Blog

  • Workers’ Compensation for Delivery Drivers: Risks and Protections During the Holiday Season

    As the holiday season approaches, Georgia’s workforce expands with seasonal employees and delivery drivers striving to meet increased consumer demand. While essential to holiday operations, these workers face unique safety challenges, including longer work hours, more traffic on the roads, and various hazards that require special attention. In this blog post, we’ll explore the key

  • Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rights for Independent Contractors in Georgia

    As the gig economy continues to expand, with 86% of companies planning to utilize independent contractors in the coming year, it’s crucial to understand your rights regarding workplace injuries. If you’re working as a contractor, freelancer, or consultant in Georgia, you might be surprised to learn that workers’ compensation benefits aren’t automatically available to you.

  • Hispanic Heritage Month: Protecting Our Latino Workers

    Hispanic Heritage Month: Protecting Our Latino Workers Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated from September 15th to October 15th and honors the immense contributions of the Latino community to the cultural, social and economic fabric of the United States. Latinos represent a significant portion of the US workforce and are yet disproportionately impacted by injuries and

  • Dangers of Workplace Fatigue

    Feeling tired at work isn’t just a problem for performance quality, but also a major hazard for worker health and safety. The dangers of drowsiness in the workplace go beyond yawning behind a computer and forgetting to send an email. In industries most associated with long, irregular hours—healthcare, construction, emergency services—the costs of employee fatigue

  • Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Allergic Reactions?

    Coughing, sneezing, congestion, fatigue, swelling, hives, and anaphylaxis? Sounds like an allergic reaction. Allergies are the body’s negative response to particular substances, most commonly: drugs, food, insects, materials, mold, animals, and plants. With such an array of potential triggers and such a vast diversity of work environments, the risk of an allergic reaction on the

  • Changes in Labor Laws: Impact on Workers’ Compensation

    Workers’ compensation is a crucial aspect of labor rights—ensuring that workers are protected and compensated for injuries sustained while performing job duties. However, when it comes to vulnerable groups like prison laborers and child workers, the landscape becomes significantly more complex and troubling. In this blog post, we will explore a growing trend of changing

  • post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and workers' compensation

    PTSD Awareness and Compensation Options for Workers

    Did you know June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and June 27, 2024 is PTSD Awareness Day? This annual occurrence aims to raise public awareness and understanding about the mental health condition. In this blog, we examine causes, symptoms, treatments, and other resources available to those impacted by PTSD. We then look at

  • employer worker comp fraud

    Revisiting Employer Workers’ Comp Fraud

    Last week, two California businessmen were arraigned on multiple felony counts including workers’ compensation insurance fraud, grand theft, and tax fraud. The associates allegedly underreported over $29.2 million in payroll to reduce workers’ compensation expenses. In another instance last month, the owner of a California trucking company—TKJ Trucking—was arraigned on three felony counts of workers’

  • summer heat workers' compensation

    Summer Heat Spells Disaster for Workers

    Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner which means the unofficial start of summer is upon us. While we still have a long way to go before the sizzling and sweltering heat of the dog days, temperatures are already hitting highs that pose potential risks for workers. In this blog, we take a look

  • medical marijuana and workers' compensation

    Medical Marijuana Milestones Impact Workers’ Comp

    The past few years have seen a myriad of changes for marijuana across the country. While some states have fully legalized the substance, others have mixed legal status with varying applications of decriminalization, stipulations for medical use, or limitations such as CBD only. The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies marijuana as a Schedule

  • workplace stress

    The Hidden Costs of Workplace Stress

    April is stress awareness month! It should come as no surprise that the workplace is one of the leading causes of stress in a person’s life. The modern office environment is fast-paced, high-pressured, and increasingly impactful on our everyday lives. In this blog, we’ll examine the causes, consequences, and solutions to workplace stress.  According to

  • long covid

    Brain Injury Awareness for Workers

    March is Brain Injury Awareness Month! Brain injuries are an all-too-common impairment of our most precious organ—the thing that affects how we think, feel, and function. According to the Brain Injury Association of America, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury every nine seconds. This encompasses everything from traumatic to non-traumatic impairments. In

  • artificial intelligence, AI, and workers' compensation

    Advances in AI Could Mean Adjustments in Workers’ Comp

    It’s the top conversation in nearly every industry: artificial intelligence. In the workers’ compensation world, AI technology is already changing and expediting long-standing processes that plague our field. In 2023, AI largely improved the workers’ compensation claims process by automating processes and freeing personnel from extraneous work. Such capabilities are simplifying arduous operations and allowing

  • workers' compensation for mental health

    Everything You Need to Know About Workers’ Compensation for Mental Health

    Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions affecting individuals in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults live with a mental illness. As pervasive as these circumstances are, there continues to be a lack of support from the workers’ compensation

  • covid workers' compensation

    UPDATES: Workers’ Compensation for COVID

    Nearly four years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic struck the United States. The unprecedented event resulted in an alarmingly high number of cases—some mild, but others severe, long-lasting, and even fatal. Even after four years of this “new normal,” the workers’ compensation industry has yet to catch up. Currently, little support exists for workers who attest

  • Gold dome of Georgia Capitol in Atlanta, the building that houses the legislative body of the state.

    Georgia Workers’ Compensation: Latest Updates

    Our last blog explored this year’s potential workers’ compensation industry trends at large. At the national/federal level, the field can most likely expect increased attention toward artificial intelligence, mental health, marijuana, and economic issues. Can we expect the same at the state level? This blog will take a look at the latest updates in the

  • 2024 workers compensation trends

    2024 Workers’ Compensation Trends

    Happy New Year from Poirier Law Firm! As 2024 gets underway, we are taking a look at the current and evolving trends in workers’ compensation for the new year. From ongoing developments over years past to groundbreaking new technologies and advancements, the workers’ compensation field is at the intersection of progress and tradition. Here’s an

  • OSHA inspection worker at construction site inspecting proper rules and regulations procedures

    OSHA Rules and Regulations You Need to Know

    In September, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) fined two Georgia companies for safety violations following fatal accidents. OSHA claims the deaths were preventable had the two employers—one: a concrete pipe maker, the other: a grain silo operator—followed proper safety procedures. As unfortunate as these accidents are, they highlight the importance of OSHA rules

  • auditor examining files for employer workers' compensation fraud

    Everything You Need To Know About Employer Workers’ Comp Fraud

    Workers’ compensation fraud is simply another form of insurance fraud—the purposeful exploitation of the benefit system through deception and deceit. It may come as a surprise that workers’ compensation fraud does not just entail employees manufacturing or manipulating injuries or sickness for personal gain, but actually more often consists of employers strategically circumventing rules and

  • Halloween hazards spooky season pumpkin carving injuries workers' compensation

    Trick or Treat! Workers’ Comp for Halloween Hazards

    Spirits, spiders, and skeletons aren’t the only scary things around the Halloween season. This month’s goulish holiday festivities comes with an increased chance of injuries at the workplace. Although the correlation between Halloween and workplace accidents might not seem obvious, the frightening fun that accompanies spooky season brings about more opportunities for employees to suffer

  • catastrophic workplace injury

    Classifying Catastrophic Injuries: A Comprehensive Guide for Workers

    Workplace injuries are an all too common occurrence. Any work-induced ailment or illness—such as chemical burns, total knee replacement, total hip replacement, heart attack, stroke, carpal tunnel, vision impairment, hearing damage, eye injury, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, psychological injuries, and more—is covered under workers’ compensation. When determining these benefits, however, not all injuries are treated equally.

  • Post-Workplace-Accident Drug Test

    Failed a Post-Workplace-Accident Drug Test? Here’s What to Know

    Workplace accidents happen—of course, that’s why the workers’ compensation industry exists. When workplace accidents occur, there are typically many questions that need answering. One of which involves post-accident drug testing. Are drug tests mandatory following an on-the-job accident? Are employers legally allowed to request a drug test? Do employees have the right to deny such

  • social media impact workers' compensation

    How Social Media Can Impact Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

    In today’s world, social media is everywhere. From occasional Facebook posts to near-constant TikTok, Twitch, and Reels live-streams, almost everyone is exposed to some level of digital communication. What does today’s heightened social media creation and consumption mean for other aspects of our lives? Are there real-life consequences for information shared online? Can social media

  • Returning to work after a workplace injury

    When to Return to Work After Workplace Injury

    Workplace injuries happen. Whether it’s a minor accident or a more significant incident, the aftermath of an injury can leave workers physically and emotionally scarred. Because of these damages, the prospect of returning to work can be both relieving and daunting. For some, the return to work offers familiar structure and security. For others, the

  • covid workers' compensation

    Long COVID’s Lingering Legacy

    The COVID-19 pandemic has left an ever-lasting mark on our world, affecting every part of our lives. While many have somewhat seamlessly transitioned to a new normal, others are continuing to suffer with lasting shadows of the virus. Known as “long COVID” or “long-haul COVID,” the lingering effects of the illness are a new ailment

  • Girl holding an umbrella and raising her hand to block hot sunlight.

    Record-Breaking Heat Has Serious Impact on Workers

    It’s no surprise that summers are hot, but recent summers have reached a startling level of dangerous heat due to climate change. According to World Meteorological Association data from late-June and early-July, the Earth just experienced the hottest week on record. Heat waves across the globe are intensifying which poses a serious health risk to

  • woman suffering from neck pain at outdoor

    Figuring Out Workers’ Compensation for Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, tenderness, trouble sleeping, and for many comes with the difficulty of doing normal activities. Fibromyalgia may also be worsened by certain workplace conditions and activities. If this is the case, you need an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side.  The American Medical Association

  • Which Workers Are Most At Risk For Workplace Injury?

    Starting a new job is exciting. New roles, new responsibilities, and new relationships are par for the course. The first year on the job, however, is also rife with risks. The 2023 Travelers Injury Impact Report claims new employees are at the highest-risk for on-the-job injuries. Good news: all employees are covered by employer workers’

  • The Serious Circumstance of Workplace Spinal Cord Injuries

    Spinal cord injuries are one of the most common workplace injuries, with 128,220 back injury cases reported out of the 2,654,700 total workplace injuries reported in 2020. While spinal cord injuries are only one subset of these reported back injuries, they are substantially more serious and damaging than a lesser lower-back muscle strain or nerve

  • artificial intelligence, AI, and workers' compensation

    When should you contact a workers’ compensation attorney?

    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

  • Trends in Georgia Workers’ Compensation Statistics

    The workers’ compensation industry is a data-rich field. Government boards and bureaus collect a wide-range of statistics—from broad overviews of the year to highly-detailed breakdowns of each reported case. In this blog, we’re looking at the state of Georgia statistics from the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

  • Cases NOT Covered Under Workers’ Compensation

    On the Poirier Law Firm blog, we cover all things workers’ compensation—from timelines and medical care to specifics with each and every workplace injury within our practice areas. But what about those instances that are NOT covered under workers’ compensation? Good news, most cases of on-the-job injuries are covered by workers’ compensation. Under Georgia law,

  • Women's History Month

    Women’s History Month—Women in Workers’ Compensation Law

    Happy Women’s History Month! Every year in March, we celebrate the vital role of women in society and culture throughout history. As we acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of women across a broad range of roles—from doctors to mothers—it is also important we recognize areas in which there is still room for improvement. In looking

  • Male hand adjusting the time on white clock

    Increase In Accidents Following Spring Forward

    If you’ve found yourself discombobulated following this weekend’s Daylight-Saving Time (DST) shift, you’re not alone. The annual spring forward of clocks disrupts long-held routines and sleeping patterns, subsequently resulting in increased accidents. If you fall victim to one such unfortunate situation while on the job or driving to or from work, you may be entitled

  • Lung Injuries, Disease, and Workers’ Compensation

    As we have learned from the recent COVID-19 pandemic, lung health is critically important and any complications to the respiratory system can majorly affect entire lifestyles. Lung trauma ranges from respiratory illness to organ injury and damage. Whether respiratory problems are caused by environmental exposures or physical impediments, if the workplace is determined to be

  • Does Workers’ Compensation Cover a Heart Attack?

    From Valentine’s Day to American Heart Month, February is all about the heart. This heart-centric celebration of love and focus on cardiovascular health is an opportune time to refresh your understanding of workers’ compensation for heart-related emergencies. If a heart attack or stroke happens on the job, what options do you have as an injured

  • Pre-Existing Pain? What to Know About Workers’ Comp for Worsening Injuries

    So you started a new job, but suffer from an ongoing health problem such as arthritis or back pain. Is your employer required to provide workers’ compensation benefits for these pre-existing conditions? Short answer: it depends. Pre-existing conditions complicate workers’ compensation claims since it is harder to differentiate when and how the injury arose. Because

  • A Guide to Georgia Workers’ Compensation 2023

    New years often come with new changes. Whether you are starting a new job or heading back into the workplace following the winter holidays, it is important to understand your options in the event of an on-the-job injury. As we enter into 2023, here is the definitive guide for everything you need to know about

  • Will Workers’ Compensation Cover Winter Weather Accidents?

    While cold weather might signal the arrival of the holiday season, it also ushers in a whole slew of problems when it comes to workplace safety. Although Georgia doesn’t normally experience severe winter weather conditions, something as simple as black ice could result in a serious injury. If you suffer from illness, injuries, or accidents

  • Seasonal Workers and Serious Workplace Injuries

    As the holiday season approaches, it is very common for many folks to take on an additional job. These seasonal workers tend to be individuals who only work for a company for a short duration of time over the holiday season to help with the increased level of production. If you are classified as a

  • If My Injury Is Severe, Why Is It Considered Non-Catastrophic?

    In previous blogs, we’ve discussed disability severity classifications, catastrophic injury designations, and on-the-job fatality realities, but what encompasses the non-catastrophic injury? Non-catastrophic injuries are those which one can expect to recover from. The determining factor is not the severity, but the recoverability of the injury.  Common non-catastrophic injuries include head injuries, repetitive-use injuries, heart attacks,

  • Back to the Basics of Workers’ Compensation

    If you were recently injured at work, you probably have a lot of questions about the workers’ compensation system—as an employee, what are my rights? What are the correct procedures for getting medical attention, filing claims, and returning to work? Poirier Law Firm is here to help and answer all questions related to workers’ compensation.

  • What You Need to Know About This Year’s Changes in Georgia Workers’ Comp Rules

    Workers’ compensation, like any practice of law, is an ever-changing industry with new amendments to rules and regulations each year. In Georgia, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation outlines 388 rules pertaining to every aspect of workers’ compensation—from employee rights to employer duties and physician commitments. It is the obligation of any workers’ compensation attorney

  • Welcoming Fall and Avoiding Workplace Falls

    Slips, trips, and falls are amongst the most common types of work-related accidents causing detrimental injuries that can displace workers from their jobs for long periods of time. It’s important that if you are injured on the job due to a fall, you contact a workers’ compensation attorney immediately. There are several factors that determine

  • Is Your Medical Information Actually Private?

    As an injured worker filing a workers’ compensation case, is your medical information actually private? Under Georgia law, possibly not. If you were recently hurt on the job and filed a workers’ compensation case, the last thing you would want is for third-party players to gain access to your medical information and consult your doctor

  • The Creeping Cost of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

    So let’s say you just started a new office job, one with very few external hazards and limited risk with harm—you might think there’s no way you would ever get injured at work. Even if your job is almost entirely based on the computer and you find yourself sitting and typing all day, you could

  • The Hazards of Unbearable Heat

    If the past two months are any indication, summertime in Georgia is hot. Really hot. With a continuously-warming subtropical, humid climate our peak temperatures often exceed 95-degrees with heat indexes measuring triple-digits. This extreme weather presents substantial risks for any outdoor workers, such as those in construction, landscape, or public works. Despite the known risks,

  • Compensation for Construction Calamities

    Any travel around Atlanta confirms the city’s recent boom in development projects. Construction is everywhere and with so much—largely-outdoor—specialized manual labor and heavy machinery operation, accidents and injuries are bound to happen. Every day on the job, construction workers face a very serious threat to their health and safety with extreme exposure to dangerous situations,

  • Are Invisible Illnesses Insured?

    Most injuries are irrefutable—whether it’s a broken bone, burn, or other bad accident, there is often a visible or otherwise tangible proof of pain. When these cases arise within a work environment, workers’ compensation covers the aftermath. But what happens with an invisible illness? Psychological illnesses, while diagnosable by mental health professionals, take no external

  • Catastrophe Compensation—Coping with a Crisis

    Workplace accidents happen in all sectors and range from construction accidents and work-related car wrecks to the general office accident. Just as the accident type varies, so too does the resulting injury. Any damage—such as chemical burns, total knee replacement, total hip replacement, heart attack and stroke, carpal tunnel, vision, hearing, and eye injuries, rheumatoid

  • job fatalities workers' compensation

    Understanding On-The-Job Fatalities

    Workplace accidents happen. When they do, we always hope for the best case scenario with minor injury or sickness, compassionate employers, and reasonable pay. But, what if the accident devolves into the worst case scenario—death? While this situation is certainly one we never want to happen, there are measures in place to ensure your loved

  • The Impact of Inflation on Workers’ Compensation

    It is almost impossible to navigate today’s world without mention of the economy—inflation, rising cost of goods, shifting and shuffling employment, etc. So with all this talk about the economy, how is workers’ compensation affected? To begin, let’s look at workers’ compensation trends since the start of the pandemic. In 2020, workers’ compensation claims (excluding

  • What to Do About a Doctor for Work Injuries?

    So you’ve recently sustained an on-the-job injury—what to do about a doctor? As an employee, your employer is responsible for identifying medical care providers available in the event of an accident.  According to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia, your employer may fulfill this requirement in one of two ways: “Post a Traditional

  • long covid

    Can Workers’ Compensation Cover the Costs of Long-Haul COVID?

    While most of the world begins to return to pre-COVID normalcy, there are some people who are unable to move on from the realities of the last two years. There is undoubtedly much grief following the pandemic and its resulting death toll, but also a lingering effect on those who were infected, survived, but developed

  • Workers’ Compensation Timeline FAQ

    Workplace injuries happen. While occupational hazards are often preventable, when they do occur it is important to understand what the timeline looks like for the recovery, benefits, and claims processes. After an accident, it is essential to act in a timely manner with reporting information about your situation and filing a claim if you do

  • What You Need To Know About Partial Disability

    We all know job injuries happen. But did you know the severity of your work-related injury determines what level of workers’ compensation coverage you receive? The four main types of coverage include:  Temporary partial disability Temporary total disability Permanent partial disability Permanent total disability Total disability encompasses any injury or illness that results in the

  • Workers’ Compensation and COVID-19 Policy

    This month marks a very sobering milestone in the COVID-19 pandemic: the two-year anniversary of a nationwide shutdown to prevent the spread of the virus. This monumental event threw us all into a new way of life. Current common concepts such as essential workers, remote-work, and social distancing were all unknown notions. Now, as we

  • Workers’ Compensation for Georgia First Responders with PTSD

    In Georgia, workers’ compensation insurance may soon cover mental health treatment for first responders. House Bill 855, sponsored by Rep. Gregg Kinnard, D-Lawrenceville, states: “If a first responder experiences one or more psychologically traumatic events and is thereafter diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder by a mental health professional licensed in this state, such psychological injury

  • Workers’ Compensation Coverage for NFL Players

    The biggest day in professional football is finally here. As the Los Angeles Rams and the Cincinnati Bengals take the field to compete for the title of Super Bowl LVI champion, it’s important to remember the physical toll the game of football exacts on the players. While us spectators get to kick back, relax, casually

  • Top Trends for Workers’ Comp in 2022

    As 2022 officially kicks off, there is no better time to reflect on the previous year and the changes that our world has undergone. The workers’ compensation industry, as well as many others, have changed significantly over the past year primarily due to the pandemic. Many of these changes were initially temporary, however because of

  • Can I Get Paid Workers’ Compensation and Holiday Pay?

    The holiday season is a fantastic time to rest and relax. Many people take vacation before the end of the year to spend time with their family and friends and recharge for the new year. If you have suffered from a workplace injury and are receiving indemnity checks for worker’s compensation, though, what will happen

  • Workers’ Comp Coverage for Employer Mandated Vaccines

    Employees around the country are thrilled by the fact that many employers are allowing them to go back into the workplace. Although working from home if possible is a nice luxury, there is nothing like being at your workplace with your coworkers. In order to keep the workplace safe, many employers are requiring that their

  • Not So Merry & Bright Work-Related Injuries

    Around this time of year, when the holiday spirit is in full swing, many companies like to take a moment to celebrate their employees for all of the hard work they put in through the months. These celebrations can be in the form of holiday work parties, secret Santa gift exchanges, and much more. If

  • Dangers of Winter Weather for Workers

    The holiday season is full of joy, love, cheer, and unfortunately…cold weather. Although Georgia rarely experiences severe winter weather, temperatures can dip below freezing which creates a number of different risks for workers, especially those who work outdoors. Similarly to hot summer months, there are a handful of best practices to avoid on-the-job injuries as

  • Workers’ Compensation for Remote Workers

    The pandemic brought about many changes but perhaps the most impactful has been that millions of people now work from home instead of commuting to work each day. Remote work can have many benefits including avoiding traffic, the ability to wear comfortable clothes throughout the day, and in some cases, a better work-life balance. Although

  • Workers’ Compensation Coverage for MLB players

    Every Atlanta native has one thing on their mind this week: Goooooo Braves! We are so proud of our Atlanta Braves and are very excited to celebrate them during the parade through the city tomorrow. This historical win for Atlanta‘s MLB team has brought up the important topic of worker’s compensation for professional athletes. Although

  • Workers’ Compensation for Haunted House Workers

    It’s not all that common to find yourself working alongside a zombie, vampire, and terrifying clown. For haunted house workers, however, it’s just another day on the job. Throughout October, thousands of haunted houses open up across the country to attract thrill seekers. Many of us only view haunted houses from the perspective of those

  • Spooky Reasons Employers See a Spike in Worker Injuries During Halloween

    Halloween can be a great time to reconnect and celebrate with coworkers. Although the spooky season is full of fun festivities, there can also be several risks at Halloween celebrations that employees should be cautious of. Worker injuries tend to spike up during holidays and Halloween is no exception. As you are participating in workplace

  • COVID-19, Vaccine Requirements, and Worker Safety

    The development of the COVID-19 vaccine has been a game changer for thousands of companies and consumers in 2021. Improved sense of safety, reduced liability, and increased business are just a few examples of the impact the vaccine has had. With new updates about the virus and vaccine, many workers are wondering how their employers

  • How Employment Impacts the Workers’ Comp System

    Over the past year and a half, our economy has had its fair share of ups and downs. Now that businesses are beginning to reopen and many states have returned to nearly full capacity at restaurants, bars, retail stores, concert venues and more, companies are in dire need of more employees. Although this spike is

  • Falling Into Workers’ Compensation

    Slips, trips and falls are amongst the most common types of work-related injuries. As the autumn and winter months approach, colder temperatures mean ice is more prevalent and these types of accidents become even more likely. Falls can cause detrimental injuries that can displace workers from their jobs for long periods of time. It’s important

  • Post-Accident Drug Testing

    Workplace drug testing tends to be a hot button topic in a variety of different scenarios. There are many states that allow drug testing of employees to promote a drug-free environment and increase safety for both workers and potential customers. Drug testing may be part of your normal routine at your workplace or perhaps you

  • The ‘Going and Coming’ Rule

    On average, Americans spend nearly 1 hour every day on the road going to and coming home from work (Census Bureau, 2019). We spend so much time behind the wheel that car accidents, even fender benders, are unfortunately a reality that can result in serious injuries. If you have a lengthy commute, you may be

  • Labor Day: What’s It All About?

    ​​After a long weekend with friends and family celebrating on the lake or by the beach, you may be reminiscing on all of the fun times you had. You may also be wondering what Labor Day is really all about. Each year thousands of  U.S. employers give their employees a day off to relax, yet

  • Independent Contractors’ Rights to Workers’ Compensation Benefits

    In all U.S. states, employers are required to pay for workers’ compensation insurance and offer coverage to any workers who are injured on the job, however, this requirement can be waived if a worker is considered an independent contractor instead of an employee. There are many benefits to working as an independent contractor, such as

  • What is Workers’ Compensation Fraud?

    Workers’ compensation fraud may be a term you’ve heard while scrolling through social media or catching up on the news. Many people understand what fraud is as it pertains to common types of fraud such as mail fraud and bank account fraud. However, although it may not be as widely understood, workers’ compensation fraud is

  • Is PTSD Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

    Stop and think about all of the ways that an injury can be much more than just physical. Psychological injuries are not uncommon and can be as serious, if not more, than physical injuries. Depending on the industry you work in, you may be subjected to various difficult situations that could trigger the development of

  • My Workers’ Compensation Claim Was Denied—Now What?

    If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied, you may be wondering what your options are now. Your employer could have denied your claim for a handful of different reasons, however, it is important to know that not all hope is lost. To set your claim up for success, there are several different guidelines you

  • Understanding the Implications of Filing a Lawsuit Against Your Employer After a Workplace Injury

    One of the most difficult questions we receive from clients at Poirier Law Firm involves an employee’s right to sue their employer after a work-related injury. Many injured workers wonder if they are eligible to sue their employer after suffering from an accident on the job, especially if it was a result of their employer’s

  • Maternity Leave & Workers’ Compensation Rights—What You Need to Know

    One of the main topics of discussion in the workplace these days pertains to parental rights and benefits. If you are pregnant, you are likely doing everything you can to ensure you are protecting yourself, your baby, and your career. One aspect of coverage that may not come to mind at first is workers’ compensation.

  • Blast through the Past: Workers’ Compensation Over the Years

    Many individuals are at least somewhat familiar with today’s Workers’ Compensation system. It is what protects workers each day on the job to ensure that if an injury happens, regardless of it’s their fault or not, they are covered and will receive benefits and compensation to help them heal from their injury. However, did you

  • Lending A Helping Hand on Your Day Off? Here’s What Could Happen if You’re Injured While Working

    If you live near your place of work or simply enjoy lending a helping hand from time to time, you may often find yourself in a situation where you are at work without being technically on the clock. If you stop by your workplace and end up performing some work duties, you need to be

  • Will I Receive Workers’ Compensation if I’m Injured While Traveling for Business?

    Now that restrictions on travel are beginning to loosen, an increased number of people are returning to planes, trains, and cars for business purposes. As more people are on the road and at airports, it is likely we will see a spike in accidents and injuries related to travel. Oftentimes if you are in an

  • How Taking Vacation Time Impacts Your Workers’ Comp Claim

    You may have planned a vacation last year during the pandemic that you’re finally now able to take. There’s nothing like spending a few days on the beach to unwind but what happens if you’ve been injured on the job and are currently receiving weekly Worker’s Compensation checks for your injury? Many people think that

  • Are Sizzling Sunburns Covered by Workers’ Comp?

    It’s no mystery that Georgia summers can get hot… really hot! What is most important during the warm months is ensuring you stay healthy, hydrated, and take breaks in the shade periodically. If you work outdoors, your employer should have a schedule established so you can drink plenty of water and spend some time away

  • How to Protect Yourself While Participating in Work Sponsored Sports Teams

    Employer-sponsored spring sporting events are a great way to build team morale and connect with your coworkers outside of the workplace. Although these events can be a ton of fun and bring employees closer together, they also pose serious risks if you happen to get injured while playing. You may be wondering if you have

  • The Spring Season & Repetitive Stress Injuries

    The Spring season is a great time to address many things that have been needing attention over the past several months. Spring cleaning most commonly comes to mind when people think about turning over a new leaf, but you can also apply this philosophy to a recurring injury you may be suffering from due to

  • 5 Important Facts To Know About Workers’ Compensation

    Understanding the Worker’s Compensation system especially as a worker looking at it for the first time can be a bit overwhelming. There are many nuances and rules that vary by state and can be difficult to grasp if you do not have the proper guidance. Workers’ Compensation attorneys are here to assist you throughout the

  • A Work-Related Injury is the Ultimate Curveball

    Hotdogs, peanuts, and crackerjacks are just a few of the best things about a summer baseball game. Many of us attend baseball games for the thrill of the sport and the atmosphere of a fan filled stands and it is sometimes easy to forget that although it’s just a game to us, professional baseball is

  • Does Workers’ Compensation Cover Allergic Reactions?

    What’s yellow, dusty, and makes you sneeze all over? Pollen! Sneezing, coughing, and watery eyes are just a few of the negative side effects of seasonal allergies. Each year it seems that pollen gets worse and impacts our daily lives even more. If you work outside or in an environment where you are exposed to

  • April Showers Bring May Flowers and…. Increased Car Accidents

    Spring is a beautiful time of year with flowers and trees in full bloom and warm weather right around the corner. Although this time of year can bring about many good things, unfortunately, pollen isn’t the only negative aspect of springtime. Rainfall in April tends to be significantly more than any other time of year

  • How Timing of an Injury Affects Your Workers’ Comp Claim

    Say you’ve struggled with back pain for the past few years. You have visited a doctor to receive treatment and are finally healed and pain-free. Then, you begin a new job and your new workplace responsibilities result in the re-injury of your back. You may be wondering if you are eligible for workers’ compensation since

  • How the COVID-19 Vaccine Will Impact Worker Safety

    The COVID-19 vaccine is on the top of everyone’s mind nowadays. As the vaccine roll out in Georgia begins to gain momentum and an increasing number of individuals are eligible to receive the vaccination, the question now becomes how it will affect safety in the workplace. There are two important factors to take into account

  • How Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Are Compensated

    Amongst the many things you have whirling around your mind after a workplace accident, you may be wondering how you are going to afford an attorney for your workers’ compensation case. Although this is a reasonable concern, luckily, the Georgia workers’ compensation system makes paying your attorney quite stress free. Your main priority after a

  • Best Practices to Protect Yourself From COVID-19 While On-the-Job

    Although many people are beginning to feel safer in regards to COVID-19, it is important to remain cautious in scenarios and situations in which covid could be a risk factor. Workplaces can tend to be a common setting for the spread of the virus simply because of the volume of workers in the same space.

  • Taking Your Workers’ Compensation Case to Trial

    Whether you are in the initial stages of filing a workers’ compensation claim or nearing the end of the process, you may be wondering if your case will need to go to trial. There are many different factors that determine if you will have to bring your workers’ compensation claim to trial. Although it may

  • What Role Does Workers’ Compensation Play After a Natural Disaster?

    Did you know that workers’ compensation coverage includes injuries that happen as a result of natural disasters? Fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, or even major winter storms can wreak havoc on a city’s infrastructure and safety for residents and workers. If any type of natural disaster injures employees, they are eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Although the

  • Should I File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

    Although a work-related injury may be inconvenient, it is sometimes difficult to determine if it is worth it to contact a workers’ compensation attorney. Many employees do not fully understand the workers’ compensation system and this unfamiliarity can result in injured workers opting to not file a workers’ compensation claim when in reality, they should.

  • 5 Questions to Ask Before Your First Consultation With A Workers’ Comp Attorney

    Workplace injuries are stressful enough as it is, but when you realize you might have to contact a workers’ compensation attorney to help with your case, you may be even more overwhelmed. If you have never dealt with a workplace accident or the workers’ compensation system, it is likely that you are unsure of where

  • Life-threatening Injuries in the Workplace

    Although relatively uncommon, sometimes workplace accidents can result in life-threatening/altering injuries. These injuries can drastically affect your everyday life leaving you in pain and with a decreased ability to perform your job to the extent that you could prior. Despite the fact that your injury may have had a catastrophic impact, suffering from a serious

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