Serving Injured workers in Columbus, GA
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Do You Need a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Columbus, GA?
If you have been injured at work, call the Law Office of Elene Welsh to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus, GA. We know how stressful worrying about money can be after getting hurt on the job. So we take a proactive approach to your case, fight to help you recover maximum compensation, and ensure you receive all of the employee benefits you’re entitled to under Georgia law. Our team has over 30 years of experience holding employers responsible on behalf of injured workers.
Your first consultation is free, so don’t wait to contact our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbus to schedule yours today. Call (706) 984-8963 now.
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Under Georgia law, workers’ compensation benefits can be paid to employees who sustain an injury at work. This law applies to full- and part-time employees, but not independent contractors.
You don’t have to get hurt at your workplace to qualify – you can also successfully secure workers comp benefits if you get injured while “on the job,” performing a job-related task or responsibility.
For instance, let’s say you’re driving a work truck to carry materials to an Atlanta job site when you get into an auto accident: You’d most likely qualify for workers comp since you were performing a duty for your job.
A Georgia employer must possess workers’ compensation insurance for three or more employees. When a worker gets hurt while on the job, this insurance program can cover lost wages, disability, and medical bills regardless of fault.
That’s right — you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if you are entirely or partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury. Georgia’s no-fault system states that any injured worker can seek and potentially recover workers’ comp benefits.
The process for filing a workers compensation claim
Georgia has strict policies in place for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what you need to know after being hurt at work.
1
Report Your Accident
Let your boss know right away if you get hurt at work or realize later that you're injured. You have up to one month from when it happened to report it. If you wait too long, you might not get any help with your medical bills or lost wages.
2
Go to the Doctor
Go to the doctor quickly. Your employer will have a list of approved doctors you should visit. If you go to a doctor not on this list, the insurance might not cover your medical costs. The only exception is if you need urgent care right after getting hurt.
3
File Your Claim
To get benefits like medical bill coverage, you need to complete a form called "Form WC-14." You should send copies of this form to your boss, the State Board of Workers Compensation, and the insurance company that covers your workplace. You generally have up to a year from when you got hurt to send in this form.
What a Columbus Workers Compensation Lawyer May Do for Your Case
Were You Injured At Work in Columbus, Georgia?
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to help injured employees recover physically and financially after an accident at work. However, just because you’re qualified for workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t mean getting your compensation will be easy.
The system is set up to benefit employers and their insurance companies, not injured workers like you. When you file a workers comp claim, you must follow stringent policies and work within strict time limitations. Your employers’ insurance provider may attempt to make it hard for you to get the money you deserve so that they don’t have to pay you. Simple mistakes when filing a claim could decrease your compensation.
Hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in your workers’ compensation case. At the Law Office of Elene Welsh, our workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus, GA, has more than three decades of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims. We know Georgia workers’ compensation law like the back of our hand. We know what steps need to be taken to get you the maximum benefits you deserve for your damages.
When you hire the Law Office of Elene Welsh, we will advise you throughout the process and advocate for your rights. Our goal is to help you obtain the money you need to recover from your work injury. Give us a call today to set up a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you. (706) 984-8963
After you file your claim, the claim goes to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for evaluation. The employer should provide the injured worker with a list of medical professionals approved by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The injured employee must then seek medical attention from one of these approved doctors. The exception to seeing an approved doctor is that if the injured worker requires emergency medical treatment, they may receive medical care from any practitioner. Once the emergency is over, they are required to return to one of the approved practitioners. Workers must let their employer know which approved physician they have chosen, and they have the right to switch doctors once without informing their employer.
The medical provider treating an injured worker may advise staying out of work for some time to recover. Injured workers may be able to receive workers comp benefits if they cannot work for seven days or more. Most injured employees claiming workers’ compensation will receive their initial benefits check within 21 days of missing work. Claimants out of work for more than 21 days may also receive benefits for the first week.
After July 1, 2016, Georgia law limits benefits to no more than two-thirds of the injured employee’s weekly earnings, but not to exceed $575 per week for up to 400 weeks. In some situations, an employee will be able to return to work immediately but may not be able to perform physically demanding previous job tasks. If an injured worker can only return to a lower-paying job, they can receive partial benefit payments of no more than $383 per week for up to 350 weeks.
There are also individual provisions for workers who suffer permanent injuries, amputations, or disfigurements. If a worker dies from their injury, their dependents may receive up to $575 per week. A widowed spouse without kids may only receive up to $230,000 total. It’s also necessary to note that workers’ compensation benefits may sometimes alter Social Security benefits.
Understanding Worker’s Comp benefits can be complicated, but a skilled Workers Compensation attorney like Ellene Welsh can help explain your potential earnings after a work injury. Ellene offers a free consultation, so if you have questions, please call her office at (706) 984-8963 and schedule a time to speak with her.
Choose a local Columbus Workers Compensation Lawyer
Ellene Welsh is a seasoned lawyer in Columbus, Georgia, with 35 years of experience specializing in workers' compensation. She and her team are deeply committed to the local community and aim to ease your burden if you're unable to work due to injury. They offer expert guidance to help you secure the benefits you need to pay your bills and support your family.
Why choose us? We prioritize personal attention to your needs and questions in a welcoming environment. Being local, we're readily available for face-to-face meetings and dedicated to actively participating in your case. We even offer robust support for appeals, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.
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If you have been hurt on the job while working in Columbus, Georgia, you may be qualified for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you get back on your feet after an unfortunate injury at work.
Don’t let insurance companies pay you less than you deserve. Instead, let the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Elene Welsh help you get maximum compensation. Our workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus has been handling complicated workers’ compensation and personal injury cases for over three decades. We understand Georgia law and know what needs to be done to get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Columbus law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation at (706) 984-8963. Our team will review the details of your case and explain your legal rights. Our goal is to guide you in your legal claim and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. There’s not much time to act, so give us a call now!
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With 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Ellene Welsh specializes in assisting individuals in the Douglasville, Columbus, and West Georgia areas to secure Work Comp, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the systems and collaborating with admin officials to secure her clients the financial support they deserve.
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