(470) 268-5802

Determining When and Why You Need to Hire A Workers’ Comp Attorney

Workers’ compensation serves two main purposes: to ensure employees can secure benefits after workplace injuries and prevent lawsuits against employers when a worker is injured. Please don’t hesitate to call us at (470) 268-5802 We have a team of workers’ comp attorneys who have completed additional training in workers’ compensation law.

Back and Neck Injury Cases

Back and Neck Injury Cases

Every year, over 800,000 cases of car crashes involving neck and back injuries are reported in the United States. Though back and neck injuries are the most common injuries associated with car accidents, their impact on the lives of the victims should not be understated. Contact the back and neck injuries lawyers at Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC now at (470) 268-5802 If you or a loved one has suffered a back or neck injury.

Workers Compensation Lawyers Near Me

Workers Compensation Lawyers Near Me

Workers Compensation Lawyers Near Me

No one expects to get hurt on the job, but accidents in the workplace happen. Accidents can be common at work – a back injury from lifting heavy boxes, a broken arm from a fall off a ladder, or carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of years of typing are all common examples. Suffering an injury at work can lead to temporary or permanent disability, further complicating a victim’s professional life. The last thing you want after a work accident is to struggle to get compensation for your losses. Workers compensation lawyers near me can help workers who are injured on the job recover compensation for these injuries, including medical bills and lost wages.

After suffering an injury in the workplace one of the first questions you may have is, “When should I hire a workers’ comp attorney?” You may also wonder if hiring an attorney is necessary, what assistance they can provide and how much it will all cost. With so much uncertainty on top of an injury, filing a workers’ compensation claim may seem overwhelming.

Determining When and Why You Need to Hire A Workers’ Comp Attorney

The workers’ compensation system is designed to provide wage loss benefits, medical costs coverage, and other benefits for employees who have been injured in the workplace. Workers’ compensation serves two main purposes: to ensure employees can secure benefits after workplace injuries and prevent lawsuits against employers when a worker is injured.

Since the workers’ compensation system is in place to help injured workers, many injured employees assume they don’t need a workers’ compensation attorney. After all, why hire a workers’ comp lawyer if there is already a system in place to protect you in the event of an accident, injury, or work-related condition?

Workers’ compensation is funded either by an employer or, more commonly, an insurance company. Insurance companies and employers may not want to pay out the full amount of compensation possible in every case. To do so shrinks profits and makes shareholders unhappy.

In addition, there are often situations with a lack of clarity surrounding what caused a workplace injury. There may also be accusations that an injury occurred outside of the workplace or was caused by a pre-existing condition rather than a workplace incident. In these and other situations, a workers’ compensation attorney can protect your rights and work to ensure you get the compensation you are entitled to.

Why You Should Hire A Workers’ Comp Lawyer

In an ideal workers’ compensation case, your injury is relatively minor and straightforward, and there is no question you will get benefits. But not every workplace accident occurs in an ideal situation.

Depending on your scenario, you may need an experienced lawyer by your side to make sure you receive the compensation that you deserve. You will want to consider hiring a worker’s comp attorney if any of the following apply to you:

  1. You Have A Pre-Existing Condition

If you have any serious underlying health condition, it may be used as an excuse to deny your compensation benefits. Insurance companies and employers may claim your pre-existing condition is what caused your current ailment, and that your injury is not related to a workplace accident. But a pre-existing condition does not disqualify you from receiving benefits.

Experienced workers compensation lawyers near me know how to deal with insurance companies and employers trying to find an excuse, claiming a pre-existing condition so that they can deny or reject claims. They know how best to defend workplace injury victims against such a claim.

  1. Your Benefits Are Denied or Delayed

Eighty percent of employees whose workers’ compensation benefits have been denied fail to appeal to further pursue benefits. Even if you have been denied or you find your benefits are delayed, you can appeal or turn to other legal remedies.

A workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the process and can secure the medical documents and other pieces of evidence that may be needed to prove your case.

  1. Your Employer Denies the Injury Occurred in the Workplace

Issues may arise if your employer refuses to acknowledge your injury occurred in the workplace or is due to your work duties. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can clearly establish the link between your injury and your work. Without the establishment of this link, you may be denied benefits that you rightfully deserve.

  1. You Have Been Seriously Injured and Cannot Work for An Extended period

If your injury is permanent or long-term, your medical costs and treatment needs might be considerable. In these cases, it is more likely your employer or its insurance company will fight to reduce your benefits, so they don’t have to pay substantial costs.

When you have a permanent or serious injury and cannot work, you shouldn’t have to worry about finances. A workers’ comp lawyer can work to secure the long-term benefits that you deserve.

  1. Your Benefits Do Not Cover All of Your Medical Bills and Lost Wages

In some cases, you may have concerns about the way your wage loss benefits are calculated. Incorrect calculations could leave you with less wage loss benefits than you should be getting, which may be an issue if all of your medical bills are not covered, you are expected to pay a deductible or some of your costs.

A workers’ compensation attorney can ensure you get the benefits you need to pay for quality medical care.

  1. You Face Retaliation in The Workplace Because You Have Been Injured

If you file a workers’ compensation claim and your employer seems to be retaliating against you, you should speak to workers compensation lawyers near me immediately. This retaliation could take many forms, including terminating your employment, demoting you, reducing your hours, harassing you, or engaging in other retaliatory behavior.

In Georgia, employees have the right to collect workers’ compensation benefits. When an employer retaliates against a worker for exercising their rights and filing a workers’ compensation claim, that employer violates public policy.

Hiring an attorney can help you report the wrongs invoked through employer retaliation after a workplace injury.

  1. You May Have A Claim Against A Third Party 

Part of the workers’ compensation program is designed to shield employers from civil claims. However, some cases may still warrant civil claims. If a defective piece of machinery caused your injuries, you may have a claim against the manufacturer of that machinery.

Civil claims may result in larger settlements because you can pursue non-economic as well as economic damages. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you determine the best way to proceed in these cases.

  1. Your Employer Claims You’re Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation

A small number of workers do not qualify for workers’ compensation. Under Georgia law, employees in the following fields may not be covered by the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act:

  • Railroad workers
  • Federal workers
  • Longshoremen
  • Casual employees
  • Agricultural laborers
  • Domestic workers
  • Volunteer workers
  • Employees with personal religious exemption

Georgia law provides more specifications that may cover some employees in the above fields with other compensation laws. If your employer claims you work as an independent contractor and otherwise do not qualify for workers’ compensation — even though you perform the job duties of a full-time employee — contact a workers’ comp attorney.

An attorney can look at your employment agreement and field of work to determine whether you qualify for workers’ comp benefits.

  1. You and Your Employer Disagree About Your Ability to Work 

Your employer or their insurance company may claim you can return to work with modified work duties so they can reduce or suspend your benefits.

If you disagree or think you cannot return to work because of the severity of your injury, our workers’ comp attorney can review your situation and present evidence of your serious medical condition.

When you choose workers compensation lawyers near me that are experienced, they can work to ensure you’re not left without a job and benefits.

  1. Your Employer Has Not Paid for Workers’ Compensation Insurance 

By law, Georgia employers are required to pay for workers’ compensation coverage for all qualified workers. This is the case even in small and non-profit organizations. Employers may fulfill this insurance requirement through self-insurance or by going through an insurance company.

If your employer has allowed the insurance to lapse or has never secured insurance for you as required by law, you should consult with an attorney to find out what options exist for you.

  1. You’re Being Accused of Fraud

Workers’ compensation fraud occurs when an employee intentionally receives wages while also receiving total or partial disability benefits that exceed the permitted amount for their situation.

While workers’ compensation fraud is a real concern, you should not be denied benefits if you’re legitimately injured. If your employer or their insurance company alleges you aren’t really injured or you’re trying to defraud the system, it is important to consult with an experienced attorney to defend you against such an allegation.

  1. Your Employer Disagrees with Or Disputes A Decision Made by The State Workers’ Compensation Division 

If your employer and insurer are trying to avoid honoring a decision made by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation or by a judge, you may not receive your due benefits. Consider hiring a workers’ comp lawyer to represent you as you navigate the necessary legal process to receive your workers’ compensation benefits.

  1. You Do Not Understand the Workers’ Compensation Process

Workers’ compensation can be a fairly daunting process if you are unfamiliar with it. You may have questions about ways to fill out forms, your rights, what you can and can’t say, your settlement, and more. Even in ideal cases, qualified and experienced workers compensation lawyers near me can help you with all of these concerns.

  1. After Receiving Benefits for Some Time, Your Employer or Its Insurance Company Requests an IME or Other Evaluation

Even if you have been approved for benefits, your employer or its insurance company may try to get you reevaluated to see whether your injury has become less severe. This is known as an independent medical examination (IME), and it may be performed by a company doctor to show that your injury no longer exists or is not as severe.

Often, an IME is a precursor to terminating, reducing, or eliminating your benefits. If you’re being asked to submit to additional tests or a labor market survey, get legal advice from a good, experienced, and reputable workers’ comp attorney to ensure your benefits aren’t reduced or cut off unfairly.

  1. You Don’t Understand What Could Hurt Your Claim 

Several small things can hurt your claim. If you post innocuous pictures on social media, they can be used against you. If you show yourself at a special event on your social media, insurance companies can use this to claim you are not as injured as you reported.

A workers’ compensation attorney can advise you of the seemingly minor incidents that could hurt your claim and can coach you on how to strengthen your claim instead. In many cases, these are issues injured workers don’t even think about.

  1. The First Doctor You See Has Cleared You for Work Quickly or Did Not Refer You to A Specialist

Sometimes, if you see an employer-approved physician, they will clear you for work quickly — even if you don’t agree you can return to work. They also may not refer you to a specialist, even if you request it. If you’re released to go back to work and decide not to return, you could lose your claim for workers’ compensation.

Your return to work and workers’ compensation claim should support your healing while also complying with relevant laws. An experienced attorney can help you get a second opinion or reach a more suitable agreement.

Schedule A Free Case Evaluation With Us Today

No matter where you work, there are inherent dangers. Whether you suffer a slip and fall accident in the office lobby, a car accident while driving a company vehicle, or a scaffolding incident at a construction site, you have the right to seek compensation if you are injured on the job. Thousands of Georgia employees are hospitalized because of workplace accidents every year.

When you or a family member gets injured on the job, we know how difficult it can be to get your life back on track. From mounting medical bills, loss of income due to missed work and caring for your family, the stress can pile up quickly.

At Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC, we are here to help you seek workers’ compensation that can help ease your financial and emotional burden. Our highly qualified and experienced workers compensation lawyers near me will treat you with compassion and respect and explain your legal options.

Workers Compensation Lawyers Near Me

We have a team of workers’ comp attorneys who have completed additional training in workers’ compensation law and are State Board-Certified specialists in workers’ compensation law by the State Bar of Georgia.

Remember, choosing an experienced workers’ compensation attorney who understands Georgia workers’ compensation law can make a difference in the outcome of your claim.

Please don’t hesitate to call us at (470) 268-5802 or contact us online to set up a FREE, No-Obligation Case Review/Consultation with a member of our experienced workers’ compensation legal team.

 

Workers Compensation Lawyers Near MeWorkers Compensation Lawyers Near Me

Back and Neck Injuries Lawyers

Back and Neck Injuries Lawyers

Back and Neck Injuries Lawyers

Every year, over 800,000 cases of car crashes involving neck and back injuries are reported in the United States. Though back and neck injuries are the most common injuries associated with car accidents, their impact on the lives of the victims should not be understated. Neck and back injuries often cause chronic pain requiring ongoing medical treatment and sometimes lead to permanent disability. Whether these injuries stem from a motor vehicle crash, construction accident, a bad fall, or a criminal attack, our experienced and reputable back and neck injuries lawyers are more than happy and prepared to take on these complex cases to ensure you get the compensation that you deserve.

At Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC, we understand the way a neck or back injury can place major financial and emotional burdens on both the injured and their loved ones. The toll of neck and back injuries adds up quickly, forcing family members to carry the burden of arranging medical care, physical therapy appointments, and managing medical expenses all at once.

While it may be possible to settle a case for a substantial sum in the early stages, we also recognize the importance of being well prepared for trial. Some insurance companies will attempt to take advantage of a victim’s desperation to cover medical bills and other expenses, so they make a low-ball offer right away. But by accepting any money upfront, you may be forfeiting your right later to collect the total compensation you are due.

In some cases, there are going to be multiple defendants, and it is important to timely identify all potentially negligent parties and file timely action against them. Each case is going to differ, and the more extensive the injuries, the more important it is to seek top-notch legal representation.

Remember, back, neck, and spinal cord injuries can leave individuals unable to work or, in some cases, confined to a wheelchair or even a bed for the rest of their lives. Trauma to the neck, back, or spinal cord can result in a severe injury with disabling and sometimes permanent damage. Therefore, when it comes to these kinds of catastrophic injuries, victims should seek the assistance of a reputable law firm with a highly skilled and experienced legal team.

Seek Proper and Immediate Medical Attention

Any time you’re injured it’s a terrifying and concerning experience, however, when that injury involves the spine in any way, it can be life-altering. Back and neck injuries are often very serious and can require more treatment and rehabilitation than many other injuries.

A back and neck injury can cause excruciating pain and be extremely detrimental to physical and mental well-being. In addition, back and neck injuries can have a cascading effect, causing pain throughout the entire body and hampering mobility to extreme levels.

The neck and back are crucial to protecting the spinal cord, the fragile set of nerves that send signals between the brain and all other areas of the body. A back and neck injury can damage the spinal cord, leading to life-altering conditions, including chronic pain and even paralysis.

When the back or neck is injured, there is a chance that the spine and spinal cord will be damaged. Without proper and immediate treatment, a neck or back injury can cause debilitating, long-term pain and discomfort.

When a neck or back injury occurs, it is critical to understand that any damage to the spinal cord can be devastating. The long-term effects of a neck or back injury might not be readily apparent, and it’s essential to ensure that the injured person’s interests are protected.

Choosing an attorney with vast experience handling cases of back and neck injuries will ensure that your case gets the attention and expert representation it deserves.

So, if you or a loved one have suffered a back or neck injury, it’s critically important to seek legal representation from a back and neck injuries attorney who can skillfully navigate your case, as well as approach the attorney-client relationship with care and sensitivity.

Our back and neck injury lawyers are here to help you and therefore, you just need to schedule a FREE CASE REVIEW and CONSULTATION to get started.

Common Symptoms

Often, there is more to a back and neck injury than minor back and neck pain. The nerves of the spinal cord affect every part and function of your body. Therefore, back and neck injuries that affect the spinal cord often impact various bodily functions.

Sometimes, a severe back or neck injury may fail to heal fully, leaving the victim with a chronic pain condition.

Common back and neck injury symptoms include:

  • Chronic pain in the back or neck that worsens after long periods of standing, sitting, bending, walking, or lifting
  • Decreased range of movement and mobility
  • Excessive stiffness in the back and neck
  • A pulsating pain through the arms, legs, or hands
  • Dizziness and balance issues
  • Loss of bowel or bladder function
  • Headaches
  • Depression, irritability, or fatigue
  • Difficulty with concentration or remembering things
  • Difficulty sleeping

It is vital to have a back or neck injury properly diagnosed and receive proper immediate treatment as quickly as possible. When a damaged spine doesn’t receive the proper treatment, isn’t given enough time, or doesn’t heal properly chronic back and neck pain can worsen and significantly reduce an individual’s quality of life.

Data from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons show that lower back and neck pain are the most common physical conditions that impair a person’s ability to manage life’s daily activities.

Back pain is the primary cause of disability in the United States and one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention.

Thankfully, we have a team of back and neck injuries lawyers who are committed to helping victims of back and neck injuries due to someone else’s negligence get justice and compensation to help ease the emotional and financial burden on their shoulders.

You can count on us to do our best and fight for you to ensure you recover your damages and get your life back on track.

Common Types of Neck Injuries

The neck is a complex and sensitive part of the body, consisting of seven bones, or vertebrae, which form the upper portion of the spinal cord. These bones, which protect the nerves in the spinal cord, are themselves cushioned and protected by soft tissue like muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Due to the fragility of the neck, it is important to seek immediate medical attention after sustaining even a seemingly minor neck injury. Some of the most common injuries to the neck include:

  • Whiplash Injuries – Usually caused by the sudden impact of a motor vehicle accident, whiplash occurs when an accident victim’s head is forcefully thrown backward and then forward in a snapping motion, well beyond the normal range of motion.
  • Neck Fractures – Neck fractures are diagnosed following an x-ray and can lead to difficulty or inability in moving your arms and legs.
  • Neck Sprains – Neck sprains, also called cervical spine sprains, can cause significant neck pain when moving or rotating the head or neck.

Common Types of Back Injuries

Back injuries vary widely; depending on the type of injury, the accident victim may experience sharp and cutting pain or aching and soreness. As with neck injuries, back injury victims may have difficulty walking or moving their arms and legs.

Some of the most common injuries to the back include:

  • Spinal Cord Injuries – Serious injuries to the vertebrae, discs, or ligaments in the spinal column or to the spinal cord itself (including thoracic spine fractures) can cause permanent changes in strength, mobility, and sensation.
  • Bulging Discs/Herniated Discs – A bulging or herniated disc is a condition that more commonly occurs in the lower back, in which the softer part of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, causing significant lower back pain.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments in the back may occur as a result of sudden trauma, such as an auto accident.

Causes of Common Neck and Back Injuries 

Many back and neck injuries are caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. In these cases, you deserve to be compensated for your injuries by the negligent parties.

Our back and neck injuries lawyers are here to help you seek compensation for your injuries, whether by filing a claim or lawsuit and representing you in a trial. We are ready to help you build a strong and compelling case against the relevant negligent party or parties to ensure you recover the damages due to your injuries.

Some of the most common causes of these injuries include:

  • Slip & Fall Accidents
  • Car Accidents
  • Truck Accidents
  • Motorcycle Accidents
  • Pedestrian Accidents

Proving Your Back and Neck Injury Case

To seek compensation for a back or neck injury, you must be able to prove:

  • The other party or parties had a duty to you
  • The other party or parties violated that duty
  • You suffered injuries because of that violation
  • The injuries caused you to sustain measurable damages

A significant part of this is demonstrating the severity of your injuries. Getting prompt medical care is essential, as it documents the severity of your injuries immediately after the accident. You must attend all scheduled and recommended appointments. Your medical records are an important piece of evidence.

You might also want to keep a personal injury journal. Pain is subjective, but a journal allows you to outline how your injuries have impacted your life. A personal injury journal describes your pain level each day and details how your injuries limit your daily activities.

Contact Us To Get Started

If you or a loved one has suffered a back or neck injury, contact the back and neck injuries lawyers at Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC today to discuss your case. 

Keep in mind that states have a statute of limitations that specifies the timeline within which one must file personal injury claims and lawsuits. Therefore, you should act quickly to consult an experienced and reputable Back and Neck Injuries Lawyers on how to proceed with your case as you seek compensation.

Back and Neck Injuries Lawyers

Contact us now at (470) 268-5802 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a FREE, no-obligation case review/consultation.

 

Back and Neck Injuries LawyersBack and Neck Injuries Lawyers

Evaluate the First Offer Critically

Evaluate the First Offer Critically

An insurance adjuster may tactically make an initial offer that is so low just to see if you know what you’re doing and the settlement you want. Or, the offer may be reasonable, but it is just too low. Contact Bobe & Snell Law Office LLC today at (470) 268-5802 If you need a reliable, dedicated, and experienced attorney.

The Settlement Offer

The Settlement Offer

After evaluating your claim, the adjuster will come back to you with a settlement offer of an amount often significantly less than what you asked for in your demand letter. If you need a reliable, dedicated, and experienced attorney to represent you, Call us now at (470) 268-5802 today.