Tick! Tock! Is your workers compensation claim about to expire?
Recently a client came into our office for a free initial consultation about her workers compensation injury. It had happened sometime ago. Her employer did not tell her she was entitled to additional benefits. Her employer did not tell her that if she did not take immediate legal action she would be forever barred from getting these benefits which she is entitled to under Georgia law. She was literally days away from this bar to her case occurring.The insurance company and adjuster for the employer did not tell her she was about to lose her benefits either. Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock! Are you a person with a worker compensation injury who is about to loose your benefits? Tick! Tock!
Because of our technology and training, we filed her claim in Atlanta, Georgia, the same day protecting her benefits until we could settle the case or try it. We were able to get her treated again under her Workers Compensation benefits. This case is not over. But now she has experienced legal counsel to make sure that she gets all of her benefits. Again, there were with no upfront legal cost for the initial consultation. Usually fees are paid out of the settlement that we obtain for our clients.
Call Bacon Law Firm today at 912 882-7322 for a free initial case review if you have an existing claim. No fee is charged for this review. We can handle serious cases throughout the state of Georgia. Do not let the time run out on your case. We can help.
Do I have the right to a jury trial in my work injury claim?
Do I have the right to a jury trial in my work injury claim? No. Workers compensation hearings are held before an administrative law judge without a jury. The rules of evidence, law of the state, and the Board rules apply to these hearings. You should have an experienced lawyer with you at any trial before the administrative law judge.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness and legal understanding of these concepts.
Do I pay upfront for my lawyer in a work injury?
Do I pay upfront for my lawyer in a work injury? No. Most lawyers accept Workers Compensation cases on a contingency basis. This means that they will accept it for a percentage of the recovery when the case is settled. This fee is 25% in most cases in the State of Georgia. You will have to reimburse the lawyer for some other costs. Examples are copy cost, postage cost, telephone cost, and deposition cost. Usually these are reimbursed after the settlement.
Under certain circumstances, the employer or insurance company may have to pay your lawyer fees in addition to the money you recover. These are called assessed lawyer fees and are in addition to your recovery. These can only be obtain in certain circumstances. Therefore, you should review this matter with a workers compensation lawyer if you think you are due income benefits.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness a
Can I get mileage for my travel to see a doctor about my work injury?
Can I get mileage for my travel to see a doctor about my work injury? Yes. Mileage is one of the benefits you are due. This is usually mileage at a set rate to and from the medical care provider. However, in certain circumstances, you may be entitled to overnight lodging and meal reimbursement. Consult the local law or a local lawyer for details on this benefit.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness and legal understanding of these concepts.
Can you choose your doctor in your work injury case?
Can you choose your doctor in your work injury case? Yes. You usually have the right to choose your doctor. However, it has to be from a list of approved doctors. Usually, six separate doctors or clinics. If there is not a panel (list) of doctors at your place of business, you can select a doctor to treat you. Your employer would have to pay for this treatment. However, before you make this step, you should consult a workers compensation lawyer about this decision. If you make the wrong decision, you could be responsible thousands of dollars worth of medical bills that your employer and his insurance company will not have to pay. By hiring a lawyer early in your case, you will have his or her guidance through this difficult process.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness and legal understanding of these concepts.
How to get medical benefits for your work injury?
Medical benefits payments are a large percentage of the money paid out each year by workers compensation insurance companies. If you do not follow the process of your state law, you may personally be held responsible for the medical cost of your case.
Each employer should have a panel (list) of medical providers who will provide medical care for you. The employer and/or the employer’s insurance company place these doctors on this list. You usually have the right to select one of these approved doctors to care for you. YOU not your employer should make this decision. You usually have the right to make a one-time change of a physician on the list without your employer’s approval. Make a written demand to select your physician. Send a copy to the employer and insurance company. Be sure to keep a copy of all your correspondence and other papers in your claim.
After this change, you will have to petition the court to change physicians. If you are not provided the medical care you deserve, you may have to petition the court to obtain medical care. This will often require a hearing before the Workers Compensation Judge. Always hire an lawyer for any proceeding before a court. The other side has a team of lawyers to oppose you in your claim. Be prepared by hiring an experienced workers compensation lawyer.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness and legal understanding of these concepts.
What to do when you are injured at work?
When you are injured at work, you need to immediately take several steps. The first is to notify your immediate supervisor that you were injured on the job and the severity of the injury. If the injury prevents you from working, tell the supervisor this. If you need immediate medical care, request it immediately. Ask for the panel (list) of physicians who are approved by the workers compensation insurance company. Usually you have the right to choose from the list.
Call a lawyer who practices Workers Compensation law. After an injury, you will often be asked questions which may affect the outcome of your case. You need competent legal help to guide you through this process. Remember, most workers compensation insurance companies have teams of defense lawyers available to guide them with a simple call. You need a lawyer in your corner of the ring to guide you and fight for you if necessary.
This blog content is based on the law of Georgia. It is not meant to give legal advice to your specific situation and does not create relationship of attorney client with the benefits of the attorney client privileges. You should consult an attorney in your state about specific workers compensation issues. This blog is meant to increase your awareness and legal understanding of these concepts.
Photo credit: me and the sysop
