Many part-time employees call our office wondering if they’re entitled to workers comp benefits. They suffer an injury at work and don’t press the issue because they aren’t sure what else they should do. They’re afraid to demand treatment because they don’t want to lose their job. If you’re in this sort of situation, you should call and talk to one of our experienced Atlanta workers comp lawyers. They know the law and they know what you’re entitled to.
Workers Comp is Meant to Help Injured Employees
The reason employers have to maintain workers comp insurance is to cover the costs of employee injuries. Not all workers have health insurance. If they get hurt on the job, they need medical care. They should be able to count on their employer to ensure that they get quality care. True, many employees wish they could choose their own doctor. But at least you’ll get a choice of doctors to pick from. If that doesn’t happen, make sure to let your Atlanta workers comp lawyer know.
It Doesn’t Matter if You’re Full-Time or Part-Time
The good thing about workers compensation in Georgia is that most workers are entitled to benefits, and this includes part-time workers as well. Unless you work for the federal government or a railroad, you likely qualify for workers comp. There are a few other exceptions as well. But generally speaking, if you have a legitimate job, you’ll be eligible for workers comp if you get hurt at work. This is true whether you work full-time or part-time.
The only question is if you were on company time when the injury took place. If it was, and you qualify for benefits, then you’ll have nothing to worry about. However, if your employer denies your claim, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle to file an appeal. You don’t want to do that on your own. Call and arrange to meet with one of our Atlanta workers comp lawyers.
You Will Only Receive About 2/3 of Your Normal Wages
When people hear that you’re on workers comp, they high-five you and act like you won the lottery. Some people think of workers comp as a vacation. What could be better than a few months off with pay? It doesn’t actually work that way. You have to suffer an actual injury to qualify for workers comp, even as a part-time worker.
You can’t just say you fell and then sit home for three or four months. You’ll be examined by a company doctor to ensure that you get optimal medical care. And you need to keep in mind that you only receive about two-thirds of your average weekly wages while you’re out on workers comp. This is if your Atlanta workers comp lawyer is able to get your claim approved.
Your Medical Care Will Also Be Covered
If your injury was serious enough to send you to the hospital, you’ll incur thousands of dollars in medical bills. Even if you have health insurance, there will be co-pays and out-of-pocket expenses. You shouldn’t be responsible for these if you got hurt while on the clock. Your employer carries workers comp insurance for this reason. Your medical care will be covered by workers comp. If your employer tells you otherwise, you need to call an Atlanta workers comp lawyer immediately. You can’t afford to continue getting treatment without getting this issue resolved.
You Should Call and Talk to a Skilled Atlanta Workers Comp Lawyer
If you get hurt at work, you shouldn’t have to worry about things like medical bills. Your employer has a responsibility to take care of their employees. If you hurt while on the job, you should be able to count on your company to do the right thing. Some people don’t realize that they’re eligible for workers compensation.
It isn’t until they talk to an Atlanta workers comp lawyer that they realized they may have a valid claim. This is especially true for people who work part-time. Our attorneys meet with clients all the time who thought they weren’t entitled to any protection simply because they didn’t work full-time.
In today’s climate, there are a lot of people who are having their hours cut. That’s what COVID and the economy have done to us. You shouldn’t have to deal with a work injury on top of it. So, if you get hurt at work, call our office and talk to one of our experienced Atlanta workers comp lawyers.
