Legal Atmosphere

If you have been injured while on the job in Georgia, it is essential that your workers’ compensation claim be filed correctly, as there are benefits to which you may be entitled to. In most cases, following these three simple steps will help to ensure efficient processing of your request.

Step #1: Let your superior/employer know about the incident. It is best to inform your employer as soon as possible and within 30 days. You should then receive (and fill out) the appropriate paperwork/forms required for your Georgia workers’ compensation claim.

Step #2: Seek medical attention. You will be limited in terms of medical providers. Your employer should provide you with a list of physicians. Should you wish you seek a second opinion, your employer’s insurance company will cover a one-time visit to the physician of your choice.

Step #3: Fill out Form WC-14. Contact the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation for this form. Fill it out and return a copy to the department, your employer and their insurance company.

Bear in mind that there is a statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims in Georgia. Moreover, the amount of time you have to file your claim is dependent on the type of injury suffered. As cases vary from one to the other, it is important that you consult with an experienced Atlanta workers comp attorney to assess your individual situation.

If you are suffering from a work work-related injury and you are afraid to report concerned about reporting the injury to your employer, there are a few things you should know about New Jersey workers compensation.

No retaliation

An employer cannot retaliate against you for filing a workers compensation claim or for testifying at a workers compensation hearing.  Many employees fear being fired from their jobs if they report a work -related injury.  If you believe you have been fired for filing a workers compensation claim, an attorney can help you file a discrimination complaint with the New Jersey Division of Workers Compensation.  If you believe you have been fired from your job because of your workers compensation disability, you may be able to file a claim under the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Employer cannot refuse reporting of claim

In New Jersey, all employers must provide workers compensation benefits by either purchasing insurance or self-insuring.   If you report a work related injury to your employer and the employer refuses to submit the claim to the insurance company, you can file a complaint with the New Jersey Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau.  The bureau will investigate your complaint against the employer.  The bureau recommends you have a New Jersey workers compensation attorney help you file the complaint.

Pre-existing conditions

If you are hesitant to file a workers compensation claim due to a pre-existing condition and do not think workers compensation will apply, you should report the work work-related injury to your employer regardless.  Workers compensation benefits might still be available to you, if you can show the work injury worsened your pre-existing condition.

Workers compensation benefits not taxable

If you are concerned about filing a workers compensation claim because the temporary disability benefits are only 70 percent of your gross weekly wage, remember that  workers compensation benefits are not taxable as income.  You will not have to pay taxes on your workers compensation benefits.  Remember, if you make your claim under your health insurance instead of workers compensation, you will be responsible for deductibles and co-payments under the health insurance coverage.

If you dress in a style that is different from the mental image people conjure up for a serious claimant, you are going to have a tough time convincing the judge or jury that you are, in fact, a lawyer. Extremes of dress have no place in the courtroom. If you have not read the “dress for success” books, you should do so. Remember, you are essentially selling yourself to the judge and jury and successful salespersons must look good. Personal appearance communicates a lot about a person. Wear a suit, shirt, tie and shoes that go together if you are a man. If you are a woman, wear a nice dress or suit that gives you good coverage with sensible shoes and keep jewelry conservative and simple.

Remember your own physical appearance: Your hair, your beard, your hands, and your make-up. If you look like a “dirtball” or a “floozy”, people are going to think you are a “dirtball” or “floozy”. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to appear disheveled, unkempt, or unclean. All of this sounds very basic. If you show up with your hair in disarray and you have part of your breakfast still in your beard or on your blouse, you are going to have a tough time. You are going to lose a psychological edge whether you are dealing with the court or a jury.

Tricia Dennis is a Chattanooga accident attorney and author of “10 Dos & Don’ts of Auto Accidents“

Becoming hurt on the job can be devastating physically, psychologically, and financially. Each of the 50 states has regulations to safeguard you in the event you have been harmed on the job.

Workers Compensation laws are constructed to defend both the employee and the employer in the event of an accident at work and Atlanta worker compensation lawyers can explain all of the law. State workers compensation laws give assured insurance coverage to employees for medical care linked to their injury and, in most cases, offer secured compensation during and after the recovery period.

There are numerous simple steps that you need to follow in virtually every state (see specific state laws here).

1. record all accidents to your manager instantly. Nearly all states have time limits for you to report to your employer.

2. Go along with with your employer’s insurance carrier. Although insurance companies are paid by the employer, they have the obligation to follow the laws that are in place to protect your rights. You should be called by the insurance carrier within just a few days of your accident.

3. Save all medical appointments as scheduled. You are the most important factor in your recovery process. Keeping your medical appointments will also show that you are serious about recovery and provides validity to your claim.

An lawyer is not needed to submit a workers compensation claim. All workers compensation associates will assist employees with the process of  registering a claim nonetheless, if at any time you feel that you are not getting the proper care and compensation that you feel is necessary, it may be time to contact a workers compensation attorney.