[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/when-to-hire-workers-comp-lawyer\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/when-to-hire-workers-comp-lawyer\/","headline":"When to Hire a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer?","name":"When to Hire a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer?","description":"You should consult with a\u00a0Georgia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer\u00a0right away after sustaining a work-related injury. Although you may not hire a lawyer during that first meeting, they can help you understand your rights and obligations under Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 comp law and how the process works.\u00a0 What Are Georgia\u2019s Workers\u2019...","datePublished":"2023-07-18","dateModified":"2024-04-03","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/#Person","name":"Ken Bernard","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/filing-workers-comp-claim.jpeg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/filing-workers-comp-claim.jpeg","height":666,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/when-to-hire-workers-comp-lawyer\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo","name":"How To Appeal a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Denial - Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","description":"For more about Workers\u2019 Compensation cases, visit https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/appealing-a-georgia-workers-compensation-denial\/\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/C6bhr6jp9Yo\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/C6bhr6jp9Yo\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/C6bhr6jp9Yo\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/C6bhr6jp9Yo\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/C6bhr6jp9Yo\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-03-24T12:34:51+00:00","duration":"PT2M59S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/C6bhr6jp9Yo","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=C6bhr6jp9Yo#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":43}]]},"about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":979,"articleBody":"You should consult with a\u00a0Georgia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer\u00a0right away after sustaining a work-related injury. Although you may not hire a lawyer during that first meeting, they can help you understand your rights and obligations under Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 comp law and how the process works.\u00a0What Are Georgia\u2019s Workers\u2019 Compensation Laws?Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation laws\u00a0govern the rights and obligations of employees and employers when workers get hurt on the job or develop an occupational illness. Key provisions of the workers\u2019 comp laws include:Employees must notify their employers about a work-related injury or occupational illness.\u00a0This should be done as soon as possible but no later than 30 days after getting hurt or being diagnosed with an occupational illness. Failing to give timely notice of an injury or illness may jeopardize an employee\u2019s eligibility for workers\u2019 comp benefits.Employees who need to file a formal workers\u2019 comp claim\u00a0with the state must do so within one year of the work accident or the last authorized medical treatment or within two years of the last payment of weekly benefits.Employers may choose a panel of physicians\u00a0that injured employees must select from to receive treatment covered by workers\u2019 comp. Employees may switch between doctors on the panel once without prior authorization. However, employers must meet certain conditions before requiring employees to seek treatment from a physician on the designated panel.What Benefits Are Available from Workers\u2019 Compensation in Georgia?Under the Georgia workers\u2019 comp system, employees may receive various defined income benefits, including:Payment of all reasonably necessary medical treatment and rehabilitationTemporary total disability benefitsTemporary partial disability benefitsPermanent partial disability benefitsDeath benefits, including weekly payments and contributions toward funeral and burial expensesWhat Are Some Reasons for Hiring a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer?You may not need an attorney if your employer immediately approves your workers\u2019 compensation claim and begins paying all the benefits guaranteed to you under Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation law. However, you will need experienced legal representation if you face any of the following situations when trying to recover workers\u2019 comp benefits after suffering an on-the-job injury:Employer denies your claim \u2013\u00a0Your employer may deny your workers\u2019 compensation claim outright, arguing that your injury or illness did not occur in the course and scope of your employment. A lawyer can help build a persuasive case to prove that your injury or illness should be covered.Employer disputes your injuries \u2013\u00a0Your employer may dispute the severity of your injuries or argue that your injuries have not disabled you from continuing to work. Your lawyer can advocate for the medical benefits and weekly payments you deserve for your injuries.Employer fires you because you filed a claim \u2013\u00a0A workers\u2019 compensation attorney can also help you pursue financial compensation and other relief when your employer retaliates against you for filing a workers\u2019 compensation claim. Retaliation may include terminating your employment, reducing your pay, or assigning you to less desirable duties.Not receiving adequate medical care for injuries \u2013\u00a0Your lawyer can help you file a claim to get the medical treatment and rehabilitation you need if your employer or employer-selected physician denies your request for treatment or specific reasonable and necessary procedures.Pre-existing conditions aggravated due to the work injury \u2013\u00a0Employers sometimes try to avoid workers\u2019 comp liability by claiming that a worker\u2019s injury was pre-existing or a degenerative condition. However, you have a right to workers\u2019 comp benefits if you suffer an aggravation of a pre-existing injury or condition due to an accident or trauma during work.Cannot return to work due to injuries \u2013\u00a0Your lawyer can advocate for your health if your employer tries to rush you back to work before you fully recover from your work injury or occupational illness.How Can a Lawyer Help with My Workers\u2019 Comp Claim?If you\u2019ve faced difficulties or obstacles to receiving workers\u2019 compensation benefits, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf and fight to secure the benefits you deserve from your employer\u2019s workers\u2019 comp insurer. An attorney can handle each step in the process of pursuing a workers\u2019 comp claim, including:Investigating the incident that led to your work injury or occupational illness\u00a0to obtain evidence proving you have a compensable injury or illnessDocumenting your medical expenses and gathering your pay records\u00a0to calculate your weekly payment benefitsFiling your workers\u2019 compensation claim\u00a0with the state board and advocating on your behalf at the administrative hearingsNegotiating with your employer for a settlement\u00a0of your workers\u2019 comp claim, if appropriate, when you\u2019ve suffered permanent disabilities due to your work injuries\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHow Long Do I Have to File a Workers\u2019 Comp Appeal in Georgia?Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation law requires you to file a formal claim with the\u00a0State Board of Workers\u2019 Compensation\u00a0within one year of suffering a work-related injury. If you have received medical benefits or weekly payments, you have one year from the last treatment date or two years from the last benefits payment date to file your claim.If the board initially rules against your claim, you have 20 days to\u00a0file an appeal\u00a0to a three-member panel of the board. From there, you have 20 days to\u00a0appeal\u00a0an adverse ruling to the superior court and 30 days to appeal to the court of appeals if the superior court rules against you.Contact a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation LawyerYou must understand your legal rights under Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation law if you\u2019ve sustained a work-related injury. A Georgia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can explain the claims process and help you if your employer refuses to provide benefits. Contact\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation when you\u2019ve been hurt at work to help you pursue the compensation and benefits you need for your recovery.Visit Our Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"When to Hire a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Lawyer?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/when-to-hire-workers-comp-lawyer\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]