Dalton, Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Fighting for injured workers since 1945
Dalton is a beautiful city nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Northwest Georgia. It is home to many different industries and professions. It’s primarily noted for being home to some of the country’s leading floor-covering manufacturers including the makers of carpets, rugs, and vinyl flooring. There are more than 150 plants in Dalton, known as “The Carpet Capital of the World.” Among other major employers are the transportation industry and the education sector.
Employees who work in the carpet industry and all other private employment sectors regularly risk permanent injuries, chronic pain, and illnesses – among a variety of other injuries. Dalton employees who are hurt while doing their jobs have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, we demand that employers pay the benefits you have a right to receive if your injury or illness permanently prevents you from returning to work, and death benefits if a loved one died while doing his or her job. Contact our Dalton workers’ compensation affiliated lawyers now to protect your rights so you can focus on your health and not bill collectors.
How can we help?
- What types of work cause workplace injuries in Dalton?
- What serious injuries and illnesses are common in dangerous industries?
- What benefits does workers’ compensation insurance provide?
- How does a Dalton workers’ compensation attorney fight for injured or ill employees?
- How can a lawyer help me if my Dalton employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?
- How much time do I have to report and file my claim?
- Can I lose my job by filing a workers’ compensation claim?
- Do you have a workers’ compensation lawyer near me?
What types of work cause workplace injuries in Dalton?
Most employers in Georgia must have workers' compensation insurance. Under the law, “every employer, individual, firm, association, or corporation, regularly employing three or more persons, part-time or full time, shall provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage.” An employee is defined as any “person, including minors, working full-time or part-time under a contract of hire, written or implied.”
At Wagner & Wagner, our affiliate attorneys represent injured and ill workers throughout Dalton. Many of the Dalton workers’ compensation cases include carpet industry workers since so many workers in Dalton work in that profession, and because carpet work is so dangerous.
We also represent the following types of employees:
What types of work cause workplace injuries in Dalton?
Most employers in Georgia must have workers' compensation insurance. Under the law, “every employer, individual, firm, association, or corporation, regularly employing three or more persons, part-time or full time, shall provide workers’ compensation insurance coverage.” An employee is defined as any “person, including minors, working full-time or part-time under a contract of hire, written or implied.”
At Wagner & Wagner, our affiliate attorneys represent injured and ill workers throughout Dalton. Many of the Dalton workers’ compensation cases include carpet industry workers since so many workers in Dalton work in that profession, and because carpet work is so dangerous.
We also represent the following types of employees:
What benefits does workers’ compensation insurance provide?
Our Dalton workers’ compensation affiliated lawyers fight to obtain all the benefits you deserve. Worker’s compensation benefits in Georgia include:
- The cost of medical care. The workers’ compensation carrier should pay for all the treatments you need to maximize your health, return to work, and keep your health stable. These expenses include emergency assistance, ER and hospital care, doctor visits, rehabilitative care, assistive devices, medical care, and possibly some transportation costs to get to and from your healthcare providers.
- Temporary disability benefits. Generally, workers in Dalton are entitled to 2/3 of their weekly wages up to $650 for up to a maximum of 400 weeks while they are unable to work. Some conditions may apply. Generally, the employee can claim temporary disability benefits a full week after the accident. When two weeks pass by, the employee can claim the first week’s reduced payment also. When the worker’s health reaches the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI), the worker is evaluated to determine if he/she has a permanent disability.
- Permanent disability benefits. When a worker’s health stabilizes (he/she reaches MMI), the worker is evaluated to determine if he/she has a permanent disability and the severity of the permanent disability. If the worker’s disability is on the approved schedules, or he/she otherwise qualifies, the worker receives additional pay (generally, at the 2/3 rate) for a set number of weeks. For example, workers who lose an arm and have an impairment rating of 100 percent can claim an additional 225 weeks of reduced wages. Your attorney may negotiate a lump sum payment once you reach MMI.
- Death benefits. The spouse and dependents of a loved one who dies while doing his/her job may be entitled to funeral and burial costs up to preset amounts and weekly reduced payments during the length of a dependency.
Dalton employees who can’t return to their old job may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation compensation.
How does a Dalton workers’ compensation attorney fight for injured or ill employees?
Your Dalton workers’ compensation attorney will aggressively fight to help you obtain the full benefits you deserve. They are skilled at preparing your claim, arguing your claim with insurance companies, trying your case in court, and countering the positions of your employer that adversely affect you.
Your lawyer will:
- Review your eligibility for benefits and pursue your rights with the insurance carrier and with the judge assigned to your case. This review includes:
- Showing that you are an employee
- Showing that any accident that caused your injuries occurred during the scope of your employment
- Confirming that you suffered specific injuries due to the accident
- Showing that you have an occupational illness if workplace conditions caused your medical disorder
- Review your medical injuries with your physician. This review normally includes requesting that your doctor properly document your injuries, the medical care you need, your workplace limitations, and your long-term prognosis. Your Dalton workplace lawyer also works with your doctors to show you have a permanent disability and contest any claims by the employer that you can return to work, that your injuries are due to a pre-existing condition, or other defenses raised by the insurance company doctors.
- Represent you at the hearing before the Administrative Law Judge.
- File any justifiable appeals.
We have been fighting for injury victims for 78 years. Our lawyers understand what is necessary to prove your claim. We and our affiliated attorneys anticipate and counter any defenses raised by your employer.
How can a lawyer help me if my Dalton employer denies my workers’ compensation claim?
The insurance company for the employer works for the employer – not you. They want to pay as little as possible. Our job is to hold the insurance accountable by confirming your eligibility, verifying your injuries, arranging for payment of your medical bills, obtaining the temporary and permanent wage loss benefits you deserve, and obtaining any other benefits you should receive.
While many claims are resolved without a hearing, our affiliated attorneys are skilled at representing you in court at your hearing or during the appeals process.
Our affiliated attorneys represent injured or ill workers throughout Dalton, and also represent spouses and children if a loved one tragically died while doing his/her work.
Our Dalton workers’ compensation affiliated lawyers are constantly ready to contest and counter any attempts by the insurance carrier for the employer to deny or reduce your claim.
How much time do I have to report and file my claim?
If you’re hurt on the job, you or someone who represents you should notify your employer (or a manager or supervisor) as promptly as possible. Georgia does request the Dalton workers notify their employer within 30 days from the date of the accident. Written notice is better than oral notice.
In Georgia, you have one year to file your formal workers’ compensation claim or you will lose the right to any benefits.
Don’t take any chances with the time requirements. Call Wagner & Wagner now.
Can I lose my job by filing a workers’ compensation claim?
Employers cannot fire employees for asserting their legal rights including their right to file a workers’ compensation claim. If they fire you for asserting your rights, you should be able to file a wrongful termination claim.
You need to be careful, though. Employers can fire employees for other reasons such as company-wide layoffs. Your employer may even be able to fire you if they need another worker to do your job.
If an employer does legally terminate your employment, you still should be entitled to your full workers’ compensation benefits.
Do you have a workers’ compensation lawyer near me?
Wagner & Wagner maintains an office in Chattanooga, but works with affiliated attorneys to assist clients in Dalton and throughout North Georgia. We can schedule a phone or video consultation if you are too injured to travel.
Did you suffer a workplace accident in Georgia? Wagner & Wagner can help
You work hard for your employer. When accidents happen or workplace conditions affect your health, you do have rights. At Wagner & Wagner Attorneys at Law, our Dalton, Georgia workers’ compensation claim affiliated attorneys will fight to show you are eligible for benefits and to obtain all the benefits you deserve. When you meet with us, you’ll talk to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer directly. We’re ready to fight you now. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.