Workers’ compensation is designed to help injured workers by allowing them a streamlined way to obtain compensation while they recover from their injuries. The Georgia workers’ compensation program is a no-fault program, meaning an employee will not be required to show that someone other than himself was at fault for his injuries. Of course, an injured worker must be able to prove that the injury occurred while on the job or through the performance of job-related activities.

Despite the good intentions behind the workers’ compensation program, sometimes obtaining benefits can be difficult. This may be because an employer contests the claim, arguing that the injury did not occur at work or that the specific injury alleged is not a covered type of injury. In fact, earlier this month, a local Georgia news source issued a report outlining the difficulties that Georgians who are injured on the job have in obtaining workers’ compensation benefits.

According to the recent report, approximately one in five Georgians who missed a week or more of work reported having “big problems” in obtaining their benefits. Making matters worse, in many cases, injured workers rely on these benefits to pay for the medical expenses related to the injury. The troubles injured employees have can range from repeated delays on the part of the insurer to contested claims. Roughly half of those reporting “big problems” explained that their employer or the employer’s insurance carrier did not want to provide the necessary level of care in the wake of their injury.

 

While new rules are pending and are likely to pass in the coming year, the reality is that tens of thousands of injured Georgians are forced to wait for their benefits. In some cases, injured workers report being “worn down” to the point where they will accept sub-standard care rather than continue to fight.

The Benefit of Having an Attorney’s Assistance

While it is possible to file a workers’ compensation claim without the assistance of an attorney, having an attorney in your corner can greatly simplify the process and increase the chance that your application will be heard on its merits without undue delay. Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws are exceedingly complex, and an unknowing employee can make any number of missteps along the way.

Have You Been Injured in a Georgia Workplace Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been injured while on the job, you may be eligible for temporary workers’ compensation benefits. The dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at J. Franklin Burns, P.C. have extensive experience assisting their clients with seeking the benefits they need and deserve. Attorney Burns understands how insurance companies approach and defend against these claims, since he spent 15 years defending insurance companies in workers’ compensation claims before opening up his own practice representing injured employees. Call 404-920-4708 to schedule your free case review today.