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 which could lead to 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.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Georgia employers reported 78,000 nonfatal injuries and illnesses in the private sector in 2019 (the latest year of recorded data). Approximately 96.4 percent of those recordable cases were injuries, while workplace illnesses accounted for an additional 2,700 recordable cases. About 41,600 of the total 78,000 recordable cases were of a more serious nature and resulted in loss of work. In 2021, Georgia reported 187 total fatal work injuries.

Is hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer mandatory?

Short answer: no. Just because you sustained an injury on the job, or contracted an illness at work, does not mean you must hire a workers’ compensation attorney. If your injury is relatively simple 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 Workers’ Compensation Act.

Why you should not go solo

The workers’ compensation system in Georgia is exceptionally difficult. For the injured worker, it can be intimidating and overwhelming trying to wade through the players in the game and 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 to 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 disputed a decision
• You would like to dispute a decision
• You just don’t understand the confusing process and need an advocate

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Julie Poirier 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. If you are injured on the job, contact Poirier Law Firm today.