Workers' Comp: Medical Benefits

Being injured on the job can be a devastating experience.  Not only will you have to physically recover from your injuries, you may be out of work for a long period of time.  Most job-related accidents result in injuries for which a worker needs immediate and ongoing medical attention. Workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia should pay for all expenses related to this care and treatment.

The workers’ comp medical benefits lawyers at the Mann Law Firm have been working with injured clients for over 50 years.  They know what it takes to help clients get the workers’ comp benefits that they deserve.  If you have been injured at work and need professional help, give us a call today at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.

What Do Medical Benefits Provide?

Georgia workers’ compensation should pay for your doctor’s bills and all reasonable medical expenses that result from your on-the-job injury. Your medical providers should base their fees on the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedule.

Medical benefits should pay for:

• Emergency care (from the nearest available provider after your work accident)
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other diagnostic tests
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Assistive devices (such as a walker or wheelchair)
• Prescription drugs.

Also, any related mileage, meal, lodging and other expenses incurred in the course of getting medical treatment should be covered by your workers’ compensation medical benefits.

How Do I Apply for Medical Benefits?

Your employer provides workers’ compensation to employees through a workers’ compensation insurance company or through self-insurance.

If you are injured on the job, you must report your injury to your employer immediately. Make sure to obtain and fill out all of the paperwork required by your company. Forward this paperwork to the appropriate office or personnel to be processed. If you cannot complete the necessary forms, your employer or a designated fellow employee should complete them on your behalf. Be as specific as possible about the circumstances of your accident and injury. If anyone witnessed your accident, inform your employer.

The physicians and other medical professionals who treat you should document your treatment and forward their bills to the insurer/self-insurer. You should not receive a medical bill.

The insurance company handling your claim or your employer should instruct you about submitting receipts for prescription drugs and related medical expenses so you can be reimbursed. Some insurers may set up an account at a specific pharmacy for you.

Can I Choose the Doctor Who Treats Me?

You can select the physician who treats you for a work injury. However, generally speaking, the choice must be from a list of qualified doctors provided by your employer. This list must be displayed at your workplace.

If you do not like the first doctor you have chosen, you can choose a second doctor from the list. However, any more changes will require permission from your employer or your workers’ compensation insurer.

Keep in mind: If you go to a physician who is not on the list provided by your employer or if you receive unauthorized treatment, workers’ compensation will not cover your medical costs.

How We Can Help Injured Workers Seek Additional Compensation

Workers’ Compensation Doesn’t Cover Everything—But We Can Help You Get More.

While workers’ compensation provides medical treatment and wage benefits, it doesn’t cover pain and suffering or full lost wages. However, if a third party (someone other than your employer) contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

At Mann Law Firm, we investigate whether you can pursue both workers’ comp and a personal injury claim. We seek extra compensation if:

• A negligent driver caused your work-related crash (e.g., delivery drivers, truckers).
• A defective machine or unsafe equipment contributed to your injury.
• A subcontractor or third-party worker was responsible for the accident.

Our over 50 years of legal experience means we know how to get the most out of your claim. We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery. While many firms avoid court, we’re prepared to take your case to trial if needed.

If you were injured at work and believe someone other than your employer was responsible, you may be entitled to significant additional compensation. Call (478) 742-3381 for a free case review today.