Workers’ Compensation Attorney Decatur GA
Why do people seek legal advice from a workers’ compensation attorney? Because so often, when someone is injured in a workplace accident, employers and insurance carriers look for every possible way to deny or minimize the legitimate claims of an injured worker.
- Were you injured at work?
- Did you undergo surgery as a result of a work-related injury?
- Do you have a permanent disability or impairment as a result of a work-related injury?
- Do you suffer from repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel or other cumulative trauma?
- Are you a victim of wrongful termination because of a job injury?
If you answered “yes” to any of the above questions, contact Andrew R. Lynch, your Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Decatur, Georgia, immediately to learn more about your legal rights. The workers’ compensation insurance carrier and your employer want your injury to cost them as little as possible in terms of both money for medical treatment and time away from work. Andrew Lynch will make sure you get the medical treatment you deserve and the recovery time you need.
Workers’ compensation is a term all working adults have heard at some point in their life. But there are likely things that you do not know or fully understand workers’ compensation. Keep reading to learn a few things that may surprise you.
Your office travels with you
Workers’ compensation rules do not only apply at the physical location of your office, warehouse, or job site. While yes, workers’ compensation likely covers injuries that occur in the break room, on the factory floor, and in the parking lots, it also expands beyond the four corners of a location. Consider these examples. If you work from home and are injured in the course of your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. If you are traveling on a business trip and fall down a flight of stairs, it may be covered by workers’ compensation. If you are driving in your personal car on a work errand and get into an accident, it may be covered by workers’ compensation.
The key is this: workers’ compensation insurance covers you when you are doing job-related tasks, regardless of where you are when you are doing them. The logic is that you would not have been in the situation that precipitated your injury if you had not been working. Keep in mind, however, that workers’ compensation will only apply when you are performing job-related tasks. It will likely not apply, for example, if you are injured your lunch break. It also may not apply if you are out running a work errand, throw a personal errand in the mix, and then get into an accident.
If you are not sure of whether your injury is covered under workers’ compensation law, call attorney Andrew Lynch, a qualified and competent Decatur, Georgia workers’ compensation attorney. Andrew can analyze the facts of your case and help you determine whether filing a workers’ compensation claim is right for you.
You may need legal help to file a claim
Workers’ compensation claims are designed to be easy to file. However, hiring a qualified and experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Decatur, GA may make an important difference in the outcome of your case. Insurance companies require solid proof that this injury occurred during the course of your work, and sometimes, especially if you were not in the four walls of the job site when you were hurt, providing proof may be difficult. For example, if you get carpal tunnel from typing at your computer every day for your telecommuting job, the insurance company will make you prove that the carpal tunnel was actually caused by your work-related tasks and not by you using your computer for personal use. Andrew R. Lynch knows how to get the proof you need and how best to present it to your employer and the insurance company to make sure your claim gets the fair consideration it deserves.
You should especially consider hiring an experienced Decatur, GA workers’ compensation lawyer is if your medical bills are very high. Insurance companies tend to spend more time and resources when investigating higher dollar claims than they do investigating smaller claims. As a practical result, the increased scrutiny on your claim may mean that the claims process gets more complicated and takes longer. It may leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how best to proceed to get the compensation that you need. Having a qualified attorney on your side may make all the difference in getting you fair compensation within a reasonable time after filing your claim.
If you are wondering if you should file a workers’ compensation claim or are in the process of fighting with the insurance company, reach out to Andrew R. Lynch, a workers’ compensation attorney Decatur, GA, trusts, today.
Dealing with a Denied Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia: Your Options
A Decatur, GA workers’ compensation attorney knows that when you’re injured on the job, workers’ compensation is designed to provide you with financial support and medical benefits to aid in your recovery. However, there are instances where your workers’ compensation claim may be denied in Georgia. While a denial can be discouraging, it’s not the end of the road. Understanding your options and taking the right steps can help you navigate this challenging situation. Give The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch a call when you need help following your workplace accident.
- Review the Denial Letter: Upon receiving a denial, carefully read the denial letter from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. This letter should outline the specific reasons for the denial, which could include issues such as missed deadlines, inadequate medical documentation, or disputes over the cause of your injury.
- Gather Evidence: If you believe the denial is unjustified, gather all relevant evidence to support your claim. This might include medical records, witness statements, photographs of the accident scene, and any other documentation that strengthens your case.
- Consult Your Employer: Have a conversation with your employer or their human resources department to clarify any misunderstandings and address the reasons for the denial. Sometimes, discrepancies can be resolved through open communication.
- Contact the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation: If you’re unable to reach a resolution with your employer or their insurance company, you have the option to file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This involves filling out a WC-14 form and submitting it to the board. This formal process initiates a review of your case. It is extremely helpful to work with a Decatur workers’ compensation attorney for help with this.
- Mediation: In some cases, mediation can be a helpful step before pursuing formal legal action. A neutral third party mediates discussions between you and the insurance company to find a compromise and potentially settle the dispute without the need for a formal hearing.
- Seek Legal Counsel: If your denial remains unresolved after mediation or if you encounter obstacles during the process, ask your attorney what additional legal steps you can take for your claim denial.
- File a Hearing Request: If all else fails, you have the right to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) at the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This formal hearing allows both parties to present their case and evidence. An attorney can be particularly beneficial during this stage to ensure that your rights are protected and your arguments are effectively presented.
- Appeal if Necessary: If you disagree with the ALJ’s decision, you have the right to appeal to the Appellate Division of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. The appeal process involves presenting your case to a higher level of review.
Dealing with a denied workers’ compensation claim in Georgia can be challenging, but it’s important to remember that you have options. By taking proactive steps, seeking legal counsel, and persistently advocating for your rights, you can increase your chances of obtaining the benefits you rightfully deserve. Reach out to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch for help to see what our Decatur workers’ compensation attorney can do for you.
