HOMESeveral times a month, I receive a phone call from a currently represented claimant who visited my web site and wants me to take over representation of his case. While I appreciate the opportunity to represent a deserving client, I always discourage a represented claimant from changing lawyers: 1. ...Read More
Avoiding Mistakes
You have a great deal of responsibility in making sure you are being treated fairly when you are going through the workers’ compensation claims process. Unfortunately, while you are injured, paying attention to these details may seem overwhelming.
Successfully navigating a worker’s compensation claim can be quite overwhelming. It’s important to seek qualified legal counsel to help guide you through this complicated minefield. You don’t have to do it all on your own.
Here are a few areas to be aware of and some common mistakes to avoid:
One of the dangers that applies to every workers’ compensation case involves the risk that your claim may grow “stale.” In every case, there is a point in time where you will have obtained the maximum benefit possible from your claim – in terms of paid for medical care, weekly wage benefits...Read More
THE FACTS The minute you report your work injury, you should assume that your employer and their insurance company will hire a private investigator to follow you and videotape your activities. Insurance companies use private investigators to try to catch you engaging in activities that are inconsistent...Read More
I regularly speak with clients who report a less than pleasing experience in their appointments with posted panel doctors. Clients sometimes report that the panel doctor was rude, unhelpful and unwilling to spend any significant time learning about symptoms or other problems. Not surprisingly if you...Read More
THE FACTS Always remember that the posted panel doctor works on behalf of your employer and their insurance company. Whatever you say to the posted panel doctor will be reported to your employer and their insurance adjuster. Before you speak to your doctor, write down notes describing all injured body...Read More
THE FACTS Any delay in your seeking medical care for your work injury will be used against you. If your employer has a posted panel of physicians, you are free to choose any of those doctors for treatment. If you have a medical emergency you can go to the emergency room. Contact attorney Jodi Ginsberg...Read More
THE FACTS You must give notice of your work injury to your employer within 30 days of your on-the-job accident. Notice must be given to a supervisor or company owner, preferably in writing. While you have 30 days to report your injury, you should never wait that long – report your injury immediately. When...Read More
If you have been out of work following an on-the-job injury and your employer calls to tell you to return to work, I would strongly advise you not to set foot on your employer’s premises unless a form called Form WC-240 has been issued in your case. Form WC-240 is critical to the issue...Read More
What happens if you are in the middle of Chapter 13 when you get hurt at work? What happens if you need to file Chapter 13 after you get hurt? Let’s look at the impact of a Chapter 13 in each of these scenarios. First, let’s make sure that you are clear about what a Chapter 13 is and...Read More
You need to be very careful about applying for Social Security disability if you have an active Georgia workers’ compensation case. There are two main areas of concern: Medicare Set Aside When you settle your workers’ comp. case – as you may know, if you are approved for Social Security...Read More