And what should you know? There are a lot of things that go through someone’s head in the few days after they’ve been injured at the job. However, action should really begin the moment you are injured. Being prepared from the start is the best defense in worker’s compensation. In our experience, employers and corporations expect answers when they’re given a worker’s comp request. If the evidence and facts aren’t produced, then worker’s comp isn’t issued; it’s that simple.
Here is the contact information for the Georgia State Board of Worker’s Compensation: They can be reached toll-free at (470) 285-8246 or throughout Georgia at (470) 285-8246. They can provide you with useful information and advice on where to go. Getting as much guidance as possible through this experience is imperative to being properly compensated. There are many ways to put your worker’s compensation benefits in jeopardy, so here’s some advice on how to keep that from happening.
Make sure to report your injury promptly, even if you don’t think it’ll escalate into anything. One of the biggest ways that people put their compensation at risk is by not reporting their injuries in time. If you report an injury a week late, it’s difficult even for a skilled physician to approximate the exact time of the injury. It’s good to report injuries right away, so even if you feel the pain or problem a few days later, there is some record of you reporting the injury to back up your report.
Cooperate with all of the medical professionals assigned to your treatment, whether they’re your personal physician or one that is working specifically on your case. Doctors performing evaluations, treatments and eventual rehabilitation are part of the process. Those seeking worker’s compensation should also keep in mind that they may have to deal with doctors whose specific job is claims investigation. At Darwin F. Johnson we know how to deal with worker’s comp boards and claims investigators & adjusters, so talk to us and let us handle part of this burden.
Sometimes, employers offer you a job that doesn’t have the same restraints and requirements as the one you were previously working at. This is called “suitable employment” and even if it’s only part time, we advise that you take it. Even if you believe your company is at fault for neglect, it’s best to take the suitable employment and seek proper compensation during that time.
Don’t refuse medical examinations from authorized treating physicians. If you feel you are being unjustly examined or if you believe that you have been examined enough and the current examinations are just drawing out the case, The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson are well-versed with dealing with these kinds of medical professionals. It’s important you get the defense you need during these times or else you may spend more time being examined than resting and recovering.
If you need to take a drug test for your workers’ compensation case, take it. You don’t want to risk losing your entire benefit over a refused drug test. You can debate the results in court, but don’t refuse the initial test because it doesn’t look good in general for a board reviewing a case.
We shouldn’t have to say this, but don’t lie on your report. Even if it means more benefits, just don’t do it, you’ll lose your job, your credit and your credibility. You’ll end up owing more money than you originally did, and you’ll be stuck with all of your medical bills as well.
We have handled numerous worker’s compensation cases in and around the Atlanta, Georgia area. Contact us today with your case at (470) 285-8246 or through e-mail at darwin@darwinfjohnson.com. We will be there for your case and keep you from being badgered by insurance companies and claims evaluators.
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