Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

In Georgia, workers’ compensation, sometimes called workers’ comp, is a mandated insurance program that provides compensation to employees who suffer job-related injuries and illnesses. It is designed to provide specific income benefits and payments for work-related injuries. The worker does not have to prove negligence or fault on the part of their employer, a co-worker, a customer, or some third party. Usually, in exchange for getting these guaranteed benefits, the employee does not have the right to sue the employer in court for damages.

The federal government has a workers’ comp program for federal and certain other types of employees.

Why You Need A Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Help You File a Claim

In Georgia, workers’ compensation law is very complicated and includes certain requirements and deadlines that must be met to receive full compensation. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have over 40 years combined experience prosecuting and defending workers’ compensation claims, including catastrophic and death cases. Our experience can work for you, as our attorneys will help you navigate successfully through the workers compensation process, including investigating whether employer negligence or a third-party equipment manufacturer contributed to the accident.

When employees file a workers’ compensation claim, understand that you will be dealing with your employers’ insurance company when making your case to receive benefits. Often, workers’ compensation claims will be denied by these insurance adjusters. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can help you navigate this process to prove you have a legitimate claim and get you the compensation you deserve.

Having an experienced attorney on your side will give you a better chance at receiving the benefits you’re entitled to, as well as possible additional benefits our attorneys may find for you.

Injuries our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Handle

Put our expertise to work for you. Smith, Welch, Webb & White offers free consultations for workers’ compensation cases:

• Back Injuries
• Neck Injuries
• Slip and Fall
• Repetitive Stress Injuries
• Construction Accidents
• Illnesses related to chemical expsoure in the workplace
• Overexertion and Overuse Injuries
• Accidents while traveling
• Many other types of workers’ compensation injuries

Construction workers are at particularly high risk for injuries on the job. Falls are one of the most common causes of serious work-related injuries in Georgia, and results of a fall can range from temporary debilitation’s to death. Falling from an elevated area at a construction site, such as a ladder or a scaffold, only increases your risk of injury on the job.

However, work does not need to be very active to cause injury. The modern-day workplace often utilizes technology and machinery that requires a very limited range of motion to operate. Many jobs associated with conducting repetitive tasks for long periods of time can cause work-related injuries that need to be addressed. Injuries due to overuse and repetitive motions are commonly found in the wrist, elbow, knee, shoulders, neck or back. Common symptoms of injuries due to overuse include pain, numbness, weakness, tingling and burning and may require surgery and time off of work to recover.

After Your Workplace Injury

Notifying your employer immediatley after your injury occurs is crucial. There are statue of limitations in place that only give victims one year to file their workers’ compensation claim before their rights to compensation are barred. Employees should begin the process of filing their claim and consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.

Your employer’s insurance provides coverage for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages from time off work
• Temporary, partial, or permanent disability benefits
• Benefits to the family if the employee passes from their injury

Once your claim is filed, it’s also important to understand the insurance company may be looking to give you the least amount of compensation possible, if at all. Do not accept any intial settlements or offers without consulting with our workers’ compensation attorneys that have the experience to get you the maximum compensation you deserve. 

In addition to lowball settlement offers, the insurance company may not provide you options to see specialized doctors who can adequately treat your injury. Your employer’s panel of doctors may not be the best fit for you, and this can lead to disputes over medical treatment. 

What Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Provide

Workers’ compensation claims can be very complex. During our free consultation there are many questions we can answer. Such as:

• What doctors can I see?
• What if I have to change providers or miss an appointment?
• Does my company have to pay for my mileage?
• Who pays for my prescriptions?
• Can I be fired in Georgia if I make a Workers’ Compensation claim?
• Is there a time limit for filing a workers’ compensation claim?
• Why was my claim denied?