Category Archives:workers comp georgia
What to Do After a Georgia Workplace Injury
Most employers are required to purchase Workers’ Compensation Insurance. Injuries at the workplace are more common than most people may think. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that out of every 100 Georgia workers, 3.4 cases are reported every year. After a workplace injury, it can be very troubling and difficult. However, there are several things you must do.
- Report your injury to your supervisor immediately. It is best to report the injury as soon as possible. In Georgia, you must inform your employer within 30 days of the injury.
- If your injury is an emergency and you must go to the emergency room or hospital, make sure you report your injury as soon as possible and let them know at the hospital that you were injured at work. You should notify your Employer in writing, and make sure you keep a copy for yourself.
- Stay Calm and seek knowledgeable legal counsel. Workplace injuries in Georgia can be difficult and complex. It is a good idea to have a good workers compensation lawyer to counsel you about your options and represent you when dealing with the insurance company. Do not give a recorded statement to the insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.
- Make an appointment with a doctor that is approved by your employer. Don’t miss any appointments and do everything the doctor says. Be honest about your medical history and everything that happened leading up to the accident.
- Complete all necessary forms. You will have to fill out a form for the Workers’ Compensation Benefits. If you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer they will take care of all of these things for you and do their best to make your recovery as easy as possible, and will work to pursue the full compensation you deserve.
Overprescribing Pain Medications in Atlanta Injured Workers Cases
The largest workers’ compensation benefits and reimbursements that are paid out every year go to employees who are catastrophically injured, losing limbs and functions in the process. These injured workers are treated by using strong pain medicines, and some of these workers don’t return to work for a long while, if ever.
Workplace insurers are spending an estimated $1.4 billion every year on narcotic painkillers. Also known as opioids, these medications are highly addictive. Insurance companies are beginning to realize something quite starting: if used too early in treatment, too frequently, or for too long, it can delay an employee’s return to work and, in turn, increase disability payouts and medical expenses for the employee.
In 2008, the California Workers Compensation Institute did a study which found that workers receiving high doses of opioid painkillers to treat their job-related injuries stayed off the job three times longer whend compared to employees with similar injuries, but taking lower doses of the same medications.
A study was conducted in 2010 by Accident Fund Holdings, an insurer operating in eighteen states, including Georgia. The analysis by them found that in cases where medical care and payments are combined, the workplace injury cost is nine times higher when a narcotic like OxyContin is used compared to when no narcotic is used at all.
The use of drugs like OxyContin, Percocet, and Duragesic to treat occupational injuries are part of a broad problem that involves their excessive use and addictive natures. These narcotics are prescribed to treat immediate pain but there is little evidence of their long-term benefit. The main and most problematic issue arises from their high addiction level and the serious side effects of withdrawal. Basically, there is an obvious association between the greater use of opioids and delayed recovery from workplace injuries. Some states, such as New York, Colorado, Texas and Washington, have issued new pain treatment guidelines in an attempt to find means for reversing the trend.
3 Reasons Why You Need To Hire An Atlanta Workers Compensation Lawyer
People are hurt on their jobs every day in Georgia. Employers with more than three employees are required to have workers’ compensation insurance that will cover a worker if he or she has an accident and suffers an injury that arises out of their employment. Many people feel that they can handle their claim themselves but this is almost always a mistake. Here are three reasons why you need an atlanta workers comp lawyer to handle your claim in Georgia.
1. You Need To Hire An Atlanta Workers Comp Lawyer Because Of Lack of Knowledge
Whenever you are injured on the job, you will find yourself dealing with an insurance adjuster that cares more about getting you back to work than making sure you receive the best medical treatment for your injury. You have certain rights under Georgia Workers’ Compensation law but it is not in the best interest of the insurance company to advise you of your rights. Remember the adjuster works for the insurance company, not for you! In order to get the best medical care and to obtain optimal healing you need to know your legal rights. An Atlanta workers comp lawyer can advise you of your rights. The insurance company has lawyers representing their interest best interests, why shouldn’t you have an Atlanta workers comp lawyer representing yours. You should too. It’s just a matter of equaling the playing field. Importantly, Georgia’s law requires that certain steps be taken when filing a claim such as filing certain forms and adhering to time limits. These are essential and cannot be overlooked because failure to adhere to these prescribed rules may result in the claim being barred forever. These are the things an Atlanta workers comp lawyer can help you with.
Workers Compensation Doctors - Can I See My Own Doctor
When you are injured on the job you should be given the opportunity to choose a workers compensation doctor from the posted panel of physicians. It is required under Georgia law that the employer maintain a workers compensation panel of six doctors. The employer should not just tell you which doctor to go see but rather let you choose a doctor from the panel. Once you are injured on the job ask your employer to see the panel of Workers Compensation Doctors.
You cannot just treat with your personal doctor and expect the employer to pay the bills and pay weekly compensation. If the employer has a valid panel then you must see their Workers Compensation Doctors.