. This is done by downplaying the severity of the person’s injuries. 

How Can You Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Working with our legal team means we will help determine if you can qualify for these benefits. Our team will pursue all legal avenues possible to help you receive the benefits that you are owed. 

It’s worth noting that an at-work injury must keep you from working for a minimum of seven days to make you eligible for these benefits. Also, only injuries that occur at work or are caused by work conditions will qualify for these benefits. 

Some of the most common types of workplace injuries we see include:

  • Workplace assault
  • Repetitive motion injuries
  • Falls
  • Injuries caused by machines or equipment
  • Falling objects
  • Overextension of muscles or joints
  • Slip and fall injuries
  • Moving vehicle-related injuries

This is a list of common workplace accidents, and it is not comprehensive. There are many other at-work illnesses and injuries that may entitle you to workers’ compensation benefits. Because of this, we encourage you to get in touch with us right away after an at-work accident occurs or if your employer or their insurer denies your benefits. 

Contact Our Legal Team for Help

As a worker, workers’ compensation is your right if you are injured at work or if you develop an illness due to workplace conditions. Unfortunately, securing these benefits isn’t as simple as it may seem. 

While it is a no-fault system, there are situations where your claim for benefits may be denied. While this can be a stressful situation, we are here to help. Get in touch with our workers compensation lawyers to discuss your options and learn more about our legal services. We encourage you to schedule a free consultation to discuss your claim and let us learn about your case. We are here to help fight for your rights.