To those struggling with a Workers Comp case:
We understand that things are probably tough for you right now. But, here you are because you realized that you should know more about work injuries and how workers’ comp can help. It’s a step in the right direction.
Injuries are made worse when you have to deal with your employer or their insurance company who seems to understand all of this so well and assures you to just trust them. Then you think, “Is what they are telling me true? Am I getting treated fairly or not? Am I being taken advantage of?” Those are hard questions to answer if you’ve never been through this before. Prior to the injury, you probably didn’t care that you knew so little about Workers Comp, but now that you are dealing with an injury, that lack of knowledge becomes scary.
Besides trying to figure out what doctors you’re allowed to pick and what type of medical treatment you need to get better, life keeps happening around you. Your bills are still due every month even though you’re out of work. Suddenly, this accident at work puts everything you’ve worked so hard for at risk. Does this sound familiar?
We’ve helped injured, hardworking people in workers’ comp claims for our entire careers. We know the hardships you are facing. No, it’s not easy or fun. But, you owe it to yourself and your family to learn fast or find a trusted helper to have by your side. Our firm tries to do both – provide good, helpful information the insurance company won’t give you and to provide our expert legal help to those who want us to stand beside them through this often life changing process.
Chances are we have some articles or videos on the issues you have questions about, so please check those out. If you want to reach out to us, we’d be honored to discuss your particular situation with you.
Jason Perkins
Travis Studdard
Discuss your situation
Navigating Georgia’s workers’ compensation system can be a daunting task, leaving you with numerous questions and uncertainties. If you find yourself in this situation, we strongly encourage you to seek clarification and find the answers you need. Perkins Studdard is here to help you through this process and provide the support you deserve.
Why Hire Us for Your Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Workers’ compensation insurance companies almost never pay all the benefits they should. When you need to fight to receive full workers’ compensation benefits, the quality of your legal representation can make a huge difference in your case. At Perkins Studdard, our dedication to defending the rights of injured workers is at the heart of everything we do. When you retain us to handle your claim, you benefit from the following:
- Focused Experience: Attorneys Jason Perkins, and Travis Studdard, and their experienced team have over 50 years of combined experience in workers’ compensation law and related fields, ensuring that you receive skilled legal counsel tailored to your specific needs.
- Dedication to Justice: Our law firm is driven by a commitment to ensure the workers’ compensation system treats our clients fairly. We understand the frustrations you might face and work diligently to address these challenges.
- Strong Advocacy: Inspired by stories of overcoming adversity (like that of David and Goliath), our experienced attorneys excel in standing up for the hardworking “Davids” of the world against formidable “Goliath” insurance companies. In short, we are prepared to fight vigorously on your behalf.
- Strategic Guidance: Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be frightening and confusing. Our team offers clear, strategic guidance, helping you understand your rights and the best steps forward.
- Proven Track Record: Our history of successful outcomes speaks volumes. We have a strong track record of securing the medical treatment and financial compensation our clients are entitled to, and we are eager to do the same for you.
Choosing Perkins Studdard means selecting a partner who will fight hard for your rights while guiding you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim. Let us help you secure the benefits you deserve with the determination and respect you should expect from your attorney. Please contact our offices in Carrollton and Lagrange to schedule a free initial consultation.
Our Services
At Perkins Studdard, our practice is devoted to supporting individuals who have been injured at work through no fault of their own. We understand the stress and uncertainty that come with workplace injuries, and our goal is to alleviate these burdens by providing reliable legal assistance.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
We handle all aspects of this process, If you’ve been injured on the job, filing a workers’ compensation claim is your first step towards recovery, but an equally important part of this process is making sure you receive all workers’ comp benefits you should. Our team works to make sure that all necessary medical care is authorized and paid for. We also work diligently to ensure that you receive the appropriate wage benefits while you recover, and we help negotiate fair settlements that reflect your needs and circumstances.
Workers’ Compensation Appeals
Often, workers’ compensation claims or specific medical or monetary benefits are unfairly denied. In such cases, an appeal might be necessary. Our legal team is skilled in handling workers’ compensation hearings and appeals, and representing your interests against insurance carriers to ensure a fair outcome. We prepare by gathering all necessary evidence and crafting strong arguments. Our aim is to overturn unjust decisions and secure the financial compensation you need.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation System Explained
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is designed to support injured employees by providing medical and monetary benefits that aid in their recovery and financial stability. Understanding this system can significantly reduce the stress and uncertainty that often accompany occupational injuries. Here’s a breakdown of the types of support available through Georgia’s workers’ compensation system and how these benefits are accessed.
Workers’ Comp Benefits in Georgia
Workers’ compensation in Georgia provides several key benefits to those injured on the job:
- Medical Benefits: This includes full coverage for necessary medical expenses related to your injury with authorized doctors. From initial doctor visits and hospital stays to ongoing treatments like physical therapy, these benefits ensure that your health recovery is prioritized without out-of-pocket costs.
- Supplemental Income: If a work injury prevents you from working for more than seven days, you can receive weekly income benefits. These payments are generally two-thirds of your average weekly earnings. These benefits can last for up to 400 weeks from the date of your injury unless you suffer from a catastrophic injury that might qualify you for extended benefits.
- Permanent Impairment: If a severe injury results in some permanent impairment, you can receive a rating from your workers’ compensation doctor that qualifies you for permanent impairment benefits. The amount of these benefits depends on the percentage rating from the doctor.
- Rehabilitation Support: For catastrophic injuries that impact your ability to return to your previous job or require a career change, vocational rehabilitation services are available to help you adapt to new employment conditions.
- Death Benefits for Fatal Work Injuries: When a work-related injury results in death, dependents of the deceased can receive compensation. This includes a portion of the deceased’s earnings and coverage for funeral expenses and burial expenses.
Understanding the Payments System
The process of applying for workers’ compensation payments is straightforward but there are specific procedural steps involved.
- Notification and Waiting Period: After reporting your injury, there is a waiting period of seven days before payments can begin. If you are unable to work for 21 consecutive days, compensation for the initial waiting week becomes retroactively payable.
- Payment Schedule: Regular income benefits are typically disbursed as weekly payments following the initial 21-day period unless the Georgia State Board approves an alternate schedule of Workers’ Compensation payments.
- Types of Disability Payments: Workers’ compensation pays Temporary Total Disability benefits when you are out of work because of your injury. If you return to work at a lower-paying job due to your injury, you can receive Temporary Partial Disability benefits to make up two-thirds of the difference between your previous and current wages. Permanent Partial Disability benefits are payable when an injury results in lasting physical limitations, although this compensation is based on the severity and impact of the permanent disability.
Given the strict time frames and procedural requirements of Georgia’s workers’ compensation benefits system, seeking experienced legal help is strongly recommended. A skilled workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process, ensuring that all documentation is correctly handled and that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled.
Workers’ Compensation FAQs
Having your workers’ compensation claim denied can be a disheartening experience, especially when you are dealing with financial uncertainty after a work-related injury. Understanding the common reasons for denial can help you assess the next steps and potentially reverse the decision through an appeal.
- Lack of Evidence to Support the Claim: Claims often get denied if there is insufficient medical evidence linking the injury to the workplace accident. It’s important to have thorough documentation from healthcare providers detailing the extent of the injury and its direct connection to your job.
- Failure to Report the Injury in Time: There are strict time limits for reporting injuries to employers. If you did not report your injury within the timeframe specified by Georgia law, your claim could be denied.
- Discrepancies Between Claim and Medical Records: If your description of the work-related accident differs from what is recorded in your medical files or if there are inconsistencies in your accounts of the incident, insurers might view the claim as questionable.
- Injury Not Deemed Work-Related: To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the injury must occur during the course of employment. Injuries that happen while commuting to work, during breaks, or as a result of non-work-related activities generally are not covered.
- Employment Status Issues: Not all workers are eligible for workers’ compensation. For example, independent contractors and volunteers typically do not qualify under Georgia’s workers’ comp laws.
- Failure to Follow Medical Guidance: If you refuse or fail to follow the prescribed medical treatment for your injury or occupational disease, the workers’ compensation insurance company may deny your claim or stop your benefits, arguing that you are hindering your recovery.
- Preexisting Injury: Insurers often deny claims if they believe your condition is primarily related to a preexisting injury rather than an incident at work.
If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process involves a series of steps, including filing a request for a hearing where you can present additional evidence and arguments. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you gather the necessary documentation, represent you at hearings, and argue on your behalf to overturn the denial. At Perkins Studdard, we are committed to ensuring that injured workers receive the maximum compensation they are entitled to. If you are facing a denied workers’ comp claim or a denial of specific workers’ comp benefits, contact us today to discuss your case and explore your options for moving forward. We stand ready to support you every step of the way.
In Georgia, hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer is typically managed through a contingency fee arrangement. This means that you do not pay any upfront costs; instead, your workers’ comp lawyer’s fee is contingent upon securing compensation for your claim. If you receive a compensation settlement or win your case, the lawyer’s fee is then deducted as a percentage of the amount awarded. This approach aligns the interests of you and your attorney, as the lawyer’s compensation depends directly on the success of your case. All workers’ compensation attorney’s fees must be approved by a judge so you can know that the fee is proper. Also, the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia sets specific guidelines for attorney’s fees to ensure they are fair and reasonable. Generally, the fee is capped at 25% of your settlement or monetary workers’ compensation benefits.
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Questions? Get a Free Consultation From a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are dealing with workers’ compensation, help is available. At Perkins Studdard, our legal team is equipped with the knowledge and legal experience to guide you through the Georgia workers’ compensation system and to fight for a favorable outcome in your case.
Don’t let the workers’ compensation insurance company stand in the way of your recovery and financial stability. Contact Perkins Studdard today to discuss your case and learn how we can help you achieve the best possible recovery from your injury at work. For more information or to schedule a free consultation, call (770) 285-0548 or use our contact form. We have offices in Carrollton and Lagrange to serve you better.
