Every year, thousands of workers in Georgia make claims for compensation as a result of injuries or illnesses sustained on the job. A small number of these claims are resolved without difficulty, and the workers obtain full compensation.
In other instances, workers are either refused compensation or are forced to accept lesser compensation amounts than they are entitled to.
When your medical costs start piling up, you may be tempted to accept the first workers’ compensation settlement offer you get. Financial limitations provide the impression that you are obtaining the greatest price possible.
Many times, you will receive less compensation than you deserve. Moreover, it is possible that you do not have a comprehensive knowledge of how the workers’ compensation system works. You are waiving your right to pursue additional compensation by accepting the initial settlement offer.
When you file a claim with an insurance company, they may refuse it outright without providing any compelling grounds for doing so. If they deny your claim, they are betting on the fact that you are inexperienced enough not to file an appeal or that you would give up quickly.
The ultimate goal of these organizations is to avoid the financial obligations that come with satisfying insurance claims. Selecting a reputable workers compensation lawyer in Atlanta will provide you with the assurance that they are dedicating 100% effort to see to it that your claim is going to be respected and honored by the insurance.
How First Settlement Claims in Workers’ Compensation Work
Workers who suffer work-related injuries must report them as soon as possible if they hope to be successful in pursuing and receiving compensation. Any injury incurred at work should be reported to your employer within the first 30 days after the occurrence.
However, the ideal practice is to do it as soon as possible after the damage has occurred, and after that, your employer may send you certain claim forms to complete. When you fail to disclose an occurrence or delay reporting a work injury accident within the appropriate time period, you offer the insurer grounds to fight your claim and deny it.
Consequences if the injury is not reported within the prescribed period
Some injuries are life-altering, and you may not be able to report them in time if you are not careful. Treatment processes are time-consuming, and as a result, you are unable to submit accurate reports. If you fail to submit your claim by the time, you may lose your opportunity to receive compensation. There are, however, certain legal exceptions to this rule and with the help of a reliable workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta, he or she can assist you in meeting your legal duties and obtaining the full amount of workers’ compensation benefits you are entitled to.
Learn what you should do when facing a workers first settlement offer
When you suffer a work-related accident, it is critical that you do not accept the first settlement offer that you get. Insurance companies merely make a fast offer in the hopes that you will accept it and that they will avoid incurring further costs in the future. Otherwise, the initial settlement offer from workers’ compensation does not arrive too soon after the claim is filed.
When hiring a workers’ compensation attorney, there are four things to look for
Approximately 3 million employees are injured on the job every year, resulting in over $60 billion in medical and lost salary benefits being paid out by state workers’ compensation systems to compensate them. The majority of businesses in Georgia fail to adequately inform employees about their workers’ compensation rights, which include the ability to receive compensated medical care and long-term benefits. In the event that you were hurt at work, whether abruptly or as a result of chronic usage, check for the following characteristics before selecting a skilled workers’ compensation defense attorney.
Testimonials from clients
Most of the time, these testimonials emphasize the professional connections that exist between attorneys and their clients. Workers who have been injured require more than just papers to be filed on their behalf. These individuals require an advocate to assist them in addressing issues about their future, listening to their worries, and advocating for their legal rights. Look for or inquire about prior client testimonials, particularly those from clients who work in comparable sectors or who have had similar injuries.
Knowledge of the Local Setting
Every state has its own workers' compensation system and set of laws, as well as its own set of court rulings deciphering these labor as well as insurance regulations and rules. As an example, the state of Georgia mandates that all public and private firms with more than three full-time employees give access to workers’ compensation coverage through private insurance companies. Lawyers that are knowledgeable about Georgia insurance laws and court systems, rather than out-of-state attorneys who lack the ability to pursue your rights in Georgia, are needed to navigate your rights. Find workers’ compensation defense attorneys in your location and state by simply searching online.
Experience in Litigation and Mediation
In some cases, injured employees can receive workers' compensation benefits while concurrently pursuing legal action against third parties who are responsible for their injuries. Lawyers with litigation experience are required to help you maximize your financial recovery rights.
In addition, the lawyer should beequipped to arbitrate disputes when workers’ compensation insurers do the following:
i. Benefits are terminated arbitrarily.
ii. Make low-ball settlement proposals to get the deal done.
iii. Refuse to acknowledge claims in any way.
iv. Overwhelm injured plaintiffs with excessive medical demands
Fighting back against these frequent insurance methods sometimes includes appealing to higher levels of authority, participating in alternative dispute resolution with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, and taking your case to trial.
Verified Results
Always inquire about a possible attorney’s previous success in situations comparable to yours. This information should be easily available from experienced attorneys, and you should feel free to chat discreetly with representatives from a number of different legal firms about their success. For example, claimants who suffer from severe neck injuries as a result of chronic usage should inquire of possible lawyers whether they have previously secured long-term compensation in comparable situations before hiring them.
