When you’re looking for the best workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta to help with a workers’ comp claim, it’s easy to think that any attorney will do. But attorneys specialize in different areas of law. The right attorney for family law isn’t necessarily the best attorney for workers’ compensation. And when it comes to legal help, a specialist in an area of practice doesn’t cost more. They just know their area of the law inside and out, and are able to best help clients get what they need when it comes to their benefits.
Fast Facts About Workers’ Compensation in Georgia
- Report your injury immediately. If you wait longer than a month to report your injury, you may lose the opportunity to receive benefits.
- You must see an approved physician. Your employer will have a list of approved physicians. If you go to your primary care physician, you may not be compensated for visits.
- You must file a Form WC-14 with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Then send a copy to your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
- Employers must carry workers’ compensation insurance. Any employer in Georgia with more than three employees is required to do so, even if they are part-time workers. If they don’t they can be found guilty of a misdemeanor.
- Georgia provides an Employee Bill of Rights for employees. This document outlines both the rights and responsibilities of workers.
So what sets apart the best workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta? It’s not just experience. They’re working for you every step of the way, and it shows. If you’re looking for the right attorney for your case, here are some things to consider.
They’re Knowledgeable of Workers’ Comp Law.
The details of your case are important to the best workers’ comp lawyers. They know the law and how it’s applicable to your particular case. They’re familiar with the doctors, employers, and judges in Georgia for workers’ comp and understand the system.
The laws regulating workers’ compensation change as legislatures adjust to the needs and demands of both employers and workers. A knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney knows the law and how the changes will affect you. They also have the experience to know how successful your claim may be, based on the severity of your injury.
You can’t replace knowledge and experience. The best workers’ compensation attorney will have both.
They Show Compassion for Their Clients.
It takes a special individual to help injured workers as they are dealing with injury, pain, financial stress, and worries about their future ability to return to work. The best attorneys know this, and not only work compassionately with their clients, but also train their entire team to understand the difficulties that their clients are encountering.
The goal of workers’ compensation is to give injured workers the time and resources that they need to recover from their injuries and to return to work. The relationship that clients have with their attorneys during this time is a close bond. Knowing that you can trust your compassionate lawyer can make the difference when it comes to peace of mind during your recovery.
They Have Communication Skills.
Communication is the exchange of information or ideas. A true communicator’s most valuable skill is the ability to listen as well as to speak. Speaking with confidence and authority, and having strong writing skills are just a part of how a good attorney communicates. They also must really listen to what their clients have to say and show an understanding of each of their clients’ unique set of problems.
The best attorneys will also document all correspondence, every email, every phone call, and all the paperwork to thoroughly track the progression of your case. After all, building a strong case for workers’ compensation relies on the documentation of each event involved in the case, and every detail and medical record of your injury. The best attorneys know this, and they will assist you in managing it.
They Have Good Judgement.
Good judgement is a product of experience. It’s wisdom with regard to many cases similar to your case. Practicing good judgment means that because of that vast experience with workers’ compensation law and with other clients who’ve had injuries similar to yours, the best lawyers have the ability to meticulously analyze the issues of each and every case and determine the appropriate action, and to manage clients’ expectations. Overall, they are the people most able to assist you with workers’ compensation challenges. Therefore, they are also the people who know how to best proceed with your case.
Because they know the ins-and-outs of the law, they can exercise their best judgement with great effectiveness on your behalf. This type of hard-won judgement is critically important to injured workers. Experience, a track record of success, knowledge of the system, and strong communication skills are all indicators that your attorney uses good judgement.
They Have a Passion for the Law.
As we all learn by a certain age, the law can be complex at times. It also frequently changes. The best attorneys are experts at what they do because they have a real passion for the law and for their clients. Attorneys with specific practice areas like workers’ compensation and disability are passionate about these areas of law and about the clients that they can help with their expertise.
At Affleck & Gordon, we’re passionate about the law, and compassionate for our clients. We’ve specialized in workers’ compensation law in Georgia for four decades, and we’re here to help you, too.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, or you’re thinking about filing a workers’ comp claim and don’t know where to start, Affleck and Gordon can help. We’ve been helping people in Georgia just like you for over 45 years. Sign up for a free case evaluation here, or call us (404) 990-3945.