Worker’s Compensation – Are You Eligible?

Have you gotten an injury from work? Has it cost you wages and medical expenses? You may be entitled to worker’s compensation, so it’s important to understand what worker’s compensation is, how you can receive it and what needs to be done first.

What is Worker’s Compensation?

Worker’s Compensation, or workers comp, is defined in state laws, so it is critical to speak to a local attorney experienced in worker’s compensation claims. In Montgomery, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia, that attorney is Dwayne L. Brown. Worker’s compensation is designed to help an employee get through a workplace injury or illness without the employer going bankrupt in the process.

Worker’s Compensation can help with lost wages, medical care and funeral costs if a death occurs due to a workplace injury or illness.

Can I Receive Worker’s Comp for Any Workplace Injury?

There are situations where worker’s compensation doesn’t cover an injury. For example, an employee gets hurt because they started a fight or were intoxicated at work. This is also true for intentional injuries an employee causes. In addition, emotional injury that is not accompanied by physical trauma is not covered by Worker’s Compensation.

Does Worker’s Compensation Insurance Cover All Workers?

Every Alabama and Georgia business with three or more employees must carry workers comp insurance. Not surprisingly, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, employers are not required to carry worker’s compensation for independent contractors, volunteers or domestic workers. Also exempt are seasonal workers in some areas, construction workers, charities and certain agricultural businesses.

Is Filing for Worker’s Comp Damaging to Your Employer?

Employers pay for worker’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance is subject to state laws, the number of employees, the type of work done and the risk factor(s) involved. Should an employer have several claims, premiums would likely rise. However, the employer certainly must remedy the issue that led to the injury or illness.

When Do I Need a Lawyer for My Worker’s Compensation Claim?

You need an experienced worker’s comp lawyer when you have problems with your claim. For example, your employer may deny your claim, saying you didn’t report the injury or you didn’t get the injury at work. You may be unpleasantly surprised when your employer seems deeply concerned over your injury and doesn’t even worry about doctor’s notes or you needing days off.

However, everything changes when you file your claim, and they say you are ineligible. So, save every note, make copies of therapy orders, keep all the bills and everything you could use to prove your claim. You may need it. Remember, you aren’t dealing with your employer. You’re dealing with the government.

Don’t let this stop you from getting what you rightfully deserve for your worker’s compensation claim. Remember, you are fighting against the government with their best interests in mind, not yours. Hiring an experienced worker’s compensation lawyer means you have someone on your side to fight.

A good lawyer will help you get all the medical records you need for your case and any witnesses that can help you. In addition, they will help fight against delaying strategies or other tactics that might prevent you from receiving everything you deserve.

These are just a few questions people have about worker’s compensation to cover injury or illness from their workplace. If you’ve been injured at work, you deserve to have your case looked at carefully and advocated for by a professional attorney. Contact the law firm of Dwayne L. Brown in Atlanta and Montgomery to find out if you are entitled to worker’s compensation benefits. You need an attorney on your side to make sure you get what you need and deserve.

Disclaimer: Our staff at the Law Office of Dwayne L. Brown have worked hard to become valued members of the Georgia business community. We write accident news stories with the intent and purpose of bringing awareness to the dangers of driving in our community with hopes that our fellow community members will use added precautions when operating a motor vehicle and avoid being seriously injured in an Alabama accident. This post is not intended to be a solicitation for business. The information provided in this post is not meant to be legal advice or medical advice. The picture used in this post is not representative of the accident described in this post.