Most people have heard of workers’ compensation before they are injured on-the-job, but many workers don’t know much about the specifics of it. The workers’ compensation law is designed to protect you if you are injured on-the-job, and provide you with compensation if your injuries prevent you from doing your job.

Georgia workers’ compensation law does not require you to sign up or elect for workers’ comp coverage. Instead, you are covered from your first day at work so long as your employer is required to carry workers’ comp insurance. Generally, employers with three or more regularly scheduled employees are required to participate in workers’ compensation. Yet, this does not mean that you can automatically recover benefits. Instead, you need to follow the steps outlined below and contact an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer to protect your rights.

What to Do if You Have a GA Workers’ Comp Claim
 
While you may be covered by workers’ compensation insurance from your first day on-the-job, the law still requires you to comply with certain rules in order to recover damages. Specifically, you should:

  • Immediately report that an injury has occurred. Failure to report the accident within a certain amount of time may result in a loss of benefits.
  • See a doctor on a list approved by your employer.

If you comply with the workers’ comp rules then you should be entitled to:

  • Compensation for medical expenses, related travel, and rehabilitation costs
  • A portion of your income if you are unable to work for 7 or more days
 
Contact an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Help
 
If you do not receive the benefits to which you are entitled, then you might need to file for a formal hearing. An Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights and file for a hearing, if necessary, to protect your rights.

For more information, please contact an experienced Atlanta workers’ comp lawyer at 1.770.518.1133.