Workers Comp Lawyer in Athens, GA
Being injured on the job, or developing a work-related illness are difficult situations. You could find yourself unable to work because of a work injury or illness, facing medical expenses, unable to pay your normal monthly expenses. This is exactly the situation that workers’ compensation is meant to take care of. Workers’ compensation insurance is purchased by your employer, then anyone hurt on the job is entitled to apply for benefits.
Every state in the United States—other than Texas—requires workers’ compensation insurance for employers, although the exact rules vary from state to state. If you find yourself in an untenable situation, unable to work because of your work injuries or illness, yet your employer or insurer are delaying or denying your benefits, it could be helpful to speak to an experienced Athens workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson.
About Athens, Georgia
The city of Athens (officially Athens—Clarke County) lies about 70 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta and is the sixth-largest city in Georgia with a population of approximately 128,000. Athens is considered a college town, with typical college town culture and music scenes close to the University of Georgia’s North Campus. A 2020 book titled “Cool Town: How Athens, Georgia launched Alternative Music and Changed American Culture,” portrays Athens as a model of indie culture.
A trading settlement called Cedar Shoals once stood where Athens now stands. In 1801, John Milledge, a trustee on the university board, bought 633 acres, donating it to the university and naming the surrounding area Athens. Athens officially became a town in 1806, continuing to grow with cotton mills fueling the industrial development of the town. During the American Civil War, Athens became a significant supply center, and during Reconstruction, Athens continued to grow, becoming more densely populated.
Why Should You Choose the Athens Workers’ Compensation Attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson?
An Athens workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson can help you get the benefits you need and deserve during this difficult time. We have been helping people just like you for more than three decades when they are unable to secure workers’ compensation benefits following a workplace accident or illness. If you are getting the runaround from your employer or their insurer regarding your workplace injuries, consulting with an attorney can be the best first step.
We have the knowledge required, as well as significant success representing Georgia workers’ compensation cases. We are always dedicated to your best interests, winning more than $250 million in settlements for our clients and their families. We would like to speak with you regarding the injuries or illnesses you’ve suffered while at work, helping you get the compensation you deserve. We have more than 150 positive Google Reviews and have handled more than 10,000 cases for our clients.
What Is Involved in Applying for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, all employers who have three full or part-time employees must carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. There are certain exceptions to this rule, including farm workers, domestic servants, federal employees, independent contractors, and some railroad employees. When an accident occurs, an injured worker must notify his or her supervisor to begin the claims process. Your employer must provide copies of paperwork or other material relevant to your injury claim.
You may be entitled to lost wages, medical expenses (including emergency treatment, hospitals, physicians, prescription medications, and medical devices), transportation costs to and from medical appointments, wrongful death benefits, and disability benefits. Even though your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, this does not mean they will be looking out for your future and your rights. Your employer and/or their insurer may even use manipulation to deny a valid claim or try to put the blame on you for your accident with injuries.
FAQs Regarding Athens, GA Workers’ Compensation
- Are independent contractors required to carry workers’ compensation? Independent contractors tend to be a hotly contested area regarding workers’ compensation. It comes down to whether the individual was an employee, covered by worker’s compensation, or an independent contractor. This is a significant issue, especially in the construction industry. The question becomes “what is an employee?” An employee is defined as an individual employed by another for wages or salary in any position below the executive level. An independent contractor is also hired to do specific work yet maintains control of when and how that work is done in a way that regular employees do not. Simply because your employer states you are an individual contractor does not necessarily make it true. In fact, there are 13 factors used to determine whether an individual is an employee or an independent contractor. If you were injured on the job and there is a dispute regarding your status as an employee vs. independent contractor, it is essential that you speak to an Athens workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson as quickly as possible.
- Can I refuse a medical treatment or surgery while receiving workers’ compensation benefits? If you have been approved for workers’ compensation benefits including wage loss and medical benefits you are eligible to receive medical treatment for your injuries. You are not required to pay any deductibles, co-pays, or other fees for any of your medical treatments related to your work injury or illness. In fact, you are even entitled to mileage to and from the doctor’s office, along with reimbursements for parking fees and other costs incurred when visiting your doctor. While you will be seeing an authorized workers’ compensation physician, you are allowed to refuse any invasive or non-invasive procedure, however, you cannot choose any medical procedure you want. What you can do is ask for a second opinion if you feel you are being forced into having a surgical procedure or other invasive procedure you are not comfortable with. If another physician also recommends the procedure and you refuse, you could conceivably lose your workers’ compensation benefits, so it is always a good idea to speak with an experienced Athens workers’ compensation attorney.
How an Athens Workers’ Compensation Attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson Can Help
There are many pitfalls you might encounter when applying for workers’ compensation following a Georgia work injury. Cases are often delayed or denied, sometimes due to a mistake made by the injured employee. Injured employees may fail to go to their doctor’s appointment, share injury information on social media, hide information regarding a pre-existing condition, or exaggerate the severity of their injuries.
This is why seeking legal advice from a qualified workers’ comp attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson can be the very best step you take. Attorney Darwin Johnson is a premier workers’ compensation attorney with extensive experience and training in this field. At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, our mission is to vigorously pursue all damages you are due following your workplace injury. Contact The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today.
