May 21, 2013

Frequently Asked Questions About Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Laws

Getting my Case Started

What does it mean to “give proper notice” of your claim to your employer?

How do you notify the State Board about your claim?

Are you covered by workers’ comp or are there alternatives?

Why does Georgia have a workers’ comp. law at all?

Medical Care Under Workers Comp.

What is a “posted panel” of physicians and why is it important?

What does it mean to you if the posted panel is not valid?

Why does my employer get to choose my treating doctor?

What can I do if I am not happy with the quality of medical care I am receiving?

Can I demand my own “independent medical exam” with a doctor of my choosing?

Can I sue my workers’ comp doctor for malpractice?

Can I get copies of medical records from my workers comp doc?

Lost Wage Benefits Under Workers Comp

How is my weekly wage benefit check calculated?

When are my checks due and what happens if they are late?

Can I collect lost income benefits for the rest of my life or are there limits?

Will I lose my weekly wage benefits if I try to return to light duty?

What happens if my weekly wage payments are late?

Returning to Work

Why do I need to be careful prior to trying to return to work?

Never return to work without a Form WC-20 filled out by your doctor

What is the worse thing that can happen if I return to work without a WC-20

Is it possible that I can return to my old job after my case settles?

Potential Problems with my Case

What happens if I fail a drug test following my injury?

What happens if alcohol is detected in my blood?

Can my employer use false statements I made in my job application against me?

Can I still claim benefits if my accident was unwitnessed?

Can I file under workers comp if I was injured drive to or from work?

Can I file under workers comp if I was injured during a lunch or coffee break?

Is there a time limit for me to file for my workers’ comp injury?

Can my employer fire me in retaliation for filing a workers’ comp case?

The Lawyer’s Role

Why do you need a lawyer to represent you for your work injury claim?

How do I know that I can trust my lawyer?

How do I pay my lawyer if I am not working?

Can I fire my lawyer if my case is taking too long or if I am not happy?

Does my former lawyer get paid if I fire him during my case?

Should You Settle Your Case for a Lump Sum?

What is the difference between a regular and a no-liability settlement?

What is a Medicare set-aside and should I worry about this?

Can I still get medical care under workers comp after I settle my case?

Can I reopen my case if my medical condition gets worse after settlement?

What is a “catastrophic” case?

Workers Comp and Other Legal Areas

Is it ok to file for Social Security while my workers comp case is pending?

Can I sue my employer for pain and suffering in addition to workers comp?

My job injury happened in a car accident – can I also sue the other driver for pain and suffering damages?

Can I get my child support reduced or suspended while I am out under workers comp?