Hurt on the job in Snellville? You have the right to seek benefits through a workers’ compensation claim. In Georgia, workers’ comp is no-fault. With that being said, the claims process can be complicated. The right legal representation can make the difference. This raises an important question: When to hire a workers’ comp lawyer? There are many circumstances in which an attorney can help. In this article, you will find a more comprehensive overview of when it becomes time to hire a Snellville workers’ comp lawyer (and when it cannot wait).
Reasons to Get a Workers’ Comp Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a serious work injury is not easy. Issues can arise for a broad range of different reasons. You do not have to tackle everything alone. Employers and insurers should not be relied on to look out for your best interests. Here are five reasons to hire a top-rated Snellville workers’ compensation lawyer:
- There is a Dispute Over Your Injury or the Causation: Even though workers’ comp is no-fault in Georgia, disputes can arise for many reasons. Among other things, employers and insurers may challenge whether the injury arose out of and in the course of employment. They may argue that symptoms stem from a pre-existing condition or a non-work event.
- Delayed or Denied Medical Treatment: A potential challenge for injured workers in Snellville is that Georgia law allows the employer to control medical care through a posted panel of physicians. There can be delays or even denials of medical treatment.
- Wage Benefits Not Paid or Workers’ Comp Benefits Not Calculated Correctly: You need your full and fair workers’ comp benefits. Notably, temporary total disability benefits depend on the average weekly wage. Unfortunately, insurers sometimes understate earnings by excluding overtime, bonuses, or concurrent employment.
- Facing Pressure to Return to Work Too Soon: Another unfortunate issue is that employers may push a light-duty release that does not match actual restrictions. Accepting unsuitable work can actually undermine your benefits.
- Disagreement Over a Permanent Impairment: If you suffered a severe injury, you need a lawyer. After maximum medical improvement, the impairment rating determines entitlement to permanent partial disability benefits. An unfairly low impairment rating could result in drastically reduced workers’ comp benefits.
Workers’ Comp Tip: You need to report your injury/illness to your employer as soon as possible. Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80), it should be done within 30 days. Otherwise, you could potentially have your workers’ comp claim denied.
When a Snellville Workers’ Comp Attorney is a Must (Right Now)
There are some big signs that you need to hire a Snellville, GA workers’ comp attorney right away. Time-sensitive issues can arise, and you cannot always wait to speak to a lawyer. Here are four things that require immediate attention from an attorney:
- Your Workers’ Comp Claim Was Denied: A denial of workers’ comp benefits is stressful and frustrating. The good news is that it is not the end of the road. Still, you need to act quickly. You can and should preserve your right to appeal. An experienced Snellville workers’ comp lawyer can help.
- You Suffered a Serious or Catastrophic Injury: Spinal cord trauma, traumatic brain injury, amputations, or severe burns carry long-term consequences. These cases involve life care planning, vocational issues, and potential third-party claims. With very serious injuries, you should always speak to a workers’ comp attorney.
- You are Facing Employer Retaliation or Even Termination: You have the right to file for workers’ comp. Indeed, Georgia law prohibits firing an employee solely for filing a workers’ comp claim. Unfortunately, unlawful retaliation does happen. If you were punished in any way for filing for benefits, you should speak to a Snellville workers’ comp lawyer right away.
- Settlement Discussions Were Initiated by the Insurer: Insurers may present a lump-sum offer before the full medical picture develops. Accepting a premature settlement can cut off future treatment and income benefits. Before you accept a settlement, you should consult with a Snellville, GA workers’ comp attorney.
Benefits of Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Legal representation does more than respond to problems. It changes how the claim develops from the outset. Here are three key benefits to working with an experienced Snellville workers’ comp attorney:
- You Will Have Strategic Control of Medical Evidence: Medical records drive the outcome. A lawyer ensures that treating providers document work restrictions, causation, and functional limitations with precision.
- You Can Accurately Value Benefits: Workers’ compensation claims include medical care, wage replacement, and potential permanent disability benefits. A lawyer will ensure that your claim is actually properly valued by the insurer.
- You Will Be Protected Against Common Insurer Defense Tactics: Insurers operate with defined strategies. They may delay care, dispute causation, or minimize impairment. A Snellville workers’ comp attorney can anticipate the defense strategy.
Why Trust Griffin Law Firm for a Work Injury Claim in Snellville
There are a lot of good reasons to hire a Snellville workers’ compensation attorney. When you make the decision to get professional legal representation, it is imperative that you have the right advocate on your side. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we are a results-focused team that puts injured workers first. To learn more about how we can help, you can review our client testimonials, our case results, and contact us directly for a free, no obligation initial consultation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Snellville, GA Workers’ Comp Attorney
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville workers’ comp attorney invests time, resources, and attention to detail into each and every case. If you have any questions about the workers’ comp claims process, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no obligation case evaluation. From our Snellville office, we handle workers’ comp cases throughout the region, including in the zip codes of 30078 and 30039.