Do I Need a Workers’ Comp Attorney? Suffering a work-related injury and trying to navigate the worker’s compensation claim process is a stressful situation no one wants to experience. But in Georgia, over 78,000 employees suffered injuries while at work in 2019. While a company’s insurer should cover the cost of these claims, getting them to compensate you for the harm done to you physically and financially can quickly turn into an uphill battle.
Because workers compensation is typically funded through your employer’s insurance company, any injury claims threaten their profits. This is just one of many reasons why you should consider hiring an experienced Atlanta workers compensation attorney to represent your case. At The Law Offices of Darwin. F. Johnson, our highly skilled legal team, encourages individuals unsure about hiring a lawyer to consider the following top ten reasons to seek counsel after getting hurt at work.
Top 10 Reasons You May Need a Workers Comp Attorney in Atlanta
Ideally, if you suffer minor injuries when working, your employer’s workers compensation insurance will cover your costs for related treatment and lost wages. This is how it’s supposed to work, but an insurer’s greed can make a claim process turn into a nightmare. There are many reasons you should consider working with a Fulton County area workers comp lawyer if you get injured at work.
If you are unsure about hiring a skilled Atlanta attorney to represent your case, you should consider booking a free consultation, if:
You Received a Claim Denial
There are many reasons that denials happen. Often it is due to lacking proper documentation of your injuries or not following required procedures by the insurer or Georgia workers compensation law. Working with a knowledgeable attorney can help avoid costly mistakes.
You Are Told to Return to Work Too Soon
Laws that govern compensation claims require that you accept offered work if you can perform the expected task. Still, you also have the right to prioritize your medical safety in such matters. If you or your doctor don’t believe you should be returning to work, or question the duties being asked of you, make sure to consult with a Darwin F. Johnson attorney right away.
You Have a Pre-existing Condition
A pre-existing condition on its own isn’t grounds for disputing your worker’s compensation claim. Many times, new work injuries aggravate or complicate health issues you are already treating. Insurers and employers are well aware of this fact but will try to get away with denying your claim, nonetheless.
Your Injuries Resulted in Permanent Damage and Limits Your Ability to Work
If your injuries were so catastrophic that you have suffered a permanent disability, making it impossible to return, an experienced workers compensation attorney is crucial to your claim. Many times, additional compensation is necessary and needs to be included in your damages.
You Need Social Security Disability Benefits
In situations where you are already receiving social security disability or other governmental benefits, or wish to pursue this support, consulting with a Fulton County worker’s compensation lawyer is wise. Often, any worker’s comp payments you receive will cause a reduction in other program benefits one is already receiving.
Your Employer or Insurer is Stalling Your Claim
Insurers want to save money on payouts, and employers need to keep their insurer’s premiums low. This often leads to purposely delaying action on an injury claim. Because Georgia worker’s compensation laws require injuries to be reported and decisions appealed within specific timeframes, making you miss these deadlines can jeopardize your benefit. Hiring an attorney can help stop these manipulative tactics and ensure any required documentation or filings are timely.
Your Employer is Disputing Your Injuries
Disputing your workplace injuries isn’t always about denying you got hurt. Sometimes, insurers are only willing to pay for a specific treatment type, or they refuse to consider any emotional recovery for the trauma you endured. If you aren’t receiving compensation offers that account for the full scope of your injuries, The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson will make sure your claim is thoroughly documented and represented to avoid minimization of the harm you suffered.
Your Employer Fired You Because of Your Workers Comp Claim
Because Georgia is an at-will employment state, you can be fired. There are exceptions for situations where you are being discriminated against or have a contracted work agreement. If you were working without restrictions, you might not be able to receive any further worker’s compensation benefits. Still, if you did have limitations in place by a treating physician at the time of your firing, you might be able to get compensation. This is a complicated situation and requires careful assessment by a qualified workers comp attorney in Atlanta.
You Have to Attend a Hearing Regarding Your Claim
If you have reached a point in your worker’s compensation claim where your case has to be presented in a legal proceeding or hearing, you need to have a skilled attorney to prepare and represent you. Situations involving mediation or arbitration will potentially include teams of lawyers working against you on behalf of the insurer or your employer. The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson can prepare your claim for hearing and create a level field of play during this process.
How Can Workers Comp Attorney Darwin F. Johnson Help My Claim?
When deciding to hire an attorney to represent your worker’s compensation claim, you may find having legal guidance to be enough reason. You have serious concerns about how you can recover from workplace injuries, and our attorneys have the answers you need. The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson specializes in representing injured Atlanta employees. We have the skill and successful track record of protecting your best interests during a challenging claims process. Throughout Fulton County, GA, workers trust our over forty years of combined experience to help get the worker’s compensation settlements they deserve for their injuries. Call us to set up your free consultation at (404) 882-9237 or contact us online to schedule an appointment today.
