Best Workers Compensation Lawyers in Macon, GA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Macon, Georgia?

  Call the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office at (478) 751-7500 for non-emergency situations in Macon.

• Where can I get a copy of police report for incidents related to my case in Macon, Georgia?

  Contact 478-300-9241 and 478-310-4360 for inquiries regarding records or visit the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office in Downtown Annex at 111 Third Street, Macon. Requests can also be made online at: https://maconbibbcountysheriffga.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest.

• When should you hire a workers' compensation attorney in Macon?

  If your claim has been denied or your employer has not been treating your case fairly, you should contact a workers' compensation attorney in Macon. The attorney can investigate the details of your case, pursue coverage for a denied medical procedure, and assess if your settlement can be improved. You might also want to consult with an attorney if the payments you have been receiving can barely cover medical bills and lost income.

• How can you report employer non-compliance in Macon?

  To report employer non-compliance, complete the Workers' Compensation Fraud and Non-Compliance Reporting Form. Fax the completed form to (404) 651-7390 or send it through email at ReportFraud@SBWC.GA.GOV. The form can also be sent through mail addressed to: State Board of Workers' Compensation Enforcement Division 270 Peachtree Street, N.W. Atlanta, Georgia 30303-1299. If you need guidance regarding employer non-compliance in Macon, call the SBWC at (404) 657-7285.

• What are some of the occupational disorders that may be covered under worker's compensation laws in Macon?

  Occupational diseases such as mesothelioma, lower back injuries, and carpal tunnel syndrome can be covered under worker's compensation. Employees in Macon who are suffering from conditions such as bronchitis, hearing loss, asthma, and skin infections can also receive benefits. Occupational diseases usually result from chronic on-the-job exposure to toxins, allergens, and chemicals and unsafe working conditions. Some of this exposure could result in lead or mercury poisoning, reproductive infertility, and cancer.

• How would you know if an employer in Macon has workers' compensation insurance?

  To check if an employer has coverage, an online search can be conducted through the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Verification website. Contact the toll-free number of the SBWC's Coverage Section at 1-800-743-5436 for more details. Take note that businesses in Macon with three or more employees are required by law to carry workers' compensation insurance. These include coverage for different types of employees, whether seasonal and regular part-time staff, or those who are under 18 years old.

• Should you attend the mediation process required in a worker's compensation case in Macon?

  You should attend the mediation required by the State Board of Workers' Compensation. Your presence in the process shows good faith in fulfilling your responsibilities in your workers' compensation claim in Macon. If you and your employer and their insurer cannot come up with an agreement during mediation, your case will still be entitled to a hearing. Should you have more information about alternative dispute resolution, call the SBWC at 404-656-2939.

• What does a workers’ compensation attorney do?

  Workers’ compensation attorneys help injured employees recover monetary benefits following workplace accidents and illnesses. Attorneys in this practice area provide legal advice, gather evidence, review medical records, prepare petitions, and negotiate insurance settlements. They also represent clients’ interests during court cases and administrative hearings overseen by state workers’ compensation boards.

• What are the benefits of filing a workers’ compensation claim?

  Workers’ compensation insurance gives employees access to vital cash benefits in case of workplace injuries or illnesses. Filing a claim can help injured workers pay for medical care, physical therapy, and essential living expenses while they recover from a temporary or permanent disability. Workers’ compensation also pays for funeral and burial expenses following fatal workplace injuries.

• How long does a workers’ compensation claim stay open?

  Workers’ compensation claims typically remain open as long as the individual is receiving treatment or until the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. This milestone varies for each person, and it can take years to determine whether a disability is temporary or permanent. Additionally, there’s a fixed time limit for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations can be anywhere from six months to two years from the date of the injury or the date of the last payment, depending on the worker’s state of residence. A qualified attorney can explain your state’s specific rules.

• What is the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

  Nationally, the average workers’ compensation claimant receives $21,800. Payouts range from $2,000 on the low end to upwards of $60,000 for well-compensated workers in high-income areas. The exact amount depends on the claimant’s average weekly paycheck, the extent of the injuries, and their state of residence. Individuals who accept an insurance settlement or initial offer typically receive less than those who negotiate or have an attorney represent them before an arbitrator or workers’ compensation judge.

• How are settlements calculated in workers’ compensation cases?

  Settlements typically cover current and future medical expenses, vocational rehabilitation or retraining, and two-thirds of lost wages. The total amount may vary depending on whether the worker’s disability is temporary or permanent. Workers’ compensation also pays death benefits, including funeral expenses and two-thirds of wages for up to 25 years or a state-specified maximum.

• What is workers comp?

  Workers' compensation is an insurance program that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and other benefits for employees who are injured or fall ill while performing assigned work duties. Common reasons for filing a workers' comp claim include slip and fall injuries, machinery accidents, or muscle strains while lifting heavy items.

  All businesses must carry some form of workers' compensation insurance, with minimum guidelines imposed by the state of residence. Workers' comp is intended to safeguard both the employee and the employer by providing a social safety net. This can protect companies from civil suits and guarantee that injured employees receive the benefits they need.

• What does workers comp cover?

  Workers' compensation insurance covers benefits associated with a wide range of accidents and illnesses that may occur in a place of work. This can include:

  • Medical benefits, such as payments for treatments, hospitalizations, or surgeries
  • Compensation for lost wages while not working
  • Coverage for ongoing care, such as physical therapy
  • Continued access to benefits, including insurance provided through an employer
  • Disability benefits, if an injury results in a permanent loss of functioning in some manner
  • Death benefits and funeral expense coverage

  How and when workers' compensation coverage applies depends on the illness or injury in question and the results of a medical exam. An unsatisfactory ruling by an insurer can be appealed with help from a workers' comp attorney.

  
  

• What does a workers comp defense attorney do?

  A workers' compensation defense attorney is a legal professional who represents the employer in a workers’ comp case. Typically, the defense attorney works to minimize the employer’s liability and reduce the amount of benefits to be paid out.

• When does workers comp start paying?

  How and when workers' comp starts paying can depend on both the circumstances and the state in which an injury took place. In most areas, benefits related to medical care start paying out immediately, even before a claim is formally processed or accepted. Once a case is approved, injured workers may be entitled to other benefits, including coverage for lost wages.

• How much is workers comp insurance for self-employed people?

  Workers' compensation isn't required for self-employed individuals, but those working in dangerous industries, such as construction or manufacturing, may choose to purchase policies. In some cases, employers may request this coverage when hiring a contractor. While costs will vary based on industry and location, most freelancers can expect to pay around $25 to $50 per month.

• How do I file a workers comp claim?

  A workers' comp claim is best filed as soon as an injury occurs. In some states, there are time limits, such as one month following an incident.

  After an injury, an employee must notify their employer. The employer must then provide access to the necessary forms and offer guidance. Employees must fill out all forms and return them to the employer who then files them with the insurer. Some states have additional requirements, including assessment by a medical provider. Once the paperwork has been filed, the insurance provider issues a ruling. If the ruling is unfavorable, the employee may choose to appeal the decision with the support of an attorney.