If you get hurt while on the job, you can be left with a lifetime of pain or a permanent disability. In addition, you may be out of work for a while and wonder how you’ll be able to pay your bills, which only adds to your stress.
Your employer should have workers’ compensation, an accident insurance program that provides medical benefits and income resources if you get injured at work. You can get these benefits even if the injury was caused by someone else or it was your fault.
Workers’ comp differs from health insurance benefits in that it begins the day you start working for your employer. If you are hurt at work, it can cover your medical bills, physical rehabilitation, lost wages, and prescriptions, among other things. Every employer in Georgia with three or more employees must provide this coverage.
You should know what to do if you are hurt on the job, whether you work in construction or have a desk job. Here’s a quick guide on how to file a worker’s compensation claim.
Notify Your Employer
As soon as you are able to do so, let your employer know all the details of your accident. You have up to 30 days to complete this step, which should include what happened and the type of injuries you sustained.
Get Medical Treatment
Even if you think you might be fine, you should seek medical attention for your workplace injuries. Many people downplay their injuries, but putting off treatment can cause long-term pain or physical impairment.
Fill Out the WC-14 Form
You will need to get a WC-14 form from the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board. A copy of this form must also go to your employer and their workers’ comp insurance carrier. While you have 30 days to notify your employer of your workplace accident and injuries, you have one year from the date of your injury to file this form. Still, the sooner you file it, the better off you’ll be.
Document All Expenses Related to Your Injuries
Keep a file that contains the time you took off work for your injuries. You will also want to keep records of your doctors’ visits, medical expenses, and how these injuries have affected your daily life.
Speak with a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Some workplace accidents can leave you with such severe injuries that it’s difficult to manage the workers’ compensation claim process. You may want to work with a lawyer that can help ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to and get your forms filed on time.
In most cases, employers will be cooperative in filing the necessary paperwork. However, there are times when a workers’ comp lawyer can be even more of an asset to you. If your employer didn’t file the paperwork, denied the accident occurred, or workers’ comp denies your claims, you will most certainly need an attorney.
Find out more by visiting https://www.hansfordlawfirm.com/atlanta/.
