Getting hurt on the job isn’t something anyone wants to experience. It can cause a lot of stress if you’re injured to the extent that you have to take time off work in addition to dealing with medical expenses. Navigating the workers’ compensation system on your own can be confusing and stressful, especially when insurance companies look for reasons to deny or minimize your claim.
That’s when having a dedicated workers’ compensation lawyer makes a real difference. We’re here to guide you through the process. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Norcross workers’ compensation lawyer.
Why Hire Gonzalez Torres Law For Your Norcross Workers’ Compensation Case?
Choosing the right lawyer after a workplace accident can make all the difference in your recovery for your health and your finances. Here’s why our team is the right choice for you:
- All of our attorneys work together on every case, sharing ideas and strategies
- All clients receive care and updates in their preferred language, English or Spanish
- You never owe us a fee if we can’t secure your benefits
When you work with Gonzalez Torres Law, you’re not alone in this fight for what you truly deserve. Contact us today to get started.
How an Attorney Can Help You With a Norcross Workers’ Compensation Case
Workers’ compensation cases are complicated, and every case needs a unique approach, not a one-size-fits all strategy. The best way to determine the best way to handle your claim is to speak with a legal professional. Here’s how a lawyer can help you:
- Collect accident reports, medical records, and witnesses to build a strong claim
- Talk directly with doctors to clarify your injuries and treatment needs
- Challenge denied benefits or low settlement offers from your employer’s insurer
- Represent you at hearings or appeals if the case becomes complicated
With a skilled Norcross injury attorney handling the details, you can focus on healing while someone stands up for what you’re owed.
Common Workplace Injuries
Every workplace brings its own hazards, but some types of injuries show up more often than others. Some common injuries that lead to workers’ compensation claims include:
Back and Spine Injuries
Lifting heavy objects, making repetitive twisting motions, or even a sudden fall can leave workers with serious injuries, like herniated discs and strained muscles.
Fractures and Broken Bones
Whether you slip on a wet floor or take a fall from a ladder, broken bones are a frequent injury. These injuries usually mean weeks or months in a cast, missed paychecks, and sometimes surgery and rehab to get back to normal.
Head Injuries and Concussions
Even wearing protective gear, a blow to the head can cause lasting damage. Concussions, skull fractures, or traumatic brain injuries from falling tools or other types of workplace accidents can have effects that linger long after the accident itself.
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Using the same muscles or joints day after day, like typing or working an assembly line, can cause problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis. These injuries build up over time, making simple tasks painful and difficult.
Work-related injuries come in many forms, and they all deserve attention and proper care. The most important thing you can do is make sure you follow all the rules and file your claim within the appropriate deadlines.
Important Workers’ Compensation Deadlines
There are two major deadlines to know if you’re hurt on the job in Georgia: when you must report your injury to your employer, and how long you have to file a workers’ compensation claim. Missing either of these can put your benefits at risk, so it’s important to act quickly and keep careful records of what you do.
Reporting Requirement (30 Days)
You have 30 days from the date of your injury or from when you realize your injury is work-related to notify your employer.
Every injured employee or his representative shall, immediately on the occurrence of any accident or as soon thereafter as practicable, give or cause to be given to the employer, his agent, representative, or foreman, or the immediate superior of the injured employee a notice of the accident. This notice shall be given by the employee either in person or by his representative, and until such notice is given the employee shall not be entitled to any physician’s fees nor to any compensation which may have accrued under the terms of this chapter prior to the giving of such notice. In the event that, within 30 days after the accident, neither the employee nor his representative has given a notice in person to the employer, his agent, representative, or foreman, or to the immediate superior of the injured employee, a written notice must be given. This written notice will not be required where an injured employee or his representative has given notice in person to the employer, his agent, representative, or foreman, or to the immediate superior of the injured employee. No compensation will be payable unless such notice, either oral or written, is given within 30 days after the occurrence of an accident or within 30 days after death resulting from an accident…
There are limited situations where Georgia’s 30-day reporting rule may be excused, like if you were seriously injured and couldn’t notify your employer, if the employer already knew about the accident, or if you were misled or prevented from reporting due to someone else’s actions. In some cases, if you have a reasonable reason for the delay and it didn’t harm your employer, you may still be allowed to pursue your claim.
…unless it can be shown that the employee had been prevented from doing so by reason of physical or mental incapacity, or by fraud or deceit, or that the employer, his agent, representative, or foreman, or the immediate superior of the injured employee had knowledge of the accident, or unless a reasonable excuse is made to the satisfaction of the board for not giving such notice and it is reasonably proved to the satisfaction of the board that the employer had not been prejudiced thereby.
It’s best to make this notification in writing so you have proof later on. Providing the details in an email or signed letter creates a paper trail that can help if there’s ever a dispute about when or how the injury was reported.
Statute of Limitations
The window for actually filing your workers’ compensation claim is also limited. You must file within one year of the last medical treatment paid for by your employer or within two years of the last weekly benefit payment you received, whichever is later.
(a) The right to compensation shall be barred unless a claim therefor is filed within one year after injury, except that if payment of weekly benefits has been made or remedial treatment has been furnished by the employer on account of the injury the claim may be filed within one year after the date of the last remedial treatment furnished by the employer or within two years after the date of the last payment of weekly benefits.
If you wait longer than this, you could lose your right to collect additional benefits related to your workplace injury.
Contact Gonzalez Torres Law To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Norcross Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You don’t have to let a workplace injury threaten your future or your financial stability. With our team in your corner, you’ll never face the system alone. We’re here to answer your questions, handle the paperwork, and fight back when insurance companies don’t want to pay what you deserve. If you’re ready to fight for what you’re entitled to after being hurt at work, we’re available. Contact Gonzalez Torres Law to schedule a free consultation with a Norcross workers’ compensation lawyer.