Georgia’s Employee Handbook for Understanding Workers’ Compensation Laws and Workers’ Rights
Employees in the state of Georgia have certain rights when it comes to being injured while on the job. All too often, injured employees are not fully aware that they may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits if they are unable to work due to an injury or illness suffered while on the job. While many employers do follow the laws of the state of Georgia, there are employers out there that do not follow these laws. However, these same employers may not provide employees with the necessary information regarding their rights and obligations for filing a workers’ compensation claim and receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
Georgia Workers Compensation Handbook Provides Guidance on Employee Rights and Obligations
Every employee should be fully aware of what is allowed and what is not allowed under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. As such, being familiar with the workers’ compensation handbook provided by the state of Georgia is essential when an employee has questions about whether he or she is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This handbook provides a long list of employee rights that relate to an on-the-job injury or illness. A few of these rights include the following:
- If an employee is injured or becomes ill on the job, and is unable to work, that employee is entitled to benefits in the form of compensation to pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and the cost of rehabilitation necessary to return to work.
- Employers are required to provide a list of at least six (6) doctors for an injured or ill employee to see regarding necessary medical care to treat the workplace injury or illness.
- All medical bills and expenses will be paid by workers’ compensation benefits if the injury or illness was caused and sustained while on the job.
- Employees are entitled to weekly income if they are out of work for more than seven (7) days.
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Understanding Employee Eligibility for Workers’ Compensation Benefits
The type and amount of workers’ compensation benefits may differ depending on the severity of the workplace injury or illness. When an injury is considered catastrophic, such as an amputation or paralysis, for example, that employee may be entitled to long-term benefits. If an employee does not suffer what is considered a catastrophic injury, that employee will still receive benefits, however, the benefits may be capped at a certain amount and for a certain period of time.
As such, it is important that all employees understand whether they have had a catastrophic injury versus a non-catastrophic injury, and whether there are limits on the amount of workers’ compensation benefits they can receive. Because the workers’ compensation process can be complicated, and because employees also have responsibilities with regard to workers’ compensation claims, any employee who has questions or concerns about the process should seek the advice of a Workers’ Compensation Attorney at Montlick & Associates who handles workers’ compensation claims on a regular basis. Moreover, if a third party other than your employer caused your work-related injury, you may be able to pursue a claim against that person or company, even while simultaneously pursuing workers’ compensation benefits.
Put Our Law Firm’s Over 39 Years Of Legal Experience To Work For Your Case!
If you have been injured in any type of accident caused by someone else’s negligence, contact Montlick & Associates today for your free consultation with an experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Georgia. Montlick & Associates has been representing those who suffer serious injuries throughout all of Georgia and in the Southeast for over 39 years, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state.
Your Time to File a Claim is Limited By Georgia Law
There are time limitations for bringing a claim. Be sure to read our “Georgia Statute of Limitations” page for more information about important deadlines that effect your ability to file an injury claim. We also provide a “A Guide to Personal Injury Law in Georgia” that will help you better understand the laws the affect your case.
No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED® (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.
Source: https://sbwc.georgia.gov/sites/sbwc.georgia.gov/files/related_files/site_page/employee_handbook.pdf
Montlick & Associates, Attorneys at Law
17 Executive Park Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30329
Telephone: 1 (800) LAW-NEED
Telephone: 1 (404) 529-6333