Athens Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Hurt On the Job in Athens? The Workers’ Comp Lawyers at The Larrison Firm Can Help

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens workers’ compensation attorney is skilled, knowledgeable, and committed to fighting for justice for people who were hurt on the job. We have extensive experience with workers’ comp claims and workers’ comp appeals. Do not go it alone. Contact us at our Athens law office today for a free consultation with a top-rated Georgia workers’ comp lawyer.

Four Steps to Take After a Work Injury in Athens

Following a job-related accident in Athens, you may have a lot of questions about what comes next. It is imperative that you take a proactive approach. Here are four of the most important steps:

• Get Yourself to a Doctor: Your health, safety, and well-being are the top priority. Getting hurt at work is stressful, but your first step is always to get the care you need. Even small injuries can worsen without treatment. Seeing a doctor right away also links your injury directly to your job. Without medical records, you will not be able to bring a successful claim.

• Notify Your Employer in Athens: Georgia law puts the responsibility on injured workers. You need to notify your employer of the accident in a timely manner. You should let your supervisor know what happened as soon as you can. You have 30 days under Georgia law, but sooner is always better. A written report is always best.

• File a Workers’ Comp Application: Next, injured workers in Athens need to actually file for benefits. To seek benefits, you must file Form WC-14. The form should be filed with the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation. If you need help with the initial form, please do not hesitate to contact an Athens, GA workers’ comp lawyer.

• Appeal a Denial of Workers’ Comp Benefits: If your claim is denied, do not panic—you still have options available. You can request a hearing and present your side of the case. A skilled Athens workers’ comp attorney can guide you through the appeals process. Many workers have successfully overturned denials through this system.

Understanding How the Georgia Workers’ Comp Laws Work

You cannot sue your employer for a work-related injury in Georgia. Instead, our state has a no-fault workers’ comp system (O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9). Almost every employer in Athens is required to provide no-fault workers’ comp insurance to almost every employee. Even if you are a part-time employee at a company in Athens, you can still file for workers’ comp. You do not have to prove that your employer was negligent or that they otherwise caused your accident to get benefits. You can qualify on the basis that you were injured within the course and scope of your employment.

An Overview of Different Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits

Hurt on the job in Athens? It is imperative that you are able to access all available workers’ comp benefits. Your financial interests matter. They are a top priority. Here is an overview of the different types of workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia:

• Medical Coverage: Injured workers are entitled to receive all necessary and reasonable medical treatment related to their workplace injury, as long as the care is provided by a physician authorized by the employer’s posted panel of doctors.

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from performing any work for more than seven days, you may qualify for TTD benefits. These payments amount to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a statutory maximum under Georgia law.

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): When a work-related injury results in permanent impairment, but you are still able to work, you may be entitled to compensation based on the type and severity of your disability. PPD benefits are calculated using a specific schedule set forth in Georgia law. Your impairment rating is key in these cases.
• Workers’ Comp Death Benefits: If a workplace accident in Athens results in the death of an employee, eligible dependents—most often a surviving spouse and/or minor children—may receive weekly income benefits. These are challenging cases for grieving families.

We Handle Workers’ Compensation Appeals in Athens, Georgia

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, delayed, or disputed, you have the legal right to challenge the decision through Georgia’s formal appeals process. The first step in appealing a denial is to request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). At the hearing, both sides—the injured worker and the employer or their insurer—will have the opportunity to present evidence, call witnesses, and make legal arguments.

The ALJ will then issue a written decision based on the evidence presented and the applicable provisions of Georgia workers’ compensation law. If the ALJ denies your claim, you can further escalate your appeal. Indeed, you can appeal the ruling to the State Board’s Appellate Division by submitting a written request within 20 days of the judge’s decision. Do not go it alone: Consult with an Athens, GA workers’ comp appeals attorney right away after receiving a denial letter.

Injured Workers in Athens May Also Have a Third-Party Liability Claim

A third-party liability claim is a separate legal action you may be able to file if someone other than your employer or a co-worker was responsible for your injury on the job. While workers’ compensation benefits are generally your exclusive remedy against your employer, Georgia law allows you to sue negligent third parties for additional damages, including for pain and suffering.

Our Athens work injury lawyer can help you with a third-party liability case.

How the Athens Workers’ Comp Lawyers at The Larrison Law Firm Can Help

Workers’ compensation claims are complicated. It is normal to be stressed out, confused, and unsure of what to do after a major work-related accident. Do not go it alone. At The Larrison Law Firm, we put injured workers first. With a proven record of case results, we have secured millions in compensation for victims and families. When you contact us at our Athens law office, you will be able to connect directly with a Georgia work injury attorney who can:

• Conduct a free, comprehensive review and evaluation of your case.
• Thoroughly investigate your job-related accident in Athens.
• Handle workers’ comp paperwork and represent you in settlement talks; and
• Develop a personalized strategy to help you secure the maximum benefits.

Speak to Our Athens Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Athens workers’ comp lawyers have the professional experience that you can trust when it matters most. Hurt in the job? We are more than ready to help. Call us now or contact us online for your free, no-obligation case review. We fight for justice for injured workers in Athens and all across the wider region.