Stephen Hasner | Workplace Accidents | December 27, 2022
Employers and employees are both responsible for safe working practices. They must try to avoid accidents that can hurt themselves or others. If an employee is injured while they are completing their job duties during their work hours, the employee may be eligible for workers’ compensation.
A workers’ compensation lawyer from Hasner Law, PC, can explain your legal rights and options when you call for your free case review. But until then, continue reading to learn more about what employers and employees need to do to handle workplace accident injuries in Atlanta, Georgia.
Employer Responsibilities
The Georgia Department of Administrative Services explains the following employer responsibilities related to workplace injuries:
- Prevent workplace injuries – Employers are expected to identify and inspect the workplace for any potential hazards. They are also responsible for providing adequate training and supplying personal protective equipment to workers.
- Report the injury – Supervisors should timely report workplace injuries so that injured workers receive prompt medical care.
- Respond to requests for benefits – Employers are also responsible for paying for necessary medical care stemming from an injury in the workplace. They must also respond to requests for workers’ compensation benefits. Employers have a maximum of 21 days to investigate a workplace injury report and file a report with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
- Return the employee to work – The employer is supposed to work with the injured employee and return them to work when they are able to complete their job duties. The employer can also return the employee to work with medical restrictions and modify their job accordingly.
- Prevent future injuries – After an employee is injured, the employer has the opportunity to carefully consider how the accident happened and how similar events could be prevented in the future.
Virtually every employer in the state must comply with these requirements.
Employee Responsibilities
The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation describes employees’ responsibilities following a workplace injury:
Report the Accident
Injured workers are encouraged to report the accident to their employer as soon as possible. They can give a verbal report to their employer or supervisor immediately after the accident and then follow up with an official written report. Your employer may require you to complete specific paperwork and forward it to their workers’ compensation insurer for processing.
Seek Medical Treatment
Workers’ compensation benefits include payment for accident-related medical expenses. However, your employer can require you to visit an approved physician for authorized treatment. You can ask your employer for a list of approved physicians or check the SBWC physician database.
Complete a Claim
Employees do not have to wait for their employer to file their claim paperwork. Employees can complete WC-14 Form to file their claim. They have the right to consult a lawyer before submitting their claim. This form must be completed in full and with accurate information. You must explain the nature of your injury in detail, along with the specific benefits you are requesting.
Along with this form, you may wish to submit additional information, such as:
- Witness statements or contact information for others who observed the accident
- Medical records related to your injury
- Receipts for expenses related to your injury, including medical bills and prescription receipts
- Employment documents, including wage or earning statements
After you file your claim, you must provide your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance provider with notice of your claim.
Cooperate With Your Employer and Doctor
You must cooperate with the workers’ compensation process by completing the documents your employer requests, providing information from your doctor to your employer, following your doctor’s care plan, and returning to work when your doctor says you are able to.
Request a Hearing
After you make a claim, you will receive notification from your employer’s insurance claims office about whether your claim was approved or denied. If you do not agree with the determination, you can request a hearing from SBWC or mediation. The same WC-14 Form can be used to request a hearing or mediation.
An Atlanta Workplace Accident Attorney Can Help
If you’ve suffered a personal injury at work, you might not be sure what your options are for compensation. Workers’ comp can make up for some of your losses, but it might not be enough to make you whole again. In those cases, it might be worth looking into filing a lawsuit for additional compensation if you can, given the facts of the case.
Reach out to an experienced Atlanta workplace accident lawyer to discuss your options. As most offer a free consultation to review your situation, it won’t cost you anything to learn about what you can do to receive compensation.
Contact the Atlanta Workplace Accident Lawyers at Hasner Law, P.C. For Help
For more information, please contact the Atlanta workplace accident law firm of Hasner Law P.C. at our nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We serve Fulton County, Chatham County, and its surrounding areas:
Hasner Law PC – Atlanta Law Office
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
(678) 888-4878
Hasner Law PC – Savannah Law Office
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 234-2334
