Lawrenceville Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Fighting for Injured Workers in Georgia
Most states—with the exception of Texas—offer workers’ compensation for employees who are injured while on the job. Workers’ compensation also covers illnesses that are work-related. The laws governing workers’ compensation are state-specific, meaning each state is different to some extent. In the state of Georgia, employees with three or more full-time or part-time employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance—with a few exceptions. Dealing with workers’ compensation—even though you are legally entitled to collect it—can be full of obstacles. Because of this, it is virtually always a good idea to have an experienced Lawrenceville, GA workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson by your side.
Our qualified Lawrenceville workers' compensation attorney will navigate the complex legal landscape and help protect your rights at every step. Their comprehensive understanding of Georgia's specific workers' compensation laws ensures that all necessary paperwork is correctly completed and timely filed, reducing the chances of a delay in claims processing. They also offer invaluable advice on gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, and appealing denied claims. Additionally, by having a dedicated attorney, you increase your chances of maximizing the compensation owed to you under the law.
Call The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today at (470) 285-8246 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our workers' compensation attorney in Lawrenceville.
Understanding Workers' Compensation Benefits in Georgia
Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides monetary and medical benefits to employees who are injured or become ill while performing job-related duties. In the state of Georgia, workers' compensation is governed by the Georgia Workers' Compensation Act.
Who is Covered?
Most employers in Georgia are required to provide workers' compensation coverage for their employees. This includes all private employers with three or more employees, as well as all public employers.
Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits
There are several types of benefits available under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. These benefits can include:
- Medical Benefits: Coverage for the medical care you need to treat your work-related injury, including hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescriptions.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are unable to work at all due to your injury, you may be entitled to TTD benefits, which provide partial wage replacement while you are out of work.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can work in a limited capacity but are earning less than you did before the injury, you may be entitled to TPD benefits.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If your injury results in lasting physical limitations or impairments, you may be entitled to PPD benefits to compensate for the long-term effects of your injury.
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD): If you are unable to work at all due to a permanent disability caused by your injury, you may be eligible for PTD benefits.
- Death Benefits: If a worker dies due to a workplace injury, their surviving family members may be entitled to death benefits to cover funeral expenses and provide financial support.
Each benefit is designed with specific criteria and conditions that must be proven, often necessitating medical documentation and expert testimony to establish the severity and impact of the injury. Our attorneys are skilled in presenting the necessary evidence effectively to support your claims. Moreover, if disputes arise regarding the interpretation of these benefits, we stand ready to represent your interests in negotiations or hearings before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Types of Work-Related Injuries
Injuries can occur in any type of work environment, but certain industries and job roles are more prone to certain types of injuries. Some of the most common workplace injuries include:
- Slips, Trips, & Falls: Workplace hazards such as wet floors, uneven surfaces, and cluttered workspaces can lead to dangerous slip-and-fall accidents.
- Construction Accidents: Construction workers are at risk for injuries caused by falling objects, machinery accidents, scaffolding falls, and more.
- Repetitive Stress Injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis can develop from repetitive movements in jobs that require frequent lifting or typing.
- Motor Vehicle Accidents: Employees who drive as part of their job are at risk for accidents that result in serious injuries.
- Machinery Accidents: Workers operating heavy machinery may suffer injuries from equipment malfunctions or accidents involving moving parts.
- Electrocution & Burns: Electrical accidents or burns from equipment malfunctions are common in jobs involving electricity or chemicals.
The nature of the workplace environment heavily influences the type of injuries sustained, forcing workplaces to adhere to strict safety regulations. Despite these measures, accidents still occur, often leaving workers physically and emotionally burdened. Our firm is dedicated to easing this strain by efficiently managing the legal process, ensuring you can focus on recovery while we negotiate fair compensation for the injuries sustained. Understanding specific injury types supports effective treatment and claim strategy planning, helping to articulate your case more persuasively.
The Claims Process for Workers' Compensation in Georgia
Understanding the workers' compensation claims process in Georgia is essential for ensuring that injured workers receive the benefits they are entitled to. Initially, the injured worker must report the injury to their employer immediately, and no later than 30 days after the incident. This step is crucial to avoid forfeiting your right to benefits. The employer is then responsible for notifying their insurance company and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, initiating the claim process.
Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will review the case, which includes evaluating medical reports and conducting investigations if necessary. It's not uncommon for insurance adjusters to question the details of the accident or the extent of the injuries. This is where having an attorney can significantly impact the outcome; we ensure all your documentation is thorough and advocate for your rights effectively. In Georgia, if an insurance company denies your claim, there is a specific appeal process that we can guide you through to challenge their decision successfully.
Our Approach to Client Advocacy
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, our approach to client advocacy is deeply rooted in our commitment to transparency and effective communication. From the outset, we ensure that all lines of communication are open, providing clients with regular updates and setting realistic expectations based on the complexities of their case. Our client-centric philosophy means each case is handled with personalized attention, ensuring that every client's unique needs and circumstances are addressed comprehensively.
We pride ourselves on our strategic litigation skills, vigorously negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients at hearings before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation when necessary. We also offer guidance throughout the legal process, from preparing necessary documentation to offering advice on interacting with employers and medical professionals. Our decades of experience and successful track record in workers' compensation cases empower us to provide solutions that are both effective and tailored to maximize recovery for our clients.
Over $250 Million Recovered. Over 10,000 Cases Handled.
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$4,200,000
Catastrophic Workers Comp
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$2,400,000
Catastrophic Workers Comp
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$1,200,000
Catastrophic Workers Comp
Learning More About Lawrenceville, GA
Lawrenceville, GA, is the county seat of Gwinnett County and a suburb of Atlanta. Located about 30 miles northeast of downtown Atlanta, Lawrenceville has a population of approximately 31,000. Lawrenceville was incorporated in 1821, making it the second oldest city in the metropolitan Atlanta area. Lawrenceville was named after the commander of the frigate Chesapeake, Commodore James Lawrence—who is well-known for his dying command, “Don’t give up the ship!”
A resident of Lawrenceville, Oliver Hardy, would go on to become a world-renowned comic actor as a member of the film duo, Laurel and Hardy. In 2005, the city of Lawrenceville went into partnership with Aurora Theatre which then relocated from Duluth to downtown Lawrenceville. Today, the Lawrenceville Aurora Theatre is in its 23rd season as the second-largest professional theatre in Georgia.
Lawrenceville is well-known for its annual hosting of the Polish Pierogi Festival, offering live music performances and food booths serving pierogi, kielbasa, sauerkraut, and many other culinary delights. Major businesses located in Lawrenceville include Atlanta Biologicals, Scientific Atlanta, and Peach State Federal Credit Union.
To be eligible for Workers Compensation, You must have incurred at least one of the following criteria from each section to qualify:
- On-The-Job Injury
- Injury occurred while working
- Injured due to the job you perform
- Employment Status
- You are a legal employee of the person or company you work for
- The company or person you work for has 3+ employees regularly in service
If you have not experienced or only have one piece of criteria from the above, please see our Personal Injury section to see how we can help you recover.
One-On-One Guidance
Throughout the Entire Legal Process
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Contact Our Lawrenceville Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you have been injured on the job in the state of Georgia, a Lawrenceville workers’ compensation attorney can help you obtain the benefits you deserve. The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson can assist you during this difficult time, ensuring you receive the benefits you are entitled to receive. Attorney Darwin F. Johnson has handled more than 10,000 workers’ compensation cases, winning over $250 million in workers’ compensation and personal injury claims.
By choosing a Lawrenceville-based attorney, injured workers gain the advantage of locally experienced professionals who understand the specific challenges of the Georgia legal system. With a focus on personalized representation, our team prioritizes client communication and transparency, keeping you informed throughout each phase of your claim. We meticulously prepare for all eventualities, from gathering critical medical reports to presenting a compelling case before hearings. Trust your legal matters to our dedicated team and allow yourself to concentrate on healing, knowing that your claim is in capable hands.
As one of the premier workers’ compensation attorneys in the Atlanta area, Darwin Johnson continues to specialize in the representation of injured workers in cases before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Contact The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today tel:(470) 285-8246 to schedule a consultation with our Lawrenceville workers' compensation lawyer.
FAQ's
Regarding Lawrenceville, GA Workers’ Compensation:
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Which Georgia Businesses are Exempt from Workers’ Compensation Requirements?There are a few exceptions in the state of Georgia for businesses required to carry workers’ compensation. These exceptions include federal employees, independent contractors, some railroad carriers, farmworkers, domestic workers, as well as sole proprietors and partners. If you are unsure whether your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance, you can check the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Verification website.
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What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits are You Entitled to Receive?
Under workers’ compensation laws in Georgia, if you are injured or diagnosed with a work-related illness, you are entitled to have all your related medical expenses covered. Additionally, you may be entitled to receive:
- Weekly wages that equal about two-thirds of your normal salary (unfortunately, the state of Georgia has one of the lowest temporary total disability rates in the nation)
- Death benefits for family members of a deceased worker
- Medical expenses including:
- Occupational therapy
- Physical therapy
- Mental health treatments
- In-home nursing
- Hospital visits
- Chiropractic services
- ER care
- Prescription medications
- Diagnostic tests
- Assistive devices
- Prostheses
- Braces
- Mileage for going to and from medical providers, including reimbursement for parking fees
- Medical and vocational rehabilitation costs
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What is the process for obtaining workers’ comp benefits?
Although the process can be much more complex, essentially you will do the following when you are injured at your place of employment:
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs or when you discover an occupational illness.
- Get medical treatment as quickly as possible following your workplace accident or occupational illness.
- Make sure you see an authorized physician so your medical expenses will be fully covered.
- Your employer should be able to help you fill out the necessary paperwork, or you can speak to an attorney who can also help you—and who is only interested in your future and your rights.
- Your employer should report your injury or illness, although you will fill out the WC-14 form as completely as possible to notify SBWC of your claim, or when you want a hearing or a mediation.
- The insurer will then approve or deny your claim. If you are denied WC benefits, you have the right to request a hearing from SBWC.
- Unless you are permanently disabled, eventually you will return to work.
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Can I move out of state while receiving Georgia workers’ compensation benefits?If you decide to move out of state while you are receiving Georgia workers’ compensation benefits, you can do so, however, your insurer will be required to provide you with a doctor.
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What Should I Do Immediately After a Workplace Injury?After a workplace injury, your immediate priority should be seeking medical attention to address any health concerns. Prompt medical care not only prioritizes your well-being but also provides necessary documentation for your workers' compensation claim. Once you've attended to your medical needs, inform your employer about the incident as soon as possible. Report any details surrounding the cause of the injury and make sure your employer files an official incident report. This is a crucial step, as Georgia law requires injuries to be reported within 30 days to maintain your eligibility for workers' compensation benefits.
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How Is the Amount of Workers' Compensation Determined?The amount of workers' compensation you may receive is determined by the severity of your injury, medical costs, and your average weekly wage prior to the injury. In Georgia, temporary disability benefits typically cover two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state-imposed cap. Medical benefits cover all necessary medical treatment related to the injury with approved healthcare providers. In situations involving permanent disabilities, compensation may also reflect the long-term impact on your ability to work, assessed through medical evaluations. Attorneys play a key role in ensuring accurate compensation calculations by presenting extensive documentation and advocacy.
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Can I File a Workers' Compensation Appeal if My Claim Is Denied?Yes, if your workers' compensation claim is denied in Georgia, you can appeal the decision. The first step is to request a hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. During this hearing, both parties present evidence and arguments supporting their positions. Our skilled legal team will represent your interests, ensuring that all relevant facts and documentation are clearly articulated. It's crucial to act promptly, as Georgia law imposes strict deadlines for filing appeals. We provide comprehensive support throughout the appeals process, from gathering evidence to navigating the intricacies of legal procedures, to enhance the chance of a favorable outcome.
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"Darwin Johnson is the best in the state of Georgia."
He always available whenever you need him. He responds back to your calls immediately.
Nicole F. -
"We would definitely use Darwin Johnson again."
Never had to deal with a worker's compensation claim before. So when my Brother-in-law need an attorney we did some research and decided on Darwin Johnson. Can say it was a relief to know that someone could get results in his time of need. Did a great job on his claim and my Brother-in-law is now trying to get on with his life.
James J. -
"Attorney Johnson has a heart."
He and his staff, Matt and Yohandra, nurtured me through a very difficult time and achieved a fair settlement expediently. Thank You!
Sonya W. -
"I highly recommend him and his staff."
My experience with Attorney Johnson office was wonderful, friendly, professional. I was very pleased with the outcome.
Helen B. -
"Helped me through my Workmen’s Compensation stuff."
I highly recommend him is there through it all you don’t have to worry about anything if you hire Darwin Johnson.
David M. -
"What set Mr. Johnson apart, however, was his unwavering commitment to his clients."He was always available to answer my questions, address my concerns, and provide emotional support during what was an incredibly stressful time. His compassionate nature and genuine interest in my recovery made me feel valued as a person, not just a client.Connie C.
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"He will fight for your rights and will represent you above and beyond."My husband had been with Attorney Johnson since October of 23. He has never left him hanging and with the staff he has in the office keeps is updated on our case. Matt Watkins is also outstanding and is very knowledgeable of his case. Wonderful experience all the way around. You need an attorney when you are hurt at work I feel none are better than attorney JohnsonDonald H.
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"This firm was awesome from beginning to end."
The staff were some of the most courteous and professional people I have ever dealt with!!!!!
Shawn W.