What to Do If You Are Injured On the Job

Atlanta, Georgia

Regardless of your type of employment, you are susceptible to job-related injuries or illnesses. In Georgia, as in other states, you have a limited time to file your claim in order to receive Workers' Compensation benefits. If your injury is serious, or potentially so, you should consult with Atlanta workers' compensation attorney Laurie S. Robbins to ensure timely and accurate filing.

Review the Requirements

Each employer who participates in Georgia's Workers' Compensation plan must post information on how to file a claim in a prominent location. It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the law and the requirements before you need them. In order to receive fair and adequate compensation for your injuries or work related illness you must follow the steps outlined by the state.

Report the Injury to a Supervisor

You should report the injury or the discovery of the illness to your immediate supervisor as soon as possible. It does not count to tell a co-worker, a supervisor must be notified and a report about the injury should be made, not only to establish the facts of the injury, but as a first step to establishing your claim. The accident or illness must be job-related in order to receive compensation. If it is not adequately reported, your employer may contest the decision and your claim may be denied.

Visit an Approved Physician

In order to ensure that your medical expenses are covered by the plan, you should visit an approved physician. The physicians who participate in your area should also be posted along with the other Workers' Compensation information. By visiting an approved physician, you will help ensure your claim is not denied on a technicality. If you have any questions about which physician you should see, you should consult with your employer and make sure that the information is recorded in an injury report.

Make sure you retain a copy of the injury report and any medical records generated during examination and treatment. It is not enough to hope your employer will keep track of everything.

File a Claim with Georgia's State Board of Workers' Compensation

When possible, you need to file a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers' Compensation and with your employer. This is in addition to notifying your employer as soon as the accident occurs or the illness is discovered. Your employer should apprise you of the status of your claim. You can also enquire of the board about the status, but a workers' compensation claim may take time to process. If your claim is denied, there is an appeals process you can follow to have the board reconsider.

To ensure timely filing and prevent claim denials, you should retain the services of an experienced workers' compensation attorney. A workers compensation attorney, familiar with Georgia's workers compensation law, will help you ensure all your paperwork is in order and assist you with any appeals should your claim be denied.

Please contact an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation attorney at Robbins & Associates, PC today to find out more.

6000 Lake Forrest Drive Suite 315, Atlanta, Georgia 30328

404-252-8117 | 800-772-5555 | Contact Us

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