When Catastrophic Injuries At Work Change Lives Forever
Severe, catastrophic workplace injuries, like traumatic amputations, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and others, can shatter lives in an instant. Victims and their families face mounting medical bills, inability to work, lasting disabilities and a dramatically reduced quality of life.
Securing Workers’ Compensation benefits is absolutely critical – but also a difficult challenge.
At The Law Office of Joe Boyd, LLC, in Macon, catastrophically injured workers receive the aggressive advocacy they need from an attorney with military-honed tenacity and discipline. Joe Boyd has more than 20 years of experience helping his clients get justice and the benefits they need. His clients appreciate his straightforward approach and open communication every step of the way.
The Devastation Of Catastrophic Workplace Injuries
The debilitating effects of such catastrophic injuries are life-altering for victims and their families. Some of the most serious injuries that can occur on the job include:
- Amputations: Loss of limbs causing permanent disabilities or the need for prosthetics.
- Brain/Head injuries: Severe injuries causing cognitive impairment, motor skill problems and personality changes.
- Spinal cord injuries: Damage that can lead to full or partial paralysis and lifelong complications.
Along with serious injuries, many workers often suffer from Occupational Illnesses. Prolonged exposure on-the-job to toxic chemicals, for instance, can cause cancer, organ failure and even death.
Overcoming Seemingly Insurmountable Challenges
Catastrophically injured workers face tremendous obstacles such as:
- Inability to return to their work
- Costly medical bills, care needs and home modifications
- Physical limitations, disabilities and chronic pain
- Difficulty with standard activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Reduced quality of life and difficulty finding a “new normal”
With these challenges ahead, those whose lives have been impaired by their work-related injuries should try to get the most out of their Workers’ Comp claims.
Maximizing Benefits Is Paramount
For these workers, securing wage loss benefits, comprehensive medical treatment, and rehabilitation is absolutely vital to regaining independence and quality of life. However, disputes over treatments, housing needs and compensation are common.
FAQs About Workers’ Compensation And Catastrophic Injuries
What can you do after a catastrophic workplace accident? Will you be able to recover from your injuries? What does your future employment look like? All of these questions and more can be answered by an experienced lawyer. Here is what you should know:
What qualifies as a catastrophic injury under Workers’ Compensation?
A catastrophic workplace injury can include accidents that lead to the loss of a limb, brain injuries, broken bones, impairment of one’s cognitive abilities, paralysis or the loss of motor function or eyesight. These types of injuries may be considered catastrophic under Workers’ Compensation because they can permanently impact an employee’s ability to work.
How do I start the process of filing a Workers’ Compensation claim for a catastrophic injury?
There are several steps when filing for Workers’ Compensation. The process starts by reporting your injuries to your employer within 30 days of the accident, with some exceptions. Then, you have one year to file for benefits. You will need the proper paperwork and documentation of your injury to apply for benefits. Attorney Joe Boyd can help you file for Workers’ Compensation benefits.
What type of evidence or documentation will I need to support my Workers’ Compensation claim?
There are several forms of documents you may need for your workers’ compensation claim, including a statement from an employer and medical records of the accident.
How can I ensure that my medical treatments and rehabilitation are fully covered by Workers’ Compensation?
If you are approved for Workers’ Compensation, you may be given a selection of medical providers to help ensure you get the medical treatments and rehabilitation you need.
What should I do if my Workers’ Compensation claim is denied or disputed?
Your Workers’ Compensation claim could be denied for several reasons, such as missed deadlines, missing paperwork or unapproved injuries. Attorney Joe Boyd can review the cause of a denied claim and help you explore your legal options to appeal a workers’ compensation denial.
What types of medical treatments are covered under Workers’ Compensation for catastrophic injuries?
Workers’ Compensation typically covers a wide range of medical treatments for catastrophic injuries. This includes immediate emergency care, surgeries, hospital stays, medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation and even long-term care for severe conditions like brain injuries or paralysis. Assistive devices such as prosthetics and wheelchairs may also be covered whenever they are needed.
Can I receive Workers’ Compensation benefits if I am unable to return to my previous job?
Yes. If you cannot return to your previous position due to your injury, Workers’ Compensation provides wage loss benefits to replace a portion of your lost income. In cases of permanent disability, you may also be entitled to permanent partial or total disability benefits depending on the severity of your injury and your ability to work in any capacity.
How does Workers’ Compensation handle ongoing medical care and rehabilitation needs?
For catastrophic injuries, Workers’ Compensation often covers ongoing medical care and rehabilitation for as long as necessary. This includes follow-up surgeries, chronic pain management, home modifications, and extended physical therapy or occupational therapy, making sure that your needs are met over the long term.
How can an attorney help me with my Workers’ Compensation claim?
An experienced Workers’ Compensation attorney, like The Law Office of Joe Boyd, LLC, can be instrumental in securing the full range of benefits you are entitled to. From gathering medical evidence to negotiating with insurance companies and handling disputes over treatments or compensation, an attorney helps make sure that your rights are protected and that you receive the necessary benefits for recovery and long-term care.
Schedule A Consultation Today
Joe Boyd is a tireless legal advocate who will fight for your rights to Workers’ Compensation benefits. He has extensive experience representing catastrophically injured workers in Georgia’s complex Workers’ Compensation system. You or your loved one may need a lifetime of specialized medical care and rehabilitation.
Do not lose hope! You still have options! If you or your loved one sustained a catastrophic on-the-job injury, call or text CALL or email Joe today and set up a consultation.