There are different factors that can affect the complexity of the case where you want to claim injuries and get proper compensation. There are three main types, disabilities, medical treatment, and death. Also, you can choose two possible options to secure your compensation, to get it through settlement, and by starting a lawsuit process.
Also, keep in mind that it can sometimes be more difficult to get the right deal. Besides that, you will get an offer from the company and insurance agency. However, those without proper knowledge and experience in this area could easily get tricked into getting a lot less money than they should. In that matter, hiring a good assistance is always the best choice. If you need one in Georgia, check Workers’ comp lawyer Georgia.
Moreover, you have to keep in mind that this process can take some time until you manage to prove the claims and get the money. The first thing to do is to prepare all documents and choose a proper expert to represent you. We are going to introduce you to some of the most common cases and how difficult their processing can be.
Light Injuries
In case that you faced a mild injury that only required basic medical procedure where visited the doctor to examine you, provide you with standard medicaments or some band aid, you only faced light injuries that won’t leave any side-effects, and you will probably be ready to continue with your work.
Also, we have to add that you cannot expect any significant amount of money in this case, but you can ask for compensation for the costs of the medical treatment and examination, along with the lost wage if you had to go home on that or next day.
In that matter, proving these claims is quite simple, and it is a rare case that any company would make a problem out of it since they will try to complete the process faster as well.
More Serious Injuries
The first thing to do is to create a report and even get few witnesses in case that you got injured on your way to work, since that will also apply to your worker’s comp. Things are much easier with this process when you got your injuries during the shift.
Keep in mind that you are eligible even if the incident is caused by your mistake. Also, this is the moment when some companies might decide to approach their workers by offering certain amount of money.
Always speak to your attorney to check how much you can get, and if the amount is close to the one offered by the company, you can accept it. On the other side, if it is much lower, you can start a lawsuit to secure your rights.
The more serious injuries include damage that will make you available to work for some time. The comp must cover the expenses of treatment, but also to provide you with a compensation related to mental and physical pain, and the fact that you won’t be able to work.
The most complicated process is for serious injuries that left people disabled for some time or permanently. It is crucial to have a good attorney that will secure the right payment that will cover the expenses of treatment and secure enough money for lost wages in the future.
How To Secure the Right Amount of Money?
The first thing to do is to learn more about other similar cases and how much money these people got. Also, check the current regulations. Besides that, it is important to hire an assistance that has a lot of experience in this area.
The problem is that you might face a situation where the other side might try to use certain tricks to lower the amount that you can get at the end of the process. Therefore, you should collect all data and report from several doctors and other experts so you can prove your claims.
Also, it can last for a longer time, but you have to be determined and not accept an offer that you consider too low. In that matter, be prepared for a process that can last up to two years. When you get all reports and have good lawyer, you can easily turn down the settlement you find inappropriate, or even request a new trial if you are not satisfied with the result.
While mild injuries are easiest to process you should not have any bigger issues with any other sort of injuries that you are trying to claim and get a proper comp. The complexity might become higher when there are certain things yet to be proven, or when you are trying to evaluate the right amount that you should get as part of comp for mental and physical pain caused by the accident.
The Bottom Line
The process of requesting compensation for your injuries is quite simple. All your need to do is to report it to your company. The practice in most companies is that they have proper insurance policies for various incidents, which means that your employer will probably help you complete this process faster. However, when there are certain issues where you and your company are not finding the same solution for the problem, or when their current policy cannot cover your compensation, that is usually the reason for a trial.
When you are sure that there is no way for a valid settlement that will represent a proper coverage, the process becomes more complicated, and it can last between one and two years. Still, as long as you have all reports and details, along with witnesses and proofs, there is no reason to worry about getting the right amount of money.
In the end, keep in mind that any sort of injury can apply to this if you got it at work, or while going to work. Therefore, even if fall on the ground and hurt your leg while heading to the office, you have the right to file the report and request a comp for the medical exam and treatment.