Brunswick Workers’ Compensation Death Attorney

Millions Recovered for the Injured

Are you concerned about the fallout of filing a workers’ compensation claim after your job-related injury? You may worry that your employer will get mad and retaliate against you. It’s possible — you could be wrongfully terminated for it — but having a lawyer on your side can ensure that you obtain justice in the end.

On the other hand, if you don’t file a claim within a certain time or get medical treatment, you can rest assured that the insurance company will deny your claim and take advantage of your desire “not to sue.” Just because the pain isn’t too bad now doesn’t mean that it won’t get worse in coming months. You need to be proactive and protect your right to future care and benefits. Too many people try to “do what is right” and don’t hire a lawyer, only to later regret being taken advantage of.

I’m a Brunswick workers’ compensation attorney who can help when you call The Law Office of Brad S. McLelland, PC. My goal is always to help you recover the full benefits and medical treatment you need. Don’t wait around for the insurance company to treat you fairly, because it won’t. I can be your dedicated champion, fighting for what you deserve. With more than 20 years of experience guiding Georgia employees like you through the workers’ compensation process, I can answer all your questions and defend your interests, too.

To learn more about how we can help you, contact my law offices online or at (912) 400-0039. I offer compassionate service to clients in their time of need in English and Spanish.

I Can Stand Up for Your Rights

In Georgia, every employee is entitled to workers’ compensation if the company has three or more employees. If your employer has told you that they do not have workers’ compensation, or that the injury does not qualify for workers’ compensation, they may not be telling you the truth. Seeking the guidance of a highly skilled attorney who can advocate for you and help you understand your rights under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is not only important, but smart.

I can stand up for your rights. In your consultation, I can explain the law, what you are entitled to receive, and how to file a claim. I have taken on big insurance companies, large businesses, and Fortune 500 companies, and have resolved thousands of cases using both mediation and litigation to secure a successful outcome for claims.

I represent workers in all types of industries who have suffered on-the-job accidents or illnesses due to:

• Work-related car and truck accidents
• Falls from elevations such as rooftops or scaffoldings
• Explosions
• Dangerous tools or machinery
• Fume or chemical exposure
• Cuts, lacerations, and severed limbs
• Exposure to loud noise
• Slip and fall injuries at work
• Lifting injuries
• Pulling or pushing injuries
• Repetitive use injuries
• Altered gait that causes super added back injuries
• Hernias, strokes, or heart attacks on the job

Key Steps to Filing A Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia

If you are injured on the job or have suffered a work-related illness, it’s important to take the following steps:

• Notify your supervisor
• Obtain a list of physicians posted by your employer
• Contact us to offer guidance on the process

Filing a claim for benefits may seem straightforward, but this is not often the case for a variety of reasons. Your employer may push back against your claim. The insurance company may not provide you with all of the benefits to which you are entitled. Your employer may even want you to return to work before you are physically able. We can be your advocate and answer your questions, ensuring that you receive all benefits you are entitled to recover under the law.

Understanding the Types of Benefits Available

Under Georgia law, employers are required to pay certain benefits to employees who have suffered a work-related injury or illness. Even if you have a pre-existing injury or illness that worsened due to a work injury, you are still entitled to benefits under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

Such benefits include:

• Doctor visits
• Medical and surgical procedures
• Independent medical examinations
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Change of physicians
• Wages up to $575 per week
• Prescription reimbursement
• Mileage to and from medical appointments
• A permanent disability rating

You Do Have A Say When It Comes to Picking A Doctor

You have certain rights when it comes to choosing a doctor to treat your workplace injury. However, your employer and the insurance company will likely try to prevent you from seeing the physician of your choice. They will tell you that you must see a particular doctor. They may even lie and say that the doctor they chose really cares — when in reality they’re sending you to a company physician who will likely limit your medical care and release you prematurely in order to save the company money. Why else do you think your employer put them on the panel of physicians to begin with?

Don’t fall for their schemes. As a former insurance defense lawyer, I know how the system operates and how to avoid the traps. I can guide you through every step of the process.

When You Are Under Surveillance After Making a Claim

It is not uncommon for injured workers to be placed under surveillance by an employer or insurance adjuster. Surveillance is a tactic often used in an attempt to catch the injured individual doing something that contradicts their claim, ultimately allowing the insurer to put an end to the worker’s benefits.

If you were injured in a workplace accident, you should assume that there is always a possibility that you are being watched when you leave your home. Even seemingly innocuous activities, such as taking out the garbage, picking up your child, or simply bending down will all be under intense scrutiny. As much as you may want to push yourself to resume your normal life, doing so can cost you, so it is crucial to be conscious of your actions when you are outside of your home.

During this time, it is important for you to remain within the restrictions your treating physician ordered. If you go against your doctor’s orders and a private investigator witnesses it, you may be accused of faking your injury. Therefore, you must always be cautious.

What if You Are Offered a Settlement?

After sustaining a workplace injury, many often feel desperate to accept a settlement. However, if you receive a settlement offer, it is essential to contact an attorney to review it and ensure it is fair to your needs and circumstances.

Below is a list of some factors you should consider before settling:

• After you accept a settlement offer you will never be able to receive weekly benefits for your injury.

• Before you settle your case, you must plan how current and future medical treatments will be covered.

• A big part of assessing whether or not you should accept a settlement involves calculating the benefits you may have been entitled to and the likelihood that you would have received them. Keep in mind that, unlike a personal injury claim, you are not entitled to damages like pain and suffering or loss of consortium.

If you received a settlement offer for your workers’ compensation case, do not hesitate to reach out to the legal team at The Law Office of Brad S. McLelland, PC. in Brunswick for knowledgeable legal advice. I will review the offer you received and inform you of your options and the best course forward. Backed by more than two decades of experience, you can trust in my ability to stand up for your rights as an injured worker.

Call a Brunswick workers’ compensation lawyer today at (912) 400-0039.