Every workman’s compensation case is unique, but what they all have in common is a victimized employee whose life has been negatively affected by a workplace mishap. Whether it’s a fall, pulled muscle, burn or a broken bone, an employee who is injured on the job is entitled to certain benefits under the law. But the tragic thing about many workman’s compensation cases is that they don’t always make it to a claims board. Sometimes, workers don’t know what their rights are if they suffer an injury on the job.
It’s hard to know when you should contact an attorney who specializes in workman’s compensation. Not every workplace injury requires the expertise of an attorney. Typically, an employee could represent him or herself for a minor injury like a scrape or twisted ankle, or if he or she missed little or no time due to the injury. However, if the employee’s quality of life has been significantly impacted by a workplace injury, he or she may want reach out to an attorney who specializes in workman’s compensation.
Here at the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we know these things can be a little tricky, so we’ve provided a few guidelines to use if you’re unsure about whether or not you should contact a workman’s compensation attorney, or if you’re just a little curious and you’d like to know what circumstances might warrant you doing so.
- You can’t perform your job or other tasks in your personal life at the same level you were able to before the incident took place. Many injured workers find themselves unable to do the things they used to. If life has been more difficult because of an injury you suffered while on the job, it may be time to contact a professional.
- You feel threatened by the processes involved in navigating the muddy waters of a workman’s compensation claim. These kinds of matters can seem daunting, especially when they have to do with your livelihood. A qualified, experienced attorney may be your best bet for help in understanding the workman’s compensation claim process.
- Your claim is denied for one reason or another, and your quality of life has been compromised. If your clam is denied, but you believe you are entitled to certain compensation and benefits, you should reach out to a workman’s compensation lawyer.
- You are not compensated for missed time or medical bills that resulted from an injury you sustained on the job. If you are compensated by your employer for an injury, but you are not compensated for all of the time you missed, or all of the bills you accumulated because of your injury, it is time to contact an attorney.
- Your employer retaliates against you because of a claim you submitted. Penalizing an employee because of a workman’s compensation claim is inappropriate, and an employee should know that he or she should seek legal counsel if they feel like their employer has retaliated against them for submitting a claim. Retaliation can range from slight mistreatment to termination. Regardless, it is something that an employee should not let slide.
Every employer in Georgia with more than three employees is required to have a workman’s compensation insurance policy, but not every injured employee is aware of their rights as a victim, or even knows if he or she should contact an attorney if an injury occurs. If you are one of those people, and you’re searching for a workman’s comp lawyer in Savannah, GA, don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional.
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