Workplace accidents can happen unexpectedly, leaving individuals struggling with debilitating physical and emotional injuries. From the time of the accident, you start on a journey to physical, financial, and emotional recovery that needs your full attention.
Fortunately, there are specific steps to take after a workplace injury to safeguard your well-being and legal rights. And, if you’re confused, concerned, or worried about what to do after a workplace accident, it’s always best to team up with an attorney.
At Fry | Goehring, our skilled Georgia personal injury trial attorneys will help you through this trying moment and ensure you get the justice and compensation benefits you deserve. But first, let’s go through the steps to take after a workplace injury in Georgia.
What To Do After a Workplace Accident in Georgia
It is important to note that the steps you take after suffering a job-related injury can have far-reaching consequences for the victim and their families. Taking the proper steps sets up your workers’ compensation claim for success, ensuring you obtain the medical benefits you need to recover and get back on track. Otherwise, you may have to pay out of your pocket without your workers’ compensation benefits to cover expenses related to the injury.
Here are the seven crucial steps to take after a workplace injury in order to build a compelling case.
1. Report the Accident to Your Employer
Swift action is essential if you’ve been involved in a workplace accident. You should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible, preferably within 30 days. Timely reporting is crucial when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Ensure your version of events — written or verbal — is detailed and factual, as this information is vital for any legal proceedings.
2. Seek Medical Attention
Did you know that slips, trips, and falls contributed to 18% of nonfatal work injuries that led to days away from work in 2020, while an additional 196,140 incidents were associated with contact with objects and equipment during the same year? Approximately 1.8 million workers experienced work-related injuries necessitating treatment in emergency departments in 2020. You are not alone.
If you’ve experienced a workplace accident in Georgia, you must seek immediate medical attention, even if the injury seems minor. Your and your family’s well-being depends on prompt and thorough medical care.
Remember, Georgia law ensures workers’ compensation insurance covers necessary medical treatment. This alleviates the financial burden associated with healthcare expenses. Taking this proactive step not only contributes to your physical recovery but also ensures you’re well-positioned to navigate the legal aspects of your situation.
3. Gather Evidence
The next significant step is documenting the aftermath. Take photographs of the accident scene, your injuries, and any contributing factors. This visual evidence will serve as a powerful tool in supporting your case.
Remember to collect contact information from witnesses who can provide additional insights into the incident. These records not only strengthen the credibility of your case but also ensure that all pertinent details are preserved. This enhances the likelihood of a favorable resolution as you navigate the aftermath of the workplace accident.
4. File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Filing a workers’ compensation claim is a formal step in seeking the benefits you deserve. The law allows a one-year window from the accident date to file this claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). At Fry | Goehring, our litigation trial attorneys specialize in guiding you through this process. We are fearless in taking your case to trial if needed, ensuring you receive fair compensation.
5. Know Your Rights Regarding Medical Treatment
Understanding your workers’ compensation rights is crucial. Workers’ compensation covers reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury. You have the right to pick a healthcare professional from a list that your employer or their insurance provider provides. Stay informed about your medical rights and consult the knowledgeable workers’ compensation legal team at Fry | Goehring after a work-related injury or when disputes regarding treatment or coverage arise.
6. Be Aware of Potential Third-Party Claims
In some cases, a workplace accident involves third-party liability. If someone other than your employer or a coworker contributed to the accident, you may be eligible for additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
Consult with Fry | Goehring to explore potential third-party claims and ensure that all avenues for compensation are considered. Our attorneys go above and beyond for our clients, exploring all avenues to secure your best outcome.
7. Talk to a Workplace Accident Lawyer
Going through the workers’ compensation process can be daunting, and having legal representation is crucial. Finding a workplace accident lawyer is crucial to ensuring you’re aware of all your rights and options. Fry | Goehring specializes in providing community-oriented legal support. We pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our clients, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.
Our team of dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys will play a pivotal role in supporting you if you’re injured at work. We streamline the legal process by filing workers’ compensation claims and adeptly negotiating with insurance companies.
Ensuring comprehensive medical documentation, our legal professionals will diligently represent you in hearings when required. Our overarching objective is to secure fair compensation, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs stemming from your workplace injuries.
Trust The Fry | Goehring Workers’ Compensation Attorneys to Guide You Towards Justice and Recovery
Taking the above steps after a workplace accident sets the foundation for a smoother recovery and legal process. At Fry | Goehring, we are committed to helping you through every step, representing you with the strength and determination of a soaring eagle. If you’ve been injured, let us be your guide, fighting tirelessly to secure the justice and compensation you and your family deserve.
Fry | Goehring, based in Atlanta, has been a steadfast advocate for those wrongfully injured in workplace accidents and various personal injury claims for over 20 years. Our legal team embodies compassion, friendliness, and effectiveness and is committed to supporting you during this challenging time.
In our pursuit of justice, we’re not hesitant to go to court if the at-fault party denies a fair settlement. Your well-being is our priority, and our mission is to ensure that anyone wrongfully injured at work receives the necessary medical treatment, compassion, and compensation they deserve. Take the first step toward justice and recovery with Fry | Goehring. Do you have any questions, or are you ready to get started? Our legal team is ready to help. Contact Fry | Goehring today for a free consultation. Call us at 404–969-1284 or message us online to get started.
