Work injuries are the furthest thing from a walk in the park, and if you’re suffering from a recent incident, chances are you’re going through many emotions and struggles. But despite all of those distractions, it’s crucial that you take the right steps toward attaining the benefits to which you’re rightfully entitled. If you don’t proceed properly from the get go, your chances of getting fully compensated will dwindle.
But don’t worry, because you’re not alone! As one of Atlanta’s most active work injury lawyers, I am here to help. Touch base with my firm to schedule a complimentary consultation, and we’ll make a game plan for your case, but first, read on to learn about what you should do in the wake of a work accident:
File a Worker’s Compensation Claim
This one may sound obvious. Not only do you NEED to file a claim in order to receive any benefits, but worker’s comp claims are also integral for another reason: Because the insurance company won’t conduct an investigation until you do so. And with no investigation, you can’t get the benefits. So, naturally step one is to file a claim.
Unlike personal injury claims, which hold a two year grace period, the statute of limitations in Georgia for a work injury claim is one year following the incident.
Notify Your Employer
You are required to formally notify your employer that you had an accident at work, and that you are filing for worker’s compensation benefits. In Georgia, the timeframe is not set in stone, but it is likely that if you don’t give your employer notice within 30 days of the incident, you may not be able to get benefits. So, while you have a year to file the claim, you only have a month to let your employer know—don’t waste any time!
More Info
Filing the claim and notifying your employer are steps one and two, but there’s quite a bit more to be done when it comes to obtaining the appropriate compensation to cover your work injury. Many folks feel overwhelmed by the burdens of the worker’s comp process—especially if they have to take legal action against their employers. That’s only natural and understandable. The good news is, there are dedicated attorneys out there (such as myself) who specialize in helping accident victims fight for their rights.
As Atlanta’s workman’s comp lawyer, I’m here to tell you: If you’ve been injured in an accident on the job, and your employer is trying to stiff you, I’ll be happy to help. Give me a call to learn more.
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