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Workers' Compensation Representing Clients Across Georgia and Throughout the Southeast

Gainesville Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of Injured Workers in Georgia

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide an eligible worker with medical coverage after an on-the-job injury or occupational illness. In many cases, workers’ compensation also pays wage replacement benefits until a worker can safely return to employment.

To help you maximize the workers’ compensation benefits you receive through your employment, consider partnering with Hasty Pope, LLP in Gainesville. Our workers’ compensation attorneys in Gainesville can review your employer’s policy, analyze your reported injuries, and help verify the benefits you should qualify for. Our goal is to close your case with the confidence that you are comfortable and financially stable while you recover.

We represent injured workers from all industries, such as:

  • Retail clerks
  • Office workers
  • First responders
  • Medical providers
  • Construction crewmembers
  • Foodservice professionals

You can rely on the Hasty Pope, LLP team to help you file initial workers’ compensation claims. If you have already filed and your claim was denied, we apply our 150+ years of combined legal experience to pursue the next available step toward fair compensation.

Let us see how our workers' comp lawyer in Gainesville, GA, can help you. Call (770) 741-1951 today.

Can Workers’ Comp Pay for Medical Benefits?

The primary benefit of workers’ compensation is full coverage for all necessary medical treatments related to a work injury or illness. 

This can include:

  • Ambulance transportation
  • Emergency room care
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription medications
  • And more 

Initially, you will be required to see an examining doctor selected by your employer’s insurance company. You can later schedule an examination with your own primary care physician at the expense of the insurer or your employer, but you must pay for any additional examinations not approved by the insurance provider.

If the insurer disputes whether a treatment is medically necessary, they may attempt to deny payment. Unless you can address these arguments, you may face unpaid bills. A workers’ compensation attorney in Gainesville can help you protect your rights if the insurer refuses to pay for approved care.

What Does Workers’ Comp Pay in Georgia?

When your work-related injury prevents you from returning to work for at least seven days, your workers’ compensation benefits can expand to include temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. TTD benefits are a wage replacement benefit that will provide two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a pay cap that is typically updated once a year. You can receive weekly TTD payments for up to 400 weeks or until you reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI) and can return to work in some capacity, whichever occurs first. Severe and permanent injuries can extend your wage replacement benefits beyond 400 weeks, though.

You might also be able to receive temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits if you can return to work but now earn a lesser salary due to limitations imposed by your injury. TPD benefits will be equal to two-thirds the difference between your average previous wage and what you are earning upon your return. As with TTD benefits, there is a payment cap on TPD benefits, and you cannot earn them for more than 350 weeks.

Workers’ Comp Is a No-Fault System in Georgia

Keep in mind that the Georgia workers’ compensation program is a no-fault system. You can admit to causing your own workplace accident due to a mistake and still be eligible to receive benefits. While being “guaranteed” workers’ compensation is certainly beneficial, it does have one drawback: You most likely will not be able to file a claim or lawsuit against your employer for additional damages – like pain and suffering damages – if you receive workers’ comp.

What Happens If You’re Fired While on Workers’ Comp?

Two common concerns about how workers’ compensation affects your employment:

  • Workers’ compensation continues after termination: You may lose your job for reasons unrelated to your injury, but your workers’ compensation benefits usually do not depend on continued employment. Medical coverage and wage replacement continue until you recover, reach MMI, or your benefits reach their statutory limits.
  • Employers can fire you for using workers’ compensation: Georgia is an at-will employment state, so your employer can terminate your position for any nondiscriminatory reason, including being unable to work due to your injury. However, you can still file for and receive workers’ compensation benefits after separation.

Steps to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Gainesville, GA

Knowing the steps to file a workers’ compensation claim in Gainesville helps injured workers stay organized and improves their chances of receiving benefits quickly. 

Steps to follow include:

  1. Report your injury: Start by reporting your injury to your employer within 30 days. Provide the date, time, and full details in writing so your employer can make the proper record. 
  2. Seek medical care: After reporting your injury, your employer should give you information about approved medical providers, and you should seek prompt care.
  3. Collect evidence: Gather supporting documentation such as incident reports, witness statements, and medical records as you prepare your claim. 
  4. File your claim: Your employer should provide you with a “Notice of Claim” form to complete and file with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. 

Keeping up with each step and the related deadlines helps protect your rights to payments, even if your claim faces challenges. If you feel overwhelmed by paperwork or process, getting reliable guidance from a workers' comp lawyer in Gainesville can help you avoid mistakes and keep your claim on track.

Fighting for Hard Workers Like You

Hasty Pope, LLP and our Gainesville workers’ compensation attorneys are ready to amplify your voice and support your workers’ compensation claim. We proudly advocate for people in all career fields across North Georgia.

If you need help securing your owed benefits, call (770) 741-1951 first! Our workers' compensation lawyer in Gainesville, GA, can support you.

FAQs

How long do I have to report a work injury in Gainesville?

You must notify your employer about a work injury within 30 days of the accident or when you discover the injury. Failure to report within this period can impact your ability to obtain workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia.

Do I need a lawyer for every workers’ compensation case?

Some straightforward claims resolve without a lawyer. If your claim involves questions about eligibility, denials, or appeals, legal support can help clarify your best options. Every case is unique, and attorney involvement depends on your needs.