Worker's Compensation

Work Injury Questions, Concerns and Answers

Also, 5 Ways to Destroy your own Workers Comp Case

Injured on the Job?

What should I do if I am injured on the job? Had a work injury in Atlanta? Had a work injury in Savannah? Need an Atlanta workers comp attorney? Need a Savannah workers comp attorney?

Here are some steps that you should take if you are injured on the job in Atlanta. If you believe you are entitled to workers' compensation benefits, contact the Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia law firm of Parsons Law Group today for your free consultation. Injured on the job in Savannah? Contact us at 912-650-3993.

 

1. Immediately report the accident to a supervisor as soon as possible. (Telling a co-worker who is not a supervisor is not sufficient.)

Make sure that a report of the incident is made and you get a copy of the form or notes of the accident. (If your supervisor will not make a written report, you should make a report for your files.)

2. Find out about the six company doctors.

Your employer should have posted on the wall a list of doctors (known as the "panel of physicians") that you are allowed to see. If you do not see the list, ask your supervisor or the personnel department about the authorized doctors. If a list is not posted on the wall, you can go to the doctor of your choice. If there is a posted list and you do not go to a doctor on that list, your employer and its insurance company will not have to pay for your treatment.

3. Make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible following an injury.

If you must go to the doctor in the evening or on the weekend, go to your nearest hospital or to your family doctor. Your employer and its insurer must pay for emergency treatment regardless of whether or not there is a list of doctors posted.

Follow the instructions of the medical personnel. It is very important that you attend all appointments and follow the work restrictions that you are given.

4. Keep your employer informed.

If your doctor excuses you from work or gives you work restrictions, get this in writing and give it to your employer. Keep a copy for yourself. If the doctor excuses you from work indefinitely, find out from your employer how frequently your employer wants you to call in. Comply with those requirements.

5. Make sure the insurer is aware of your injury.

Most employers have workers' compensation insurance with another company that will handle the claim. The insurer cannot help you unless it knows about your injury. Make sure that your personnel department has sent the first report of injury to the insurer. If you are unable to work, make sure the insurer knows that. You can verify this with the insurer. Ask your employer for the name and telephone number of the insurer and the name of the person who is handling your claim (the "adjuster"). You can speak directly with the adjuster.

If you cannot get this information from your company, call the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation Coverage Department at (404) 656-3692 for the name of your company's insurer, then notify the insurance company yourself.

File a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. To protect your rights, you must file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation within one year from the date of your accident. There are some exceptions to this rule which we can discuss with you.

 

 5 Ways to Kill your Workers Comp Case

Insurance companies love it when you don't report the injury at work. It lets them question whether the injury even happened, or whether it happened at work. And it lets them delay your workers comp benefits and medical treatment while they investigate the claim. If you get hurt at work, tell a supervisor. If your company has an incident or accident report, fill it out and give it to them - and make sure to get a copy.

 

2.  Rely on your employer to "take care of you."

Workers compensation is about protecting your future rights - your ability to earn a living for your family and get the medical treatment you need for your injuries. Even well meaning employers don't know the ins and outs of workers compensation laws - and can kill your case (if you let them) by not filing the proper forms for you or giving you well meant, but wrong, advice. And most companies have a large workers compensation insurance company your case is turned over to - that insurance company has no duty to you.

 

3.  Don't tell your doctor you got hurt on the job.

Many people go to the emergency room and tell the doctor "I hurt my back" or "I fell and hurt my knee" - and that helps the doctor diagnose the injury. But if it happened at work, say so. Tell the doctor, nurse, or anyone taking a history that you hurt your back lifting a generator at work or slipped on grease changing a bus tire at work and banged your knee. Be specific. It will save time and expense. When insurance companies get medical reports that don't indicate you told the doctor you got hurt at work, they delay (or in some cases deny) claims.

 

4. Go to the employer's "work injury clinic"(Concentra, Choice Care etc...)

You get hurt on the job and report it to your supervisor - so far so good. But the foreman says, "we have a company doctor (or a workers comp doctor, or a worker's clinic) and you have to go see that doctor. Everyone hurt on the job goes to this clinic. Its free. Its convenient. Forget it. Every injured worker is entitled to proper medical care from an appropriate specialist. In Georgia, you have the right to select at least two physicians from the employer's posted panel of physicians. This panel should be located in the break room or you may request it from Human Resources or your supervisor. If they claim they don't have one, tell them you know you have the legal right to select a physician from the panel. If they still do not provide the panel, you can choose your own physician.  Choose a physician who will have your best interests at heart - not one who relies on insurance companies to send him patients. Or contact us to help you choose a doctor. We know the reputation of just about every doctor and clinic in the State of Georgia.

 

5. Don't file forms with the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation

Maybe the insurance company is paying your benefits and medical treatment. You reported it to your supervisor and they said they'd take care of it - maybe you even signed some forms. Not good enough. Injured workers or their attorneys must file their claims with the State Board of Workers Compensation within specified time frames to protect your legal rights.

 

If you believe you should file a workers' compensation claim, contact the Georgia law office of Parsons Law Group, LLC.

 

You are not at the mercy of the insurance companies. Know your rights. Call Parsons Law Group, LLC, today at 770-422-9000 (Atlanta) 912-650-3993 (Savannah). Your Atlanta and Savannah Work Injury Attorneys.

YOUR ATLANTA AND SAVANNAH WORKERS COMPENSATION ATTORNEYS

Attorney J. Michael Parsons understands the challenges you face after a workplace injury, such as back and neck injuries, because he has been helping people just like you for 14 years. Over that time, he has gained a strong reputation in Georgia for his quality work obtaining workers' compensation and accidental death settlements and fighting in court to obtain the benefits his clients deserve.

Before he opened up his own law office to concentrate on defending the rights of workers and their families, J. Michael Parsons worked for insurance companies. He has seen how they operate from the inside and he understands their focus on the bottom line, which means he knows how to get you the benefits you deserve.

So Why Hire Parsons Law Group, LLC ?

• We handle all of our worker's compensation and personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay us unless and until we collect money for you.

• We know the Georgia workers' comp system well, and we may be able to get you benefits that you did not even know about.

• We have helped hundreds of workers obtain the benefits they are entitled to receive.

• We can answer all of your workers' compensation questions.

• We know what you need to do should you get hurt on the job. Check out our online benefits guide.

• We know your rights, including the right to a second medical opinion, and we will help you understand those rights.

• We have worked for insurance companies and understand the tactics they use to prevent you from obtaining all of the money and benefits you deserve.

• At Parsons Law Group, LLC, you will speak directly to an experienced workers' compensation attorney.

• We return phone calls within 24 hours.

• We are courteous and respectful.

If you have suffered a work injury, it is important to know your rights. You have the right to consult with an attorney about your injury. You have the right to challenge what your employer and the insurance company decide about your workers' compensation claim. At Parsons Law Group, LLC, in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, we will help you understand your rights.

You are not at the mercy of insurance companies. Know your rights. Call Parsons Law Group today at 770-422-9000 (Atlanta) 912-650-3993 (Savannah).

If you have suffered a workplace injury, and have back or neck pain, lung problems or brain damage, you likely have questions. With over 20 years of experience as workers compensation attorneys, Parsons Law Group, LLC understands the concerns of the injured worker. Some common concerns include:

• The employer said the injury did not occur at work and you know it did.
• The insurance company says the injury is not as serious as you know it is.
• The employer made you go to their doctor without giving you a choice in the matter.
• You would like a second opinion or change doctors.
• The employer accused you of faking an injury.
• The employer says that you did not report the injury.

At Parsons Law Group, LLC, we handle all types of claims on behalf on injured workers. We work with your doctors and the insurance company to make sure that you are approved for workers comp benefits in a timely manner and you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled under Georgia Workers Compensation laws. We are very familiar with every type of work injury and job-related accident, including:

• Accidental death cases
• Catastrophic injury cases
• Back and neck injuries
• Head and brain injuries
• Workplace and occupational exposures
• Repetitive use injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome
• Construction accidents
• Machinery and equipment injuries
• Slip and fall
• Car crashes

Are you no longer able to perform the daily functions of your job because of an injury you sustained while at work?  Are you afraid that you are not getting all the benefits to which you are entitled?  Do you want a second medical opinion?  Parsons Law Group can help you set up a free consultation with an unbiased physician.  With over a decade of experience, attorney J. Michael Parsons can help you get the financial and medical benefits you deserve.

  Whether you have suffered sudden trauma or have developed an injury due to repetitive stress, you have rights.  From severe brain trauma and herniated discs to carpal tunnel syndrome and skin disorders, an experienced lawyer can help injured workers get the medical and financial benefits they deserve.  For a free initial consultation, contact Parsons Law Group in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia today.

          Accidental Death Cases: If your loved one has died in a work accident, the financial repercussions, in addition to your grief, can be traumatic.  We can help spouses and children obtain financial benefits after a fatal accident.

·         Catastrophic Injuries: Sometimes a workplace injury is so severe you can no longer pursue gainful employment.  We can help you explore your options.

·         Back and Neck Injuries: Have you sustained a back or neck injury in a construction accident for which you need repeat surgeries or physical therapy?  We can help you obtain the benefits you need.

·         Head and Brain Injuries: From a traumatic brain injury to memory lapses and a lack of organizational skills, a head or brain injury can keep you from being able to do your job effectively.  We can help.

·         Workplace and Occupational Hazards and Injuries: Have years of exposure to toxic fumes and chemicals affected your health?  You can get the benefits you need and affect positive change within your company.  Call us today.

·         Repetitive Use Injuries: Whether you were injured in an industrial accident or spent a career typing, the repetitive nature of your job may be causing you serious pain.  A workers' compensation attorney can help.

·         Georgia Workers' Compensation Guide: Are you unsure if you have a valid claim?  Learn more about Georgia workers' compensation laws.  Contact us for a free initial consultation.

·         Case Results: If you are looking to file a claim, you want a lawyer who will get you the best results possible.  Please view our Case Results page to see a small sampling of some of the cases we have handled.

Our new Savannah address is

300 Drayton Street,
Savannah, Georgia 31401
Tel # 912-650-3993.