Were you injured on the job in Thomson, GA? Tens of thousands of people are injured on the job every year in Georgia due to slip and fall accidents, car wrecks, toxic exposure, and more. If you suffered a work-related accident, you could be entitled to benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. In some cases, you might be able to file a third-party lawsuit to recover additional money.
The Thomson workplace accident lawyers at Hawk Law Group have decades of experience helping injured workers. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients over the years due to our diligent pursuit of justice for injured victims like you.
We will help you navigate the workers’ compensation process, regardless of whether you are in the initial stages or need to file an appeal. Initial consultations are free and confidential, so call now at (706)-361-0350.
How Can Hawk Law Group Can Help After a Workplace Accident in Thomson, GA
Even if your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, it’s to your advantage to have an experienced lawyer help you obtain your benefits after getting hurt on the job. The workers’ compensation claims process can be complicated, and mistakes can cause your claim to be denied. And you could be missing out on significant compensation if you overlook a third party who could be responsible for your accident or illness.
Our Thomson workers’ compensation lawyers will pursue every possible avenue of recovery. We want to make sure you get every penny you deserve.
Some of the things we’ll do when you hire us to pursue your right to compensation are:
- Gather all documentation needed to support your workers’ compensation claim
- Ensure that your claim is error-free and timely filed
- Review accident reports and hire experts if necessary to analyze the circumstances surrounding your accident or illness
- Determine whether you are eligible to file a third-party lawsuit
- Handle all administrative details related to your workers’ comp claim or appeal
- Review your medical records to make sure you’ve received the proper care you need for all of your injuries
It can be frustrating when you get hurt while trying to make a living. Let us help you navigate the next steps. It’ll save you a lot of stress, and you’re more likely to recover the full value of your claim with our team fighting for you. We’re conveniently located in Thomson, Georgia. Call today for a free case evaluation.
How Common Are Workplace Accidents in Georgia?
According to the most recent data available from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 78,100 private-industry workers in Georgia suffered non-fatal workplace injuries or illnesses in 2019. That’s over 200 per day. Over half of those (about 53%) caused workers to be away from work, be transferred, or perform restricted job duties.
The top three industries where workplace accidents and illnesses occurred were:
- Education and health services
- Trade, transportation, and utilities
- Manufacturing
In 2020, 193 people were killed from accidents or illnesses contracted at their place of employment in Georgia. Overall, 40% of fatalities were from vehicle accidents. But within the construction industry, 49% of deaths were caused by falls.
What Damages Are Available to Workers Injured on the Job?
Most people injured on the job are eligible for workers’ compensation. There are some exceptions, such as if you’re an independent contractor or if your employer is subject to an exemption.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When you do qualify for workers’ comp benefits, here’s what’s typically covered:
- All reasonable and necessary medical treatment
- Two-thirds of your average weekly wage
Wage replacement benefits are capped at $725 per week for injuries sustained in accidents after July 1, 2022.
Workers’ compensation does not cover non-economic damages, like pain and suffering.
Damages in a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If a person aside from your employer was either solely or partially responsible for your work-related injury, you might have a case for additional compensation from that party.
If that’s the case, you can typically seek compensatory damages for:
- The full value of your lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity over your lifetime
- All past medical expenses and estimated cost of future medical care
- Property damage
- Physical therapy
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your accident or injury
- Disability
- Physical pain
- PTSD or other forms of mental and emotional trauma
- Loss of consortium
You may be able to pursue a workers’ comp claim and a personal injury claim. If your loved one suffered a fatal accident at work, you might be able to recover compensation in a wrongful death lawsuit.
What Is My Workplace Accident Case Worth?
It depends on who’s responsible for your injury—your employer or one or more third parties (or some combination). If your employer is the sole party responsible for your work-related injury, then you’re limited to workers’ compensation benefits. As noted above, your wage benefits are subject to a maximum set by law.
In general, here are some factors that may affect the value of your workers’ comp claim:
- The severity of your injury
- Whether you’re temporarily or permanently disabled
- If you are disabled, whether you are partially or totally disabled
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Your average weekly wages
If you’re able to file a personal injury lawsuit, then you aren’t limited by the amount or category of damages available through workers’ compensation. The value of your claim will likely be much higher. In addition to the above factors, other factors may come into play, such as:
- The extent of your physical, mental, and emotional suffering
- The effect the accident had on your ability to contribute to or care for your family
- Whether and when you can return to the same job
- The value of your out-of-pocket expenses
Regardless of what route we need to go to recover compensation for you, we take great care in valuing your case.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Workplace Accident in Georgia?
It’s very likely. That’s because workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. With a few limited exceptions, you’re entitled to benefits even if you were at fault for an accident at work.
But the law is different for shared liability in personal injury cases in Georgia. You are barred from receiving compensation if you’re 50% or more at fault in a personal injury accident. If you’re up to 49% responsible, you can still recover some compensation, but it can be reduced by the portion of the accident attributed to you.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All of Your Workplace Accident Injuries
We’ve seen a wide range of injuries from workplace accidents over the years. We help people recover compensation no matter how mild or severe their injuries.
Some common workplace injuries or illnesses include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back injuries
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Toxic exposure to chemicals
- Burns
- Respiratory illnesses
- Cancer
- Loss of hearing or eyesight
- Amputations
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Wrongful death
You’ll generally have to follow specific procedures to access your workers’ compensation medical benefits, such as going to a doctor chosen by your employer.
What Causes Most Workplace Accidents in Thomson, Georgia?
While some professions are more dangerous than others, accidents can happen in just about any type of job.
We routinely represent people who have been injured in:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Vehicle accidents
- Electrocutions
- Construction accidents
- Falls from heights
- Accidents caused by defective products or machinery
- Scaffolding accidents
- Struck-by accidents
- And much more
While some injuries are caused by faulty equipment, most injuries are caused by negligence.
Some common reasons people get hurt on the job are:
- Lack of training
- Negligent supervision
- Failure to keep works areas free of spills and debris
- Understaffing
- Overworked staff
- Failure to follow OSHA or other safety regulations
- Lack of communication
Workplace accidents can be delicate matters. Your co-workers may be reluctant to speak up if your employer is responsible for a dangerous condition. We keep you out of tense situations and make sure your employer doesn’t retaliate against you for filing a workers’ compensation claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Workplace Accident in Georgia?
If you’re injured on the job, you must report the accident to your employer within 30 days. Otherwise, you risk forfeiting your right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
If you’re filing a personal injury lawsuit based on negligence, you must file it within two years of the accident. You must file a wrongful death lawsuit within two years of the victim’s death.
Contact Our Thomson Workplace Accident Lawyers For a Free Consultation
Were you or a loved one recently injured while at work in Thomson, Georgia? You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits that cover your medical treatment and a portion of your wages while you’re unable to work.
Hawk Law Group will guide you through the claims process and also let you know if you could be entitled to additional compensation from a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed and miss out on money you’re entitled to. Let our Thomson workplace accident attorneys stand up for your rights and make sure your employer pays you what you’re owed.
