WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU HAVE TO MISS WORK DUE TO A JOB-RELATED INJURY?

Injuries can happen at work when you least expect it and disrupt your life in many ways. A number of different types of injuries can cause you to miss work. Some injuries specifically affect the abilities you need to perform your job. For example, if you suffer a back injury and do heavy lifting as part of your regular job duties, you will likely need to miss work until you recover. Additionally, some severe injuries simply require rest as part of your recovery, or you may be hospitalized for an extended period of time. For some injuries, you may not have to miss entire days or weeks of work, but still have to miss hours of work for doctor’s appointments and medical treatments.

No matter whether you miss hours or weeks of work, you can lose income as a result. Many people in the Savannah area need all of their wages to support their households and pay their bills. Even a small amount of missed income can throw off your budget and cause financial issues, while missing substantial amounts of work can wreak lasting financial havoc.

You have rights to certain benefits after a workplace injury, including wage replacement. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should cover your medical bills and replacement of the income you lost due to your injuries. When you make a claim, you report your lost wages to the insurance company. Unfortunately, the insurance company often may not automatically compensate you based on your claims, even though you are unable to work, with bills piling up.

Like any other insurance company, workers’ compensation insurers are for-profit companies that try to limit liability when possible. One way to limit wage replacement benefits is by questioning whether you truly need time off. For example, the insurer may claim that the nature and severity of your injury did not actually preclude you from performing your job and you should have been able to work. In these situations, you will need to provide evidence—such as medical records or doctor’s statements—to support your time off and the claimed missed income.

Even though workers’ compensation will only replace a percentage of your lost wages and there may be a cap on how much you receive, it still provides an important benefit for many injured workers and their families. If you’ve received a partial or complete denial of wage replacement benefits, you should consult an experienced attorney who understands how Georgia workers’ compensation laws work.

Contact a Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorney for More Information

The workers’ compensation process can be challenging and stressful, especially when you’ve been hurt on the job and need your income to pay bills. It helps to have the right legal representation by a skilled workers’ compensation lawyer who can protect your rights. If you have suffered a job-related injury or illness, call Hasner Law at 912-234-2334 or contact us online for your free initial consultation today.

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Workers’ compensation is extremely important for every employer and employee in the Savannah area. Workplace accidents and injuries are more common than you may think, and worker’s compensation benefits are vital to protect the interests of injured employees. However, many people have misunderstandings regarding the workers’ compensation system. The following are only some of the common misconceptions.

An accident was my fault, so I’m not entitled to benefits.

Generally speaking, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system under Georgia law. This means that even if you acted negligently to cause an accident, you may still seek benefits. There are some exceptions to the no-fault rules, however. You may lose entitlement to benefits if the following are true:

• The accident happened because you violated the law or a safety rule
• The injury resulted from your willful misconduct
• Your injury was self-inflicted
• The accident happened because you were intoxicated by alcohol or illegal drugs

If any of the above apply to your situation, you should still try to seek benefits, however, having the help of an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer is critical.

My injury was minor, so I should not bother with workers’ compensation.

Some people believe that if their work-related injury is minor, it is not worth it to file a claim for benefits. However, any amount of medical care can be costly and even seemingly minor injuries can result in costly bills. In addition, your health insurance may not cover a work-related injury as it will expect workers’ compensation to cover the costs instead. Never ignore even a minor work injury as any compensation can be extremely beneficial to you and your family.

My employer should file all of the paperwork for my workers’ compensation claim.

Too many injured workers believe that their employer is responsible for handling the claim process after an accident. While an employer is expected to report any accidents and injuries to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, they are not required to file an insurance claim on your behalf. Instead, you are responsible for initiating a claim and it is always wise to seek help from a workers’ compensation lawyer to ensure you have a successful claim.

I should receive benefits for my pain and suffering.

Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation system does not provide benefits for non-economic losses such as pain and suffering. However, if any third party was at fault for your accident, you may seek non-economic damages by filing a personal injury lawsuit. This may be possible if your injuries happened due to a negligent independent contractor or a negligent driver. A lawyer can identify whether or not a third-party lawsuit may be a possibility in your case to maximize the compensation you can receive for your injuries.

Discuss Your Injury with a Savannah Workers’Compensation Attorney Today

The above are only some of many myths about the workers’ compensation process. To prevent any misunderstandings, you should always seek the guidance of a law firm that regularly handles workers’ compensation claims in the Savannah area. Contact Hasner Law online or call 912-234-2334 for a free consultation today.

JOBS WITH A HIGH RISK OF FALLS

 

Falls at work are dangerous and closely associated with serious workplace injuries and fatalities. Additionally, certain jobs come with a high risk of injury from a fall. Know the risks associated with your job, and always make safety your top priority.

The National Safety Council (NSC) identifies falls as the third–leading cause of injury-related fatalities. Construction workers are the most likely to faceinjuries from falls on the job, but even those who work at desk jobs encounter some risks. The NSC ranks the occupations that are most closely associated with dangerous falls (based on statistics from 2013):

Construction work

Manufacturing positions

Wholesale-trade and retail-trade job

Transportation work

Warehousing occupations

The National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI) also shares important statistics related to falls in the workplace:

Falls account for 5 percent of job-related fatalities for women and account for 11 percent for men (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Falls are the primary cause of days lost from work

Falls are the leading cause of workers’ compensation claims

Falls are the leading cause of injuries on the job for people 55 and older

Causes of Workplace Falls

Any number of factors can cause falls at work, including wet or otherwise slippery work surfaces, uneven or damaged work surfaces, cluttered walkways, and tripping hazards such as bunched or damaged floor coverings. Falls can occur at the ground level or from elevations, the latter of which are typically the most dangerous category of workplace falls. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that 21 percent of all workplace fatalities are related to construction work, which makes it one of the most dangerous occupations. Furthermore, OSHA breaks the specific dangers associated with construction-site fatalities into four classifications known as the “fatal four.” Of these, falls tops the list.

Construction work frequently requires the positioning of workers far from the ground—on every manner of equipment, including ladders, scaffolding, and huge machinery—which makes any falls that take place that much more dangerous. Because construction work is so dangerous and involves heavy-duty equipment, the equipment requires scrupulous maintenance according to strict safety standards—and construction workers themselves need goodtraining in safety practices. Because construction workers face heightened risks when it comes to dangerous falls on the job, every construction company must carefully implement all mandated safety precautions.

Consult an Experienced Atlanta Workers’Compensation Lawyer Today

Falls at work are dangerous, and if you suffer an injury, consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. These claims are complicated, but your rights to proper benefits matter. At Hasner Law, our dedicated legal team has the experience, skill, and compassion to guide your workers’ comp claim toward its most positive resolution—and we are here to help. Please contact us online or call our Atlanta office at 678-888-HURT (4878) today.

CAR ACCIDENT CASE?

Would You Know What To Do If You Were In An Accident?

We’ve all seen it: cars, bent metal, drivers scratching their heads while standing to the side of the road, police filing a report, and insurance information being exchanged. It’s a car accident. It happens every day – and it happens when you least expect it. Accidents are serious business and no one wants to be involved in one. It is especially difficult if someone gets hurt or your car is damaged, making it necessary for you to file a claim against the other driver. That is when things can start to get complicated.

As a driver in Georgia, if you were in accident today, what would you think if the driver of the other car offered to “settle” your accident claim? Or what if the other driver had an attorney who wanted you to “settle” your case? What if an insurance company made the offer? Would you know what it means to settle a claim in your state? And would you know to get your own experienced, professional lawyer before accepting a settlement offer?

What Is An Accident Claim Settlement In Georgia?

When drivers get into an auto accident there are usually two means of resolving their monetary disputes. One way is by going through their insurance companies. The other way is by going to court. But both can end with a simple offer (usually money) that keeps the matter out of court or at least keeps it in court for less time. This kind of offer is called a settlement. The settlement finalizes the claim and closes the case. Once a settlement is reached, and both parties accept the terms, there is typically no option for future damage claims. So what should you know about claim settlements in Georgia?

• SETTLEMENTS ARE USUALLY LUMP-SUM PAYMENTS: YOU GET ONE CHECK AND THAT’S ALL. That’s why it makes sense to have professional lawyers who know Georgia accident law on your side. They’ll get you the best, most generous possible settlement offer;
• SETTLEMENTS CAN BE GOOD FOR INJURED DRIVERS WHO DON’T WANT TO TAKE THE CHANCE OF LOSING CASES AT TRIAL, since accepting money will probably keep their claims from going all the way to a jury;
• INSURERS OFTEN SETTLE to put money in people’s hands without paying the cost of going to trial;
• SOME GEORGIA COURTS WILL REQUIRE AN INJURED DRIVER TO DISCUSS THE POSSIBILITY OF SETTLEMENT in Mandatory Settlement Conferences or Mediation Conferences before trial.

To learn more about settling your accident claim, get tips at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ website.

Call A Georgia Personal Injury Attorney Before Settling Your Accident Claim

If you’ve been in an accident and you’re thinking of accepting a settlement offer from another driver or an insurance company, first make sure you contact Hasner Law. Our experienced, professional lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to recover every cent you’re owed in a settlement. You can also call Hasner Law’s Atlanta office at 678-888-HURT (4878) or contact our Savannah office at 912-234-2334.

Savannah Accident Injury and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

                                       

Our workers’ compensation lawyers and personal injury attorneys have more than 70 years of experience and will represent you with the highest integrity and ethics. We will work aggressively to obtain the maximum amount of financial and medical benefits you deserve. Even if your claim is denied, we will help you collect workers’ compensation benefits. We take pride in going above and beyond to provide exceptional service and personal attention to our clients. Hasner Law will fight to protect your rights and handle all your Georgia workers’ compensation needs. We strive to provide you with the necessary information about your case, give you options and make recommendations so you are empowered to make the best decision for you and your family.

At Hasner Law, our Savannah injury & workman's comp attorneys take pride in going above and beyond to provide exceptional service and personal attention to our clients. Treating clients like family and offering compassion in a time of need are the hallmarks of our firm. Our concern, empathy and commitment to individuals drive us to do what it takes to secure maximum benefits for victims who have been injured.

Our firm has the resources and experience to support these efforts. Together, the lawyers at Hasner Law have over seven decades of experience handling legal claims involving injuries. Our accident attorneys take on a limited number of cases to ensure that you get responsive, individualized attention.

At least, two paralegals support each lawyer, which allows the attorneys to focus on working with clients and preparing persuasive cases. The quality and quantity of our legal staff means you get the attention and results you deserve.

At Hasner Law, you will have direct access to your attorney and paralegal. Our team will keep you involved with your case and update you regularly on important developments. When you are medically stable, we will help you settle your claim for full value.

At Hasner Law, we help workers obtain the benefits they need after serious work-related injuries or occupational illnesses. We represent only injured workers – never insurance companies or large corporations – and our clients always come first. Our founding attorney, Stephen Hasner, began his legal career representing employers and insurance companies in workers’ compensation claims. Today, he has more than 17 years of experience. He and the other attorneys in our firm use their skills and knowledge to exclusively represent injured people.

CONTACT:
Hasner Law PC
221 W York St
Savannah, GA 31401
Phone: 912-234-2334
Fax: 912-236-5888
Business Email: info@hasnerlaw.com