Hurt on the job in Georgia? Four steps that can help you get fair compensation.

Worker’s Compensation or “workman’s comp” is a system that exists in all states to protect workers who are hurt on the job. Any injury that occurs on the job “out of and in the course of employment” is covered by worker’s compensation. This includes injuries from accidents as well as injuries from repeat or cumulative trauma (repetitive motion injuries) and injuries from work-related toxin exposure.

Worker’s Compensation is a “no-fault” system that provides injured and sick employees with benefits including medical care, a portion of their wages and, in some cases, benefits, without suing their employer.

Georgia law requires that your employer or their insurance company compensate you or your family in the event that you are injured or killed while on the job. Worker’s Compensation covers medical care, including emergency treatment, follow-up, and rehabilitation. It provides 66% of the employee’s salary while the employee is unable to work. If the employee is permanently unable to work, they may be entitled to a lump sum settlement. There are also benefits in the event of death.

However, insurance companies often care more about profits than about people. Here are four steps that you can take to get the compensation you are entitled to.

1. As soon as the injury occurs, immediately notify your employer.

Notifying your employer is the first step in starting the worker’s compensation process. Once you notify your employer, an injury report is filed with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Don’t delay. Delay may harm your case.

Check with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to make sure all necessary documents have been filed. You can reach the main office at 1-800-533-0682.

In Georgia, you must see a doctor that is on your employer’s panel of Worker’s Compensation doctors. If you do not like that doctor, you may change doctors if they are on the same panel. But, you may only change doctors once. You also have the right to be seen by your own doctor. Make sure to get copies of all medical records and test results.

If you have serious injuries, and your claim is rejected and attorney can help. You may also want to consider an attorney if your compensation claim is accepted, but the amount does not cover your medical needs, if medical care is denied, or if your employer takes any retaliatory actions after the claim is filed such as disciplinary action or firing.

A worker’s compensation attorney can make sure that you are treated fairly and given appropriate financial consideration.

If you need help filing your claim or getting timely compensation, the lawyers at Kaufman Law can help. Call us at toll free at 888-973-2540 for a free consultation.