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If you work in Gainesville, Georgia, and your employer has 3 or more employees, they’re likely required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.

That means if you get hurt on the job or develop a health condition because of your work, you should be covered—no matter who was at fault. However, some types of workers are exempt from workers’ comp in Georgia, like farmworkers and independent contractors.

You »å´Ç²Ô’t have to prove your boss did anything wrong to qualify for benefits, but your injury or occupational disease does need to be work-related, and you need to be able to prove that.

Workers’ comp is supposed to be there to pay for your medical care and provide money to supplement your wage loss during your recovery, but the reality is that getting those benefits isn’t always as easy as it should be.

If you’ve been injured at work and are running into roadblocks with your claim, talk to an experienced Gainesville work injury compensation lawyer who can help you understand your rights and fight back if the insurance company isn’t playing fair.

In Gainesville, workers’ comp covers more than just your medical bills—it should also help replace your lost income. Workers who are injured on the job typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wages while they’re unable to work. This is called wage loss (or indemnity) benefits.

The state sets a cap on how much you can receive, and as of July 1, 2023, the maximum weekly indemnity benefit is $800. While that may be less than your full paycheck, these benefits aren’t taxed, so your take-home amount may be similar to what you usually earn after taxes.

You’ll also have all of your approved medical care fully covered, including doctor visits, surgeries, prescriptions, physical therapy, and more—with no out-of-pocket costs. And if your injury means you can’t go back to your old job, you might be eligible for vocational rehab to help you retrain or shift into a new line of work.

To get workers’ compensation benefits in Gainesville, you’ll need to follow these steps carefully because even one small mistake could delay or jeopardize your claim. Here’s what you need to do:

1. First, get medical attention. If it’s an emergency, go straight to the ER. For non-urgent injuries, Georgia law says you must see a doctor from your employer’s approved list. Make sure to tell the provider that your injury happened at work so it’s clearly documented.
2. Next, let your employer know. You’ve got up to 30 days to report the injury or the diagnosis of your occupational illness, but waiting too long can cause problems with your claim. A written report is best, and keeping a copy for your records is even better.
3. To officially file your claim, you’ll need to submit to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You generally have 1 year from the date of the injury or the diagnosis of the occupational disease to do this.
4. After that, follow your doctor’s instructions closely. Skipping appointments or ignoring your treatment plan can hurt your chances of receiving full benefits.

Please be aware that it’s not uncommon for insurers to initially deny valid claims, especially in cases involving catastrophic injuries (e.g., brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, amputations), repetitive motion injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, tendonitis), and injuries exacerbated by pre-existing conditions.

If your accident at work claim is denied, our Gainesville workers’ comp attorneys can walk you through the adjudication process and help you file an appeal so you can get the full benefits you’re owed.