No matter what you do for a living, a work-related shoulder injury can have severe consequences. Fortunately, many shoulder injuries resolve with non-invasive treatments like physical therapy and pain management. However, injured workers sometimes need shoulder surgery to repair the damage and prevent health complications. In all of these situations, employees often worry about whether workers’ compensation will cover the costs of medical treatment and their future expenses.
Getting a workers’ comp settlement for shoulder surgery and related shoulder conditions is possible, but Georgia employees may struggle to get the insurance company to pay without a fight. At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys can determine a fair value for your work injury settlement to maximize your claim. Contact our law firm today for a free consultation.
Reasons to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer for Shoulder Injuries in Georgia
Shoulder injuries can have serious, long-term effects. Consulting a Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer who knows the system can help you identify strategies to increase your shoulder injury settlement and submit a strong claim with solid supporting evidence.
Workers’ compensation benefits can cover many of the costs related to shoulder treatment and provide a portion of your lost wages so you can heal without incurring financial hardships. The experienced workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. can evaluate your situation and its future implications so you settle when the time is right. Our lawyer will also explore whether any alternative legal avenues are available to maximize your compensation, such as third-party personal injury claims.
Our attorneys are Albany natives who want to give back to Dougherty County by providing top-quality legal services to our hardworking neighbors. Put your faith in us to demand maximum workers’ compensation for your shoulder injury.
Will Workers’ Comp Cover a Workplace Shoulder Injury?
Workers’ compensation covers nearly all workplace shoulder injuries. If the injury occurred at your workplace or while you were performing your job-related duties, you likely qualify for workers’ compensation benefits.
Most Georgia employees qualify for workers’ compensation regardless of whether they’re full-time, part-time, or seasonal workers. The main exception to this rule is independent contractors, but employers sometimes misclassify employees who should qualify for workers’ comp as contractors to reduce their costs. Contact a knowledgeable attorney if you have questions about whether you are eligible for workers’ comp benefits.
What Benefits Can You Receive for a Shoulder Injury?
Workers’ compensation benefits for a shoulder injury in Georgia include:
- Medical benefits – Full coverage for doctor visits, diagnostic tests, shoulder surgery, physical therapy, and necessary medications.
- Temporary total disability benefits (TTD) – Two-thirds of your average weekly wage if you cannot work due to the injury, up to Georgia’s maximum limits.
- Temporary partial disability benefits (TPD) – A portion of the difference between your pre-injury wage and the reduced wage you earn if the injury limits you to a lower-paying job or light-duty work.
- Permanent partial disability benefits (PPD) – Compensation for permanent loss of function in the shoulder, based on a disability rating and Georgia’s benefit formula.
- Mileage reimbursement – Covers travel expenses to and from medical appointments related to your injury.
- Rehabilitation services – Assistance with vocational training or job placement if the shoulder injury prevents a return to the previous job.
How To Maximize a Shoulder Injury Settlement
Here are a few tips for employees seeking to maximize their workers’ compensation settlements:
- Seek immediate medical attention – Promptly visiting a doctor helps ensure that your injuries are well documented, establishing a clear link between the accident and your condition.
- Report the injury to your employer – Notify your employer as soon as the shoulder injury occurs. Delays can weaken your workers’ compensation claim or lead to denial.
- Follow your treatment plan – Adhering to prescribed treatments, therapies, and medical advice demonstrates your commitment to your recovery and strengthens your claim.
- Document everything – Keep records of medical bills, treatment notes, lost wages, and any correspondence with your employer or its insurer.
- Avoid returning to work too soon – Prematurely resuming work can worsen your shoulder injury and give insurers grounds to argue that your claim is exaggerated.
- Be cautious with the insurance company – Avoid making statements to insurance adjusters without consulting your attorney. They may use your words against you.
- Hire a GA workers’ compensation lawyer – An attorney can negotiate with insurers, gather evidence, and push for the maximum settlement allowed under state workers’ compensation law.
Steps to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Here are the steps for filing a workers’ comp claim in Georgia:
- Report the shoulder injury within 30 days.
- Visit an authorized physician from your employer’s posted list of approved providers. In emergencies, you may seek temporary care elsewhere before switching to an authorized doctor.
- Fill out the required paperwork provided by your employer, such as the First Report of Injury or WC-1 form, and submit it promptly.
- Keep detailed records of how the injury happened, witness statements, and any medical diagnoses or treatments received.
- Check that your employer files the claim with their workers’ compensation insurer. You should receive confirmation of your benefits within 21 days if your employer approves the claim.
- If the employer denies or fails to file your claim, submit a claim directly to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) within one year of your injury.
- Consult a workers’ compensation attorney for guidance throughout the process.
What To Do if Your Shoulder Injury Claim Gets Denied
Contact a workers’ compensation lawyer in Georgia immediately if your employer denies your shoulder injury claim. You have the right to appeal a denied claim, and an attorney can guide you through the appeals process and gather additional evidence to support your case.
Contact Our Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
The Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C. is a respected workers’ compensation and personal injury law firm based in Albany, GA. If you need help navigating the workers’ compensation process, our legal team can keep your claim on track so you get back to work as soon as possible. Call or contact us today for a free consultation.
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