The post Top Challenges in Georgia Workers’ Compensation Cases first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Firstly, one of the most common challenges is having your initial workers’ compensation claim denied. Insurance companies may dispute your eligibility or the severity of your injury, leaving you in a precarious position.
Even if your claim is accepted, you may experience delays in receiving the benefits you’re entitled to. Lost wages and medical bills can pile up, causing financial strain.
Additionally, getting the right medical treatment is crucial for recovery. However, sometimes, insurance providers may steer you towards less effective or minimal care to cut costs.
Employers may pressure injured employees to return to work prematurely. Therefore, this can exacerbate injuries or hinder full recovery.
In addition, if disputes arise regarding the extent of your injury, the necessary treatment, or the adequacy of your compensation, the legal process can become daunting and protracted.
Also, the paperwork involved in workers’ compensation claims can be overwhelming, with numerous forms and deadlines to navigate.
Finally, the insurance company might be interested in settling your case, but only on its terms. In order to get the most out of your workers’ compensation settlement, it is important to fully understand the system and know how to negotiate.
Furthermore, these challenges can leave injured workers feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to proceed. However, with the right legal support and guidance, you can overcome these obstacles and secure the compensation and care you deserve.
At The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, we are committed to assisting individuals in Metro Atlanta and the Greater Atlanta area in navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation cases. Whether you’re dealing with a denied claim, delayed benefits, or any of the other challenges outlined, we’re here to ensure your rights are upheld and the path to recovery is as smooth as possible. Schedule your free consultation today! Our firm serves the Greater Atlanta area including:
Explore our many success stories! Visit our case results page for insight on how we’ve helped our clients.
The post Top Challenges in Georgia Workers’ Compensation Cases first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Does workers’ compensation cover hearing loss? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Workers’ compensation does cover occupational hearing loss. However, there are specific requirements to qualify for benefits.
According to Georgia workers’ compensation regulations, an employer becomes responsible for occupational hearing loss attributed to the employee’s work environment. This type of injury only accounts for levels at frequencies between 500 and 2,000 cycles per second, and there are specific rules for determining whether it occurred on the job.
Workers will have to submit hearing tests and medical records showing any past testing. In cases where an employee had existing hearing loss prior to their employment, the employer is not accountable for the preexisting condition. Furthermore, the employer is not responsible for any hearing loss for which the employee has already received compensation or an award. Also, benefits are not payable for tinnitus, psychogenic hearing loss or temporary conditions.
Benefits depend on the average percentage of loss for frequencies between 500 and 2,000 cycles per second. Individuals may receive up to 150 weeks of payments.
Any workers who suspect their occupational environment contributed to hearing loss should follow the appropriate procedures for seeking workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation coverage for hearing loss is a valuable resource for many individuals.
Contact us today for your free consultation and to learn more about how you may be eligible for benefits.
The post Does workers’ compensation cover hearing loss? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Most common injuries in the workplace first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Certain injuries occur more frequently than others.
The most common injuries fall under the category of slips, trips and falls. The simple act of tripping and falling may cause a major injury. Sometimes these injuries result in head, neck or back injuries. They also result in broken bones or severe sprains.
Strains are also very common in almost all industries. From back injuries due to too much lifting to wrist strain due to too much typing, almost any part of the body can suffer a strain. Most of these require surgery to correct.
Most people think carpal tunnel injury is the only repetitive use injury. Unfortunately, it is not. Any movement done daily for a long time can cause repetitive use injuries.
Almost all work environments can cause cuts, slices and abrasions. Every office has scissors, paper cutters and other sharp instruments. Industrial sites have saws, axes, box cutters and all of the office sharp instruments. Construction sites have blades, sharp edges on machinery and many more.
Collisions, both big and small, are major sources of workplace injuries. These collisions can be anything from an auto accident to a forklift colliding. Even offices have collisions with small equipment. These collisions may cause broken bones, sprains, abrasions and contusions, even if they are not severe.
Most injuries are preventable when employers set clear and concise safety guidelines.
Contact us today for your free consultation and to learn more about how you may be eligible for benefits.
The post Most common injuries in the workplace first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Recognizing the signs and symptoms of suspension trauma first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Understanding the signs and symptoms of suspension trauma is essential for prompt recognition and appropriate action. Here are the key indicators to look out for to identify suspension trauma.
Prolonged suspension in a harness can lead to the development of suspension trauma, which occurs when the body remains upright and immobile for an extended duration. In this position, blood pools in the legs, preventing efficient circulation and reducing the body’s ability to supply oxygenated blood to vital organs.
Several signs and symptoms can indicate the presence of suspension trauma. These include:
Mental confusion or disorientation can also be a sign that a person is suffering from suspension trauma.
If you suspect someone is experiencing suspension trauma, immediately notify emergency services. Then provide them with accurate information about the situation. Safely lower the person to the ground as soon as possible. Once on the ground, monitor the person’s vital signs and provide basic first aid, if needed, while waiting for professional medical assistance.
Prevention is key to mitigating the risks of suspension trauma. It is essential to receive proper training on fall protection equipment, including the use of harnesses and the potential risks associated with suspension. Regular safety inspections, timely equipment maintenance and implementing procedures for prompt rescue and medical attention are vital in preventing suspension trauma incidents.
By understanding the indicators of suspension trauma and taking immediate action to rescue and provide appropriate care, potential complications can be minimized.
Contact us today for your free consultation and to learn more about how you may be eligible for benefits.
The post Recognizing the signs and symptoms of suspension trauma first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Tips for safely sharing the road with motorcycles first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Sharing the road with motorcycles is challenging, but they have just as much right to drive on the roads as those in motor vehicles. Therefore, these are some tips to help you share the road safely with riders.
Motorcycles are loud, so you should have the ability to hear them coming, but if your radio volume is too high, you may not hear them right away. However, with your volume down, you can often hear these vehicles even when you cannot see them. In addition, you need to be aware of the road around you, so avoid looking at your phone or GPS.
Motorcycles are small, so they can easily slip into your blind spots, preventing you from seeing them. Before you change lanes or turn, check your blind spots, especially when you turn left. You should also merge onto interstates and other major roadways carefully after checking your blind spots.
Riders maneuver their motorcycles quickly and easily. They may seem to stop on a dime and weave to miss potholes and road debris. It could surprise you how quickly they adjust, and you may not have time to react if you drive too closely to these riders, especially if you are behind them, they turn on their turn signals, it is dark outside or you are in inclement weather.
You can protect yourself and motorcyclists on the road by following traffic laws and a few simple tips.
The post Tips for safely sharing the road with motorcycles first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Understanding the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board Bill of Rights first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>If you are an injured worker in Georgia, it is crucial to understand your rights and how to navigate the workers’ compensation system effectively.
Injured workers in Georgia have the right to receive medical treatment for their work-related injuries. The employer’s workers’ compensation insurance covers necessary medical care, including doctor visits, hospitalization, physical therapy and prescription medications. The treating physician must be from the employer’s panel of physicians. The employer must display the list in a prominent location at the workplace.
In addition to medical treatment, injured workers may be eligible for income benefits. These benefits provide financial support while the worker recovers and is unable to perform their regular job. The amount of income benefits depends on the worker’s average weekly wage and the severity of their injuries. There are several types of income benefits available. The may include temporary total disability benefits, temporary partial disability benefits, and permanent partial disability benefits.
The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board Bill of Rights also addresses the process of returning to work after a work-related injury. If an injured worker can return to work but cannot perform their previous job duties, the employer may offer them a suitable light-duty job. The employee must accept the position if it meets specific requirements. For example, being within their physical restrictions and providing the same wages and benefits as their previous job.
If a worker cannot return to their previous job due to their injuries, then they may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. These services can help the worker find a new job or gain the necessary skills to transition to a new career.
Understanding their rights can help injured workers navigate the workers’ compensation process and ensure they receive the support and benefits they deserve.
Contact us today for your free consultation and to learn more about how you may be eligible for benefits.
The post Understanding the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board Bill of Rights first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post 3 hidden dangers that lead to truck accidents first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 107,000 injury crashes with a truck happened in 2020. While many factors play into that, the job inherently has hidden dangers that deter from safe driving.
Truck drivers face tight schedules and unexpected events. Although laws require drivers to take mandatory breaks, that does not always happen. Driving while fatigued has a great impact on a person. Along with impaired vision, coordination and ability to react, it makes it easier to not complete regular safety tasks, such as checking a blind spot. Additionally, excessive fatigue may lead to falling asleep at the wheel.
Like any person operating a vehicle, truck drivers have no immunity against distractions. Long days or nights on the road make it even easier to take one’s eyes off the road to change a radio station, grab a sandwich or quickly glance at a cell phone. The added stress of making it to the final destination on time may also create mental distractions.
Spending all day sitting creates health issues that often go undiagnosed. Life on the road also makes it more difficult to eat healthy and exercise, which eventually leads to heart problems and diabetes. Since constantly traveling makes getting a regular checkup more complex, some truck drivers may ignore symptoms that seem like fatigue.
No matter how safely a person drives, accidents happen. Knowing what the operators of big trucks face may help people stay more focused.
The post 3 hidden dangers that lead to truck accidents first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post What happens if I get into a car accident on the job? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>However, for the employer to have the responsibility, the court must consider the act to occur during employment. This means the employer must authorize the action or be closely related to an authorized act.
Courts distinguish between two situations to determine whether an employer should be responsible. One is a detour, and the other is a frolic. A detour is a deviation from explicit instructions. However, it is still related to the original instructions such that the employer can be held responsible. A frolic is when the employee acts in their capacity, not at the authorization of their employer.
For instance, if a company loans its sales staff vehicles to make sales calls, and an employee drives to a bar for personal reasons and hits a pedestrian, the employer will likely not be held responsible. This is because the employee used the car for personal reasons, not business purposes.
However, if the same employee takes a client out for dinner and drinks as part of doing business and hits a pedestrian on the way home, the employer would likely have responsibility. This is because the employer encouraged the employee to take clients out for food and drinks as part of their job.
When an employee is intoxicated, the employer’s liability becomes more ambiguous. If the employer warns their employee against intoxication, the employer may not have liability. However, if the employer had encouraged the employee to drink and drive, the employer would likely be held responsible.
The post What happens if I get into a car accident on the job? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Can your boss make you return after a workers’ comp injury? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>While employers may be eager for you to return, they cannot force you to come back before you are physically able.
The physician treating your injuries determines when you are ready to return to work. With each visit, the doctor will make a note regarding your work capabilities and status.
Sometimes they allow you to return to work with full clearance to perform your duties, and sometimes they clear you for work with restrictions. Under workers’ compensation law, your employer must accommodate you, even if that requires temporarily moving you to a different department.
When you sustain an injury on the job, workers’ comp allows you access to the following under qualifying conditions:
The rate of payment received for permanent disability can vary based on several factors, including the injured person’s age, previous earnings and occupation. Additionally, injured workers undergoing vocational rehabilitation will receive wage compensation akin to temporary disability.
Once the doctor clears you to return to work without restrictions, workers’ comp benefits will stop.
The post Can your boss make you return after a workers’ comp injury? first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>The post Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>Although there is no surefire way to completely get rid of carpal tunnel syndrome, there are many treatments available to help reduce the pain and discomfort that comes with the condition.
For those that choose surgery, endoscopic surgery is often the best option for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. This procedure is minimally invasive, meaning that it does not require a large incision. If endoscopic surgery is not an option, a person can elect for open surgery instead.
Surgery is not always necessary to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. When sleeping, a person can wear a splint on the wrist to relieve the pressure. There are also medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids, that can ease the pain. Cold packs can help as well.
Changes in lifestyle can make medical treatments more effective. For those that spend long hours on the computer, it is important to take breaks every now and then. People should also try to avoid certain activities, like lifting heavy objects, until the symptoms go away.
Treatments are only effective when people follow through with them and listen to their doctor’s suggestions. Carpal tunnel syndrome is not easy to deal with, but a consistent plan can make it more manageable.
The post Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome first appeared on The Law Offices of T. Andrew Miller, LLC.
]]>