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We rely on our jobs to make a living, so when a workplace accident happens it can feel like a death sentence. In the blink of an eye, you were likely deprived of the paychecks you need to make ends meet, left to foot the bill for your growing medical costs and other unanticipated expenses.
Thankfully, you may be able to recover compensation by filing for workers’ compensation. However, applying for these benefits is anything but a straightforward process. Not only will you need to be careful about sticking to strict deadlines throughout proceedings, but your employer and their insurer might also fight tirelessly to reduce how much they have to pay out.
As such, you may be wondering whether you should hire a workers’ compensation attorney to assist with your claim. Let’s look at a few situations where you might benefit from having representation:
1. Your Employer’s Settlement Offer Doesn’t Cover All Your Losses
After a workplace accident, your costs can add up at an alarming rate. Keeping track of your damages can be overwhelming—especially if it seems likely that you will incur additional losses in the future because of your injuries. As such, it can be difficult to determine whether your employer’s offer is fair or not. Thankfully, a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can not only help approximate reasonable compensation for your medical expenses and other losses, but he or she can also help negotiate a favorable settlement on your behalf.
2. You Were Fired after the Accident
While employers most states are not allowed to retaliate against their employees after a workplace accident, they may still go against the law by reducing your pay, cutting your hours, demoting you, or even firing you (especially in an “at will” state like GA!). If you believe you experienced discrimination after reporting the accident, it may be in your best interests to consult with an attorney. He or she can investigate what happened to determine whether your employer infringed on your rights.
3. You Will Not Be Able to Return to Your Previous Job
If you suffered a serious injury or permanent disability that will prevent you from returning to the same job or working altogether, you may be entitled to compensation for lost earnings. However, as a settlement for such damages can easily exceed hundreds of thousands of dollars, your employer’s insurer may dig deep to find reasons to dispute your claim and reduce how much they have to pay out. A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can help you build a convincing case, gathering the necessary evidence to mitigate or counter disputes throughout proceedings.
4. Your Employer Denies That the Accident Happened on the Job
In order to receive workers’ comp benefits, you will need to show that you were injured on the clock and performing duties in line with your role at the company. As such, your employer may assert that the accident happened outside of work hours or that you were doing tasks unrelated to your position. Using evidence such as eyewitness statements, expert witness deposition, surveillance camera footage, and medical records, an attorney may be able to help demonstrate that your employer is liable for your injuries.
Discuss Your Situation with a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Atlanta
Were you injured on the job? You may be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages by filing for workers’ compensation benefits. Moebes Law is one of the top workers’ comp law firms in the state, and we can assist with almost every aspect of your case. Dial (404) 354-5432 or send us a message using our Contact Form to lock in a free consultation with an Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney.
