According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.9 million workplace injuries and illnesses in the private sector in 2016. Nearly one-third of those were of a more serious nature and resulted in loss of work. There is little question that sustaining an injury in the workplace can be life changing and cause physical, emotional, and financial hardship for the injured worker and their family. The injured worker is facing loss of employment and wages, debt, loss of home ownership, and possibly even bankruptcy. Consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer early on gives you your best chance for getting the most money out of your claim.

Is Hiring a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Mandatory?

Just because you sustained an injury on the job—or became ill at work—does not mean you must hire a workers’ comp attorney. If your injury is something like a simple cut—which will heal completely—and you aren’t being disputed or harassed or missing work because of it—you will likely be able to manage on your own. But if it’s anything outside the scope of “simple”, and you decide not to hire a lawyer, you must know your rights. The insurance company knows your rights, but they aren’t going to tell you what they are. Your employer knows your rights, but they have a personal stake in making sure the company keeps making a profit. This is exactly when you must call a lawyer and you should also educate yourself on the details outlined in The Georgia Worker’s Compensation Act.

Why You Should Not Go Solo

The workers’ compensation system in Georgia—and everywhere else, really—is an exceptionally difficult system that can get head on occasion, especially as the battle wages on. For the injured worker, it can be overwhelming and intimidating trying to wade through the players in the game, trying to determine their authenticity. The insurance company is not your friend. They are there strictly to manage risk and pay the least amount of money as possible with no regard your health and wellness. Without a lawyer, you significantly decrease the chances of obtaining a fair sum of money for your claim.

You need a strong advocate that can protect your rights and walk you through the process. If you ever run into the following situations, hiring an attorney is your only real shot at a fair settlement.

•      Your employer denies that you were injured on the job
•      Your employer offers a settlement, but it does not cover the medical bills or lost wages in its entirety.
•      Your employer punishes you for filling a claim.
•      You can’t return to work because of the medical issue and are facing a permanent disability.
•      Your injuries are significant enough to call for surgery.
•      Your medical benefits are denied.
•      Your employer has disputed a decision.
•      You would like to dispute a decision
•       You just don’t understand the process and need an advocate.

A workers’ comp attorney knows the system inside out and will help you navigate through the entire process. Just remember, time is of the essence and speaking to an attorney early on in your claim will help you start off on the right foot and keep you on the right track.