Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation released a “capsule look” at the 2010 financial information relating to workers’ compensation income and “medical only” benefits paid in 2010. The report was based on (more…)
income benefits
Money benefits in workers’ compensation claims
When an injured worker is not able to return back to work because of his or her work injury, the hurt employee may be deemed “totally disabled.” Should this occur, the employee hurt at work may be entitled to money benefits under (more…)
Delta Employee Injured on Job
In the past, our firm has represented employees who worked for Delta Airlines who injured themselves on the job. Some employees injured themselves lifting luggage or baggage, while another (more…)
Settling my workers’ compensation case
If you have been injured on the job and you are considering settling your claim, please note that the insurance company does not have your best interest at heart. In fact, they have a vested interested in minimizing your settlement as much as possible.
With that being said, an injured employee and the Employer/Insurer may settle the claim by agreement. There are two types of settlement: (1) compromise and (2) no liability.
A compromise “stipulation” is the vehicle used when the Employer/Insurer has accepted liability and there is a “bona fide dispute” as to future or past benefits. The compromise stipulation include a discussion of the medical treatment as well as the contentions of both parties. The “no liability” stipulation is used when there has been no finding of liability and the parties agree not to pursue a claim under the Workers’ Compensation Act in exchange for money settlement. The parties will keep a contract between them regarding the same.
Both types of settlements must approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Once the settlement has been approved, the Employer/Insurer must pay the settlement within 20 days or sooner.
If you have questions about settling your workers’ compensation case, and you would like a free consultation, please feel free to contact the Ramos Law Firm at 404-355-3431 or via email.
The business of work injuries
On the job injuries are becoming more common as injuries include claims for carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis, shoulder rotator cuff tears, knee injuries, and herniated or ruptured spinal discs. If one of these injuries happened during the scope and course of your job, then workers’ compensation benefits may be given. These benefits include income benefits as well as medical treatment.
Nationally, approximately $183 billion dollars were spent on workers’ compensations claim in 2008 according to the National Safety Council. These costs included payment for medical bills as well as lost work days. In fact, it is estimated that 3.2 million claims were made in 2008.
As you can see, workers’ compensation is big business. In fact, many insurance companies have teams of lawyers and “adjusters” on their payroll just in case someone files a claim. These insurance companies have sophisticated systems designed to make it difficult for injured workers to receive benefits. If you have been injured at work, it is important to realize that the insurance company will not have your best in interest in mind. In fact, they have every reason to deny your case just to save a few dollars for their company stockholders.
Remember, they are in the business of denying your claim and benefits. If you have a work injury, don’t try to handle your claim alone. If you would like a free consultation about workers’ compensation, please contact Bryan Ramos at the Ramos Law Firm in Atlanta, Georgia, 404-355-3431.
Truck Driver Injured While Driving
Employees of trucking companies generally enjoy the same rights as other employees when it comes to workers’ compensation. The exception is the “owner-operator”. These owner-operators are specifically excluded from the Workers’ Compensation Act. The statute provides (more…)
Occupational Deaths: What Happens if a Worker Dies On The Job?
In the event of a compensable injury that results in the death of an employee, the employer is responsible for burial expenses (not to exceed $7,500). If the Employee has “dependents” who are completely dependent upon the employee’s wages for support at the time of the injury, those dependents are eligible for compensation. This is true whether (more…)
Workers Injured During Georgia’s Ice Storm
During the first winter snow storm of 2011, the City of Atlanta and the surrounding counties were paralyzed by the resulting ice. While there were generally warnings to stay off the roads, many workers were required to return to work. According to the local news, many workers suffered “slip and fall” injuries (more…)
Change of Condition For The Worse
Generally, a “change in condition for the worse” is defined as a change in the injured employee’s wage earning capacity, physical condition, or status after the original “condition” was established under the law. (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-104) The original condition is usually the establishment of the worker’s weekly benefits or medical status.
The injured employee has the burden of demonstrating that change has occurred. To do this (more…)
Home Depot cutting jobs – 150 in Atlanta; what’s the impact on workers’ comp claims
- Image via Wikipedia
According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, The Home Depot will be laying off 1,000 employees including 150 in Atlanta. However, Home Depot is said to be adding 200 jobs in Atlanta in the near future. Many of these jobs will be (more…)
