Not sure what to do after a work injury in Tifton? You’re not alone.
Many injured workers feel confused and overwhelmed about how to report their injuries, select a doctor, or complete the correct forms. Deadlines come quickly, and even a minor mistake can result in the loss of benefits.
The good news is that you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. A lawyer from The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can walk you through the entire process of filing a workers’ comp claim. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys know how the system works and can deal directly with insurers and employers on your behalf.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
What to Do After a Workplace Injury in Tifton
Follow these steps after suffering an injury at work:
Report the Injury Promptly
Inform your supervisor, foreman, or boss about your work-related injury as soon as possible. Georgia law requires injured employees to report a work injury within 30 days, but it is best to do so promptly. If you miss that deadline, you could lose your right to receive benefits. Ask for a copy of the report for your records.
Seek Medical Attention
Your employer must post a list of approved doctors or the details of their managed care organization. You must choose an approved doctor for your treatment unless it’s an emergency. If your employer hasn’t posted a list or refuses to help, you might be able to pick your own medical provider. Be sure to inform the doctor that your injury happened at work.
Complete and Submit Form WC-14
You must fill out Form WC-14 and send it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) to make a formal claim. Send copies of the claim form to your employer and its insurance company, too. You must file this form within one year of your injury or one year from the last authorized treatment, whichever is later.
Await the Insurance Carrier’s Response
After an employee reports the injury, the insurance company has 21 days to investigate and decide whether to approve or deny the claim. If they approve your claim, you should start getting workers’ compensation benefits within that time. If they deny your claim, they must give you a reason.
Understand the Benefits Available
If you get hurt while doing your job in Georgia, workers’ compensation can help.
The system exists to give injured workers access to care and partial wage replacement while they’re healing. Depending on your situation, workers’ compensation may cover several types of benefits, including:
- Medical benefits – Workers’ comp covers your medical treatment if a doctor on your employer’s approved list says it’s reasonable and necessary. This includes office visits, surgery, hospital care, prescriptions, physical therapy, and even medical equipment. You can also receive assistance with mileage costs when traveling to and from appointments.
- Temporary total disability (TTD) benefits – If your injury keeps you from working at all, even for a short time, you can get weekly wage replacement payments. TTD payments usually equal up to two-thirds of your average weekly wages, with a cap of $800 per week. Benefits start after you miss seven days of work. If you miss more than 21 days, you may also receive payment for the first week. TTD benefits for lost wages are available for a maximum of 400 weeks or until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI).
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits – You can qualify for TPD benefits if you return to work but can’t earn as much as before because of your injury. It pays up to two-thirds of the difference between your old and new wages, with a cap of $533 per week. These benefits can last up to 350 weeks from the date of your injury.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits – If your doctor says your injury caused permanent damage to part of your body, you can get paid for that loss. The number of weeks for which you can collect benefits depends on which body part you lost or lost function in.
- Catastrophic injury benefits – Some injuries are so serious that they qualify as catastrophic. These include spinal cord injuries that cause paralysis, amputations, severe burns, or blindness. If your injury fits this category, you can receive medical care and income benefits for as long as you’re unable to work.
- Vocational rehabilitation – If your injury prevents you from going back to your old job, you might qualify for job retraining. In catastrophic cases, the employer must pay for these services. This could include assistance with finding employment, job coaching, or training for a new career path.
If a worker dies because of a workplace accident, certain family members may be eligible for death benefits.
Appeal if Necessary
If the insurance company denies your workers’ compensation claim or if you disagree with the benefits offered, you can ask for a hearing.
An administrative law judge will listen to both sides and make a decision. If you haven’t already, it’s a good idea to speak with a Tifton workers’ compensation lawyer at this point for help presenting your case.
Being denied benefits is not the end of the road, but it can be helpful to work with someone who is familiar with the Georgia workers’ compensation system and knows how to advocate effectively during appeals.
Why Legal Assistance Is Important
Some workers try to handle their workers’ compensation case on their own, only to struggle when problems or setbacks happen.
Employers may deny that injuries happened on the job. Insurance companies might delay or refuse payments. Some employees get sent to doctors who downplay their injuries. When issues like these arise, it’s helpful to have someone who understands the workers’ compensation claims process and can help you pursue maximum benefits.
A Tifton workers’ compensation attorney can explain your options, gather strong medical evidence, and speak for you at hearings. If you face a full or partial claim denial or pressure to return to work too soon, you need someone on your side with a track record of proven results.
A lawyer can guide you through every step of the workers’ compensation process and help you avoid mistakes that cost you benefits.
Contact a Tifton Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you got hurt on the job or are suffering from an occupational disease, don’t wait to get legal help and the answers you need.
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. is here for injured workers like you, standing up for their rights and demanding the benefits they’re owed. Contact our law firm today to get started with a free initial consultation.
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