Why can’t I see my own doctor following my work-related accident?

There are numerous rules and regulations attached to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, including what doctors you are allowed to see. Most Georgia employers will have what is known as a panel of physicians, or a list of doctors approved by the SBWC. You must pick a doctor from this list. Having an attorney by your side from the start can be an invaluable resource as your attorney can help you pick a doctor for your injuries or illness. Your Marietta workers’ compensation attorney may be familiar with the doctors on the list, therefore, can steer you to the ones that are considered the best. If you see your personal physician immediately after your work accident, that’s okay. This is considered an emergency situation and workers’ comp will likely pay for those costs. If you continue seeing your personal physician, the costs are unlikely to be covered under WC. Further, if your personal physician takes you out of work, the insurer does not have to abide by that decision, therefore will not cover your medical expenses or lost wages. There is the outside chance that your personal physician is an authorized workers’ compensation provider, so be sure to ask whether he or she is on the authorized WC panel of physicians.

Can temporary, part-time, or seasonal workers receive workers’ compensation benefits?

Georgia is unlike many other states, in that its workers’ comp laws do not distinguish between full or part-time employees. There is also no timeframe on employment. This means that whether you are hired as a seasonal or temporary worker makes no difference as far as workers’ comp is concerned. As long as your employer has three or more employees—whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary—you are entitled to workers’ comp benefits (unless you are employed as a farm worker, domestic worker, railroad worker, federal employee, or are an independent contractor). If you are a temp worker, you should have a solid understanding of who your employer is. If you were placed in your job by a temp agency, then that temp agency could be responsible for your workers’ comp work accident with injuries.

Marietta Workers’ Compensation Attorney

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Workers Comp Lawyer in Marietta, GA

Have you been injured on the job? Maybe you have developed an illness that is related to your work environment. In either case, you may be feeling extremely vulnerable and unsure of what you should do next to protect your health, your family, and your future. At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we truly understand your concerns.

You may be afraid to file a workers’ compensation claim because you think you might be fired, or your boss could retaliate. Or perhaps you have filed your workers’ compensation claim and the insurer is delaying and/or denying your legitimate claim. This is one of those times when you need to ask for help—and the sooner the better. Contacting a Marietta workers’ compensation attorney is a proactive choice and one that will have the most beneficial outcome of any choice you might make.

About Marietta, Georgia

With a population of about 61,000, Marietta is one of Atlanta’s largest suburbs, as well as the county seat of Cobb County. The community was originally built near the Cherokee town of Big Shanty in 1824 but was not legally recognized until 1834. Oakton House, built in 1838, is the oldest continuously occupied residence in Marietta. Marietta is home to the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum, often known as “Scarlett on the Square.”

Today, Marietta is characterized by numerous natural resources along with cultural and historic assets. Visitors and residents have an exciting selection of local attractions, annual events, outdoor concerts, festivals, and recreational activities in Marietta with Glover Park and Marietta Square at the center of it all. Visitors to the square will discover a Broadway-style theater, museums, specialty shops, unique galleries, busy restaurants, and lively nightspots.

Why Should You Choose a Marietta Workers’ Compensation Attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson?

With businesses like YKK, Tip Top Poultry, Columbian International Chemicals, and many more, the city of Marietta—like most cities—will experience work-related accidents and illnesses. When that happens, having a highly-skilled Marietta workers’ compensation attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson by your side can truly make a difference. Attorney Darwin Johnson has been assisting Georgia residents that have been injured on the job for decades.

At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we will fight for your rights following a work-related injury or illness, allowing you the time to heal without worrying about your benefits. We have helped more than 10,000 people obtain the benefits or settlement they were entitled to receive, securing more than $250 million. We have more than 150 positive Google Reviews, assisting those in the Atlanta metro area as well as Georgians across the state.

How Do I File for Workers’ Compensation Following a Work-Related Injury or Illness?

You should always notify a supervisor of your workplace injury or illness as quickly as possible—although you have 30 days from the time the injury occurs, or the illness is discovered to do so. You will need to complete and file a WC-14 with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, sending a copy of the form to your employer and their insurer. You can obtain Form WC-14 from the State Board of Workers’ Compensation website, or your employer should be able to provide you with the form. You have one year from the date of the reported injury to file your WC claim.

Once you file your claim, the insurer has 21 days to investigate the injury and file a report with the SBWC. You can also file a notice of claim yourself, requesting a hearing or mediation to determine benefits. If you are approved for benefits, you should receive notification from your employer’s insurer. If you disagree with those benefits, you can request a hearing from the SBWC. It is important that you obtain the medical treatments or rehabilitation services ordered by your physician in order to remain eligible for benefits. You must also return to work when your physician determines you are able, to remain eligible for benefits.

FAQs Regarding Workers’ Compensation in Marietta, GA

Why can’t I see my own doctor following my work-related accident? There are numerous rules and regulations attached to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, including what doctors you are allowed to see. Most Georgia employers will have what is known as a panel of physicians, or a list of doctors approved by the SBWC. You must pick a doctor from this list. Having an attorney by your side from the start can be an invaluable resource as your attorney can help you pick a doctor for your injuries or illness. Your Marietta workers’ compensation attorney may be familiar with the doctors on the list, therefore, can steer you to the ones that are considered the best. If you see your personal physician immediately after your work accident, that’s okay. This is considered an emergency situation and workers’ comp will likely pay for those costs. If you continue seeing your personal physician, the costs are unlikely to be covered under WC. Further, if your personal physician takes you out of work, the insurer does not have to abide by that decision, therefore will not cover your medical expenses or lost wages. There is the outside chance that your personal physician is an authorized workers’ compensation provider, so be sure to ask whether he or she is on the authorized WC panel of physicians.

Can temporary, part-time, or seasonal workers receive workers’ compensation benefits? Georgia is unlike many other states, in that its workers’ comp laws do not distinguish between full or part-time employees. There is also no timeframe on employment. This means that whether you are hired as a seasonal or temporary worker makes no difference as far as workers’ comp is concerned. As long as your employer has three or more employees—whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary—you are entitled to workers’ comp benefits (unless you are employed as a farm worker, domestic worker, railroad worker, federal employee, or are an independent contractor). If you are a temp worker, you should have a solid understanding of who your employer is. If you were placed in your job by a temp agency, then that temp agency could be responsible for your workers’ comp work accident with injuries.

How a Marietta Workers’ Compensation Attorney from The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson Can Help

At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we truly believe in you. We will always go above and beyond for our clients, ensuring you get the medical treatments you need as well as the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve. We have the experience, skills, and knowledge necessary to aggressively fight for you; we never hesitate to go up against a huge insurer or employer on your behalf. You are not alone in this—we can help! Contact The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today.