Avoiding Liability in Workers’ Comp Across State Lines

Despite strict health and safety regulations, more than 2.6 million Americans sustained non-fatal workplace injuries or illnesses in a single year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

While Georgia’s rate of non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses is slightly below the national average at 2.5 per 100 full-time workers, this means that a substantial number of workers are experiencing employment-related accidents within the state.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is designed to provide employees with financial compensation if they are injured due to a workplace accident or if they contract an occupational illness. As workers’ comp isn’t reliant on liability, you can be eligible to make a claim even if you were responsible for the incident.

According to the latest statistics released by Georgia’s State Board for Workers’ Compensation, 82,215 medical-only claims and 32,137 indemnity claims were made in a 12-month period, which highlights just how many people experience workplace injuries and illnesses.

Who Can Claim Workers’ Comp in Atlanta?

In Georgia, employers with three or more regular workers are required to have workers’ comp insurance and most employees are eligible to make a claim if they sustain an injury or contract an illness during the course of their work-related activities.

Even part-time and seasonal workers have the right to obtain workers’ compensation, so it’s always worth seeking legal advice if you’ve been hurt while performing your job role.

Can I Claim Workers’ Compensation If I’m Working Out-of-State?

Yes. If you’re working in Atlanta but residing out of state, you can still be eligible to receive workers’ compensation. You may live in nearby Alabama and commute to Atlanta each day, for example, or you might live on the west coast and stay in Atlanta during the working week.

Alternatively, your job role may involve a significant amount of travel, which may mean that you regularly travel to different states. If so, you can still claim workers’ compensation if you’re injured or suffer an occupational illness, providing you meet the other eligibility requirements.

However, claiming workers’ compensation can be complex and you’ll certainly want to access legal help if you work out-of-state. With experienced Atlanta personal injury lawyers working on your behalf, you can ensure that your claim has the best chance of success.

How Much Workers’ Compensation Will I Receive?

The amount of workers’ comp you’re entitled can vary but, in Georgia, you can receive up to two-thirds of your average weekly salary (capped at $725.00 per week) in weekly benefits. In addition to this, workers’ compensation should fund the cost of authorized medical treatment related to your workplace injury or illness.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Claim Workers’ Comp?

Although workers’ comp is designed to enable employees to access fast and efficient financial support following a workplace accident, the system doesn’t always work this way! By getting legal assistance with your claim, you can overcome the procedural difficulties that often arise and ensure that your claim is dealt with as swiftly as possible.

Furthermore, workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta will advocate on your behalf, challenge devalued or undervalued claims and make sure that your medical needs and expenditure are properly reflected in your claim.