Being injured on the job can be embarrassing and some workers fail to report their injuries until the condition is much worse. While this is understandable, the workers’ compensation law provides that the injured worker must report their accident to his or her supervisor as soon as possible and within 30 days after the accident. There is (more…)
Benefits
What is the value of my workers’ compensation case?
A common question that the Atlanta attorneys of the Ramos Law Firm are asked is “how much is my case worth?” While there is no amount of money that could fully compensate an injured worker for the pain and heartache she experiences, the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act provides a framework to consider.
First, it is important to consider the injured workers’ (more…)
Should I Apply for Social Security?
One of the questions that can be a source of great anguish is whether or not an injured employee should apply for Social Security Disability benefits. It requires the employee to consider that he or she may never be able to return to be a productive member of the workforce. The very thought of it can bring visions of having the stigma of being a statistic attached for life. (more…)
If I settle my Workers’ Compensation Claim, am I still entitled to my pension and retirement benefits?
When an employee settles his or her workers’ compensation claim, the Employer/Insurer usually requires the employee voluntarily resign. At the settlement, many employees become concerned about their pension and/or retirement benefits, such as flight privileges, monetary bonuses, health insurance coverage, disability insurance coverage and numerous other perks. Often times (more…)
My workers’ comp stipulation was approved, when should I expect a check?
Once a stipulation agreement is approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, the employer generally has 20 days to make the payment. The question arises, then – if a payment is mailed, when does it have to be mailed to be considered timely? (more…)
Is There a Timeframe for Reporting an On-The-Job Injury?
The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act requires an injured employee report an on-the-job accident to a supervisor or employer agent shortly after the incident. Please see O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80. The employee is required to give the Employer or its agents notice of an on-the-job accident so that the Employer can investigate the incident, and most importantly, provide the injured worker medical treatment. The injured employee will not be entitled to medical care or indemnity benefits, such as (more…)
An IME Physician May Request Patient Undergo More Testing
In Georgia, as long as an employee is receiving compensation benefits, then he shall submit himself to examinations ordered by a qualified physician. Independent Medical Examinations (IME) are common in workers’ compensation cases. They give the employer or the Board a chance to determine (more…)
Employee May be Given New Date of Injury if Condition Worsens
Under Georgia workers compensation rules, an employee who gets injured on the job but continues to work should not be penalized. For example, an employee sustains a neck and back injury while on the job in 2001. The employee receives (more…)
Can Catastrophic Designation be Removed?
The answer to the question for claims that arose in July 2005 or later is simple. Yes. O.C.G.A. 34-9-200.1(i) was enacted in 2005 to provide a mechanism by which a the catastrophic status of an individual can be revisited if reasonable grounds exist to challenge the current status. The prerequisite (more…)
