Atlanta Workers Compensation Attorney - Top Workers Comp Lawyer Atlanta

What is Atlanta Workers' Compensation?

Atlanta work compensation or workman's compensation is a legal safety net that covers an employee and entitles them to irrefutable benefits should they become injured at work. Benefits available are medical care, lost wage (indemnity) benefits, vocational rehabilitation services and, in the most extreme cases, death benefits.

I've been injured at work, am I covered under Georgia workers' compensation law?

In short, yes. Whether you're full time or part-time, your employer is required by law to have you covered should you receive an injury at work. There are some limited exemptions stipulated in the law, however. Domestic employees, uncompensated officers, directors of some specific non-profit organizations, the majority of real estate salespersons and public officials are exempted. Additionally, volunteer workers, for the most part, would not have any entitlement to these benefits.

Who pays for my medical bills after the injury?

Any medical or hospital expenses that have to be undertaken in order to diagnose and treat your injury are covered by workers’ compensation. You are not responsible for the medical bills that arise as a result of your injury. You may need to pay medical bills soon after your accident, however, before workers' comp benefits begin, but the workers' compensation benefits will still cover these bills. After your accident, it's important to keep copies of medical bills and any expenses you need to pay out of pocket. These bills will be sent to the workers' compensation insurance company.

Can I be fired while I'm on workers' compensation benefits?

There are laws protecting workers from retaliatory termination for filing for workers’ comp benefits. It's illegal to fire an employee simply for filing for workers comp. Georgia is an at-will employment state and allows employers to terminate employees for any reason except discrimination. Firing someone for filing a workers comp claim is considered an unlawful termination due to discrimination. If you are terminated after you make a workers' comp claim, it's important to speak with an experienced workers' compensation lawyers in Atlanta.

Are workers' compensation benefits taxable in Georgia?

Generally speaking, under IRS Code 104, any money received while under workers' comp are not considered income, and therefore not taxable. There is an exception, however, that stipulates that a portion of the workers' comp may possibly become taxable if a worker who is injured is, along with their workers' comp, also in receipt of benefits through Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). There is a certain threshold that the combined social security benefits and workers' comp will need to stay below in order to avoid taxation.

Is travel to work covered under workers' comp?

In general, accidents that happen while commuting to or from work are not eligible for workers comp. As far as the law is concerned, accidents that may arise at this time happen on an employee's time and not an employer's, so the employer bears no responsibility.

When should I get an attorney for a workers' comp claim?

A workers' compensation lawyer in Atlanta can help you file a workers' comp claim or assist you if your claim is denied.nnKnowing when you may need the assistance of a workers' compensation attorney is crucial.