Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney
The Baer Law Firm understands how a workplace injury can disrupt your life. You may be dealing with physical pain, medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of how you’ll recover. The Baer Law Firm can be part of the team that helps you get your life back on track and ensures that those responsible for providing your workers’ compensation benefits follow through on their obligations.
This page outlines how our lawyers in Atlanta can step in to support you if those responsible for your workers’ compensation claim have let you down. We are here to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve across Atlanta, GA.
Workers’ Compensation Law Firm Serving All Courts in Georgia
The Baer Law Firm understands how a work-related injury can throw your life into chaos. You may be dealing with severe physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, and lost wages. The Baer Law Firm can be part of the team that helps you get your life back together after such a challenging time.
The Baer Law Firm serves all of Atlanta and the surrounding areas. Our office is located at 1819 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 401, Atlanta, GA 30309. If you or a family member were seriously injured on the job, contact The Baer Law Firm at 404.THE.BAER to schedule a risk-free, no-obligation consultation.
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“I have had the pleasure to work with Brian and his staff twice now. I have nothing but respect for them because they are some of the most honest people I have delt with. I would recommend them to anyone who wants their case handled the right way. They truly look at every option possible, not the easy way out of things. They work hard and fast!” – Julian R.
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Experienced Work Injury Attorney Serving Georgia
Consequently, it is important to know your rights and options available to you, so you do not lose out on any potential compensation to aid in your recovery. You may miss out on a significant claim by using an inexperienced lawyer or a lawyer who only does workers’ compensation claims. Often, someone other than your employer (a third party) is at fault and can be held legally responsible. Making a claim against a third party does not impact your ability to recover workers’ compensation in the least.
For instance, if you are injured on the job while in an automobile wreck, you may have a claim against the at-fault driver who caused the wreck in addition to a workers’ compensation claim. If you were hurt on property not controlled by your employer, you may have third party claim against the owner/operator of the property where you were working. Additionally, if you were badly hurt by a machine or other equipment despite your intended/foreseeable use, you may have a viable third-party claim against the product manufacturer, seller, or servicer. Especially if you are suffering life-altering injuries, do not merely accept limited compensation afforded under Workers’ Compensation law.
The Baer Law Firm will work diligently on your behalf advising you of all options so that you can receive all the workers’ compensation benefits and any other compensation that may be available through a third-party.
Am I Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
Georgia requires all businesses with three (3) or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. This includes regular, part-time, or seasonal employees. Even if an employer isn’t required to have workers’ compensation insurance, they may still opt to carry it.
As an employee, you are covered by workers’ compensation starting on the first day of work.
In Georgia, to qualify for workers’ compensation:
- You must be an employee
- Your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance
- The injury or illness must be work-related
- You must comply with Georgia’s deadlines for filing a workers’ compensation claim
What Is A Work-Related Injury Or Illness?
Typically, an injury or illness is considered work-related if an employee was doing something for the benefit of their employer and was injured or became ill as a result. Some injuries or illnesses are straight-forward, such as injuring your back lifting heavy merchandise. Other injuries or illnesses do not happen quickly, and the damage is done over time from work duties or exposure to hazardous conditions or substances at work. Some examples include carpel tunnel syndrome, respiratory illness, and cancer.
What Should I Do If I Have A Work-Related Injury Or Illness?
Report the injury or illness to your employer (boss, foreman, or supervisor) immediately. You may forfeit your benefits if it’s reported after 30 days have passed. Georgia requires an employer to file a claim within one year of when the accident occurred. The claim is filed with Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Seek medical care. In Georgia, your employer must post medical care provider information in a visible place. Workers’ compensation should pay for authorized medical treatment. However, if you need medical care that your employer or its insurer is not providing, then you should contact a lawyer immediately. Frequently, workers’ compensation insurers downplay the severity of an injury and either refuse to authorize or are slow to approve necessary medical treatment. Unfortunately, it is sometimes necessary to engage the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer just to obtain the necessary care to get better.
Third-Party Injury Claims
Even though a person can bring a workers’ compensation claim if injured on the job without showing fault, it may be advantageous to also bring a third-party liability claim. As discussed above, third-party liability claims are those caused by the negligent or reckless conduct of another. Third-party liability usually comes into play when an entity or individual – separate from the employer – caused a workplace accident. Unlike workers’ compensation, where proving fault is not required, a third-party liability claim requires the injured party to prove negligence or fault of someone who is not working under the supervision of your employer.
Do You Have A Valid Workers’ Compensation Or Third-Party Liability Claim?
Evaluating a case to determine whether you have a valid workers’ compensation claim or third-party liability claim requires significant due diligence to assess the particular facts of the case and establish the necessary legal elements. If you have suffered an injury or illness while on the job, we encourage you to contact our office at The Baer Law Firm.
We can help refer you to an excellent lawyer whose practice focus is in workers’ compensation claims and pursuing any third-party liability claim you may have. You have a limited amount of time to protect your rights. Call 404.THE.BAER (404.843.2237) or fill out our online contact form for honest advice about your legal matter.