Skilled Work Injury Attorneys in Athens, GA

Despite regulations, workplace guidelines, and safety protocols, injuries can still happen at work and when they do, it sometimes leaves employees severely hurt, disabled, or in some cases, dead.

When a work injury does occur, there are several ways to approach a resolution, all of which are dependent on the circumstances of an individual case.

A Georgia workers’ compensation attorney represents employees who have been injured on the job and assists clients with their workers’ compensation claim.

But in some circumstances, it may be the negligence of a third party that caused an injury. In that case, there may also be a personal injury case as well as a workers’ compensation case.

Our experienced attorneys are aggressive advocates who let nothing stand in their way when protecting the rights of clients.

We have offices in Athens and Lake Oconee, and handle cases throughout Georgia. If you’ve been seriously injured at work, contact us today for a free consultation.

Call 706-354-4000 or fill out the case review form. There is no fee unless we resolve your case.

If you have catastrophic injuries from a workplace injury or your loved one was killed in a workplace injury, call us 24/7 at 706-354-4000 and speak to an attorney. If it’s after hours or on a weekend or holiday, hit the prompt to speak to a personal injury attorney immediately.

What is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is state-mandated insurance that some Georgia employers are required to offer to their employees.

Whether a company offers workers’ compensation is dependent on how many employees work there, what type of work is being conducted and what type of business it is.

Workers’ compensation provides benefits to Georgia employees who are injured while at work or who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. A fault isn’t always a necessary component of whether an employee can receive workers’ compensation benefits.

In other words, whether it’s your fault, the company’s negligence, or a co-worker’s fault, it’s covered by workers’ compensation.

An employee also doesn’t have to be at work to receive workers’ compensation benefits. If the injury or illness is work-related, it can generally be covered. There are some exceptions, though.

If a worker is injured while intoxicated or using illegal drugs, they’re not covered.

Coverage can also be denied if a worker is injured while violating company policy, committing a crime, the injury is self-inflicted, or if the injury occurred when the employee was not on the job or it’s not work-related.

Workers’ compensation generally pays medical expenses to diagnose and treat an injury. It also covers disability payments if an injury keeps an employee from being able to work.

Common Causes of Work Injuries

Serious on-the-job injuries are far too common and can leave employees seriously injured, disabled, unable to work, and with substantial medical bills.

Various types of jobs can pose different hazards for employees. For example, someone who works in a kitchen is more likely to suffer burns, a construction worker is probably more likely to fall from an elevated level, a driver is more likely to be in a crash, and a factory worker is more likely to be injured from malfunctioning or overturned equipment.

Below is a list of common causes of workplace injuries:

Types of Work Injuries

• Slip and fall
• Falls from upper level or higher elevation
• Burns
• Being struck by an object
• Impalement
• Being stuck or compressed by heavy-duty equipment
• Vehicle crashes
• Cuts/lacerations
• Exposure to loud noises
• Exposure to extreme temperatures
• Inhaling toxic fumes
• Workplace violence
• Repetitive Motion Injuries

Effects of Work Injuries

Severe injuries can leave employees with surmountable medical debt, the inability to work or frequent absences, ongoing medical treatment and physical therapy, or the need for prosthetics or other medical equipment for the rest of their life. Other effects may include:

• Psychological issues
• Emotional stress
• Hearing loss
• Vision loss
• Post-traumatic-stress disorder
• Social issues
• Economic problems

What You Need to Know about Workers’ Compensation

You should report your injury immediately or as soon as you realize you’ve been injured. It can depend on the type of injury, but in general, for

Georgia, a claim for workers’ compensation benefits must be filed within one year of the accident date.

To file a claim a WC-14 must be filed with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

If you file for workers’ compensation, you typically can’t sue for damages such as pain and suffering or mental anguish.

An exception is if an employer intentionally hurts you, or if they fail to offer legally required workers’ compensation coverage.

If you miss more than a week of work because of your work-related injury, you’re eligible to receive 2/3 of your weekly earnings, up to $575. The amount of time you’re eligible to receive payment is usually dependent on the extent of your injury.

Steps to Take if You’re Injured at Work

• Let your employer know as soon as you realize you were injured
• Complete an Accident Report
• Take photos of your injury
• Take photos of the location where the injury happened
• Go to the emergency room or see a doctor right away
• Learn about your rights
• If seriously injured, speak to a skilled personal injury attorney

What If There’s a Third Party Involved?

Sometimes work injuries may be the result of a third-party’s negligence. In that situation, you may have a personal injury case against the at-fault party as well as a workers’ compensation case.

For example, if a factory worker gets their hand mangled due to a defective machine at work, the worker could file a lawsuit against the machine manufacturer as well as a workers’ compensation claim.  

Or, if a delivery driver is injured in a wreck caused by another driver, the driver has a personal injury claim against the other driver as well as a workers’ compensation claim.

Contact A Skilled Attorney About A Work Injury

Before you file for workers’ compensation, contact one of our personal injury attorneys to discuss the circumstances of your case. A consultation is free, and we keep your information confidential.

Our attorneys are accomplished, efficient, will help you determine whether you have a valid case, and help you navigate the legal steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact us at 706-354-4000 or fill out a case review form to tell us more about your work injury.

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