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Work Related Injuries

Work Related Injuries [top]

Workers' Compensation in Georgia is governed by statutes that provide for injured workers to receive payment for medical treatment and some lost wages. If you are injured on the job, there are several important steps to ensure that you receive full compensation for your claim.

1. Report the injury to your employer immediately, if you delay for more than 30 days, you might lose your right to recover your benefit.

2. Insist on a written report setting out the details of the injury. Keep a copy of the report.

3. See a doctor right away. Your employer is required to post a “panel” of physicians in a conspicuous place at your place of employment. This so called Panel of Physicians generally has six medical providers listed on it. You have the choice of seeking medical care from one of those persons or clinics listed on the “Panel” who handle on-the-job injuries.

4. If you are unhappy with the level of care you are receiving from the medical provider on the “Panel,” you may change to another physician on the “Panel” without penalty one time. After that, you must obtain permission from the insurance company or an Order from the Workers' Compensation Board requiring the subsequent change of physician.

5. Make sure you follow the doctor's instructions and get written copies of any rehabilitation plans and work restrictions.

6. File a timely claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. In most cases you have one year to file your claim.

The law offices of B. Reid Zeh III will help you make sure all deadlines are met and that you do what is necessary to obtain full compensation for your injury.