To find a good workers’ compensation lawyer in Georgia, take these steps:
- Ask people in your social circle, such as family, friends, colleagues, and neighbors, for recommendations.
- Research each lawyer online. Check out their website and any articles about them or their cases. Read reviews on their job performance.
- Compile a list of lawyers from the recommendations you receive and narrow it down to three or four.
- Prepare a list of questions and call for a free consultation with each law firm.
- Evaluate how comfortable you feel engaging with each firm you interview.
- Make sure the attorney is communicative.
- Don’t be afraid to ask each lawyer for references.
If you’ve been hurt on the job and need help obtaining benefits, a workers’ compensation lawyer in Georgia can help you.
If You Get Sick or Injured on the Job
Filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complicated. However, a lawyer can help you navigate the claims process. In addition, if you filed a claim but it was denied, an attorney guide you with submitting an appeal.
How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Employees
When an employee gets sick or is injured on the job, they can file for workers’ compensation benefits. The benefits a worker receives are dependent on the type of injury, the state’s requirements, and the specific policy the business owner has purchased.
For instance, a policy might allow employees to retrain for a new vocation or compensate the employee for permanently sustained injuries. It may also provide death benefits to those who lost a loved one to a work accident.
How Workers’ Compensation Benefits Employers
By purchasing workers’ compensation insurance, the employer is protected. If an employee gets injured or sick due to the job, it is the workers’ compensation insurance policy, not the employer or the business, that will pay for the damages. That way, the employer is immune from getting sued via a personal injury lawsuit.
Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney to Represent You
A workers’ compensation lawyer will oversee and protect your rights as the claims process unfolds. For example, if your employer tries to talk you out of reporting your injury to the insurance company and wants to handle your injury privately, call your lawyer immediately. Employers don’t like workers’ compensation claims because they fear their policy rates will soar, cutting their profits.
Even though your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance plan exists for your protection, understand this: As soon as you report an injury or sickness resulting from your job, the insurance company may try to protect their bottom line. As a result, they may look for ways to undervalue, delay, or deny your claim. To protect you from the insurance company’s tactics, your workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Gather additional evidence, like the incident report, medical records, witness statements, video footage, and photographs of your injuries
- Interact with the involved parties on your behalf
- Help you file your workers’ compensation claim
- Determine how much and which forms of compensation you are eligible to receive
- Negotiate a settlement
- Fight denials
- Handle all legal proceedings on your behalf
Your lawyer can assist you on a contingency-fee basis*, so they will only receive a payment if you receive workers’ compensation benefits.
What Type of Workers’ Compensation Lawyer to Hire
Some qualities to look for in a good workers’ compensation lawyer include:
- Has been in practice for several years
- Handles workers’ compensation claims
- Has won workers’ compensation cases
- Will get back to you in a timely manner
- Has positive client testimonials
If you’re not sure about any of these traits, follow up and call their references. Find out what they have to say before you hire a firm.
George Sink, P.A. Injury Lawyers Can Take Your Workers’ Compensation Case
It may seem like a lot of work trying to find the right workers’ compensation lawyer in Georgia, but you want someone who will fight hard to protect you. Here at George Sink, P.A. Lawyers, we strive to do that. With over 40 years of experience and more than 50,000 resolved cases1, we will fight hard for your workers’ compensation benefits.
Connect with us today for a free consultation to find how we can help you with your case.