Workers’ compensation in Georgia was designed to protect injured workers and give them the peace of mind of knowing they will receive medical care and wage replacement benefits if injured on the job. However, this isn’t always the case. You may have to fight for proper medical treatment or you may be told to return to work when you’re still unable. Because of the way the system has evolved, injured employees sometimes feel that no one cares. At the Georgia law office of Roper Injury Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys care. We know the details of Georgia workers’ compensation laws and use that knowledge to ensure that our clients are treated fairly and get the benefits they are entitled to. To learn how we can help you, call us at (706) 253-2500 for a free consultation.

Types of workers’ compensation claims

There are many different types of injuries that can occur while on-the-job. These injuries can range in severity, and may even include death. While different types of jobs may be more susceptible to severe injuries, it is worth noting that not all cases involving workers’ compensation are necessarily severe or life threatening. Below is a list of some of those common injuries suffered while on the job:

• Heavy Machinery. Equipment injuries involving machinery and vehicles are not uncommon. Factories and warehouses are the most common sources of these types of accidents because employees are required to work in the presence of large machines that have the potential to inflict serious damage.
• Auto accidents. While working, some people are required to travel from place to place. Driving between multiple locations in cars, buses, trucks, or other types of equipment can result in disaster if a collision occurs with another vehicle.
• Heatstrokes or overexertion. Working in hot conditions can be a common source of workplace injury. These types of injury can often lead to dehydration or other heat-related issues. Unfortunately, some signs of heat strokes and overexertion can even be delayed until a later time and can even result in death.
• Collapses of buildings or other infrastructure. Most common in the case of construction workers, sometimes buildings or other suspended objects can fall from high areas resulting in serious injury for unsuspecting workers below.
• Mental or psychological strains. An often overlooked area of workers’ compensation, many different jobs require mental stress that can go unaccounted for as it is not an outwardly obvious injury. Psychological injuries can last a lifetime for some people.
• Respiratory diseases. Miners, homebuilders, and even office workers may suffer from respiratory diseases. From asbestos to mildew, untreated exposure to harmful chemicals can spell disaster for someone’s well-being and quality of life.
• Slips and falls. Many different types of Georgia workers experience falls throughout their work lives. Slips and falls can be caused by anything from a wet floor to a malfunctioning harness provided by someone’s place of work.
• Explosions or fire-related injuries. Less common but incredibly severe, explosions and injuries involving fire can cripple or even kill workers. Unsafe working conditions such as improperly stored chemicals or gas leaks are some common offenders for this type of work injury.
• Loss of sight or hearing. A common threat to quality of life, some people experience the consequences of work conditions that over-stimulate the senses. Sometimes, people simply trying to provide income for their families have no choice but to work in areas that are harmful to their eyesight or ability to hear.

Reasons why workers’ compensation can be denied

There are numerous reasons why someone may be denied workers’ compensation. Should we take on your case, your workers’ compensation attorney at Roper Injury Law will work tirelessly to make sure you get the compensation you deserve. Nevertheless, it is important to understand potential shortcomings in your case.

• You failed to notify your place of work of your injury within the mandated amount of time.
• You were not medically treated for your injuries.
• You were partaking in play such as roughhousing or horseplay when you sustained your injuries.
• You were under the influence of a substance during the work injury.
• Your injury was the result of a preexisting condition.
• You did not have a workers’ compensation attorney.

These are just some of the many ways your employer or an insurance company may try to dispute your case. It is important that you follow all the necessary steps when sustaining an injury while on-the-job to ensure the best possible outcome for your case. Your lawyer’s sole priority will be securing maximum compensation for you while battling against claims made by the other party.

What to do if you are injured at work

When you are hurt in an accident on the job in Georgia, you should report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. It is important to make sure that you receive all of the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled. Our lawyers are ready to help. We have a proven track record of success and an experienced staff of work injury attorneys.