If you were injured while working for Coca-Cola, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.
What to do after a workplace accident
No matter how diligent an employee is, sometimes accidents happen. If you’re injured in any way, it could lead to a lifetime of chronic pain and it’s important that you seek medical help immediately. Then, notify your supervisor or boss to start the workers’ compensation process as soon as possible.
If you work for Coca-Cola off campus (or off the worksite), as a delivery driver or in another capacity, and you are in an auto accident, then you should contact the police so that you can get an accident report. Next, contact a Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorney to review your case and learn about your rights.
If you were hurt while working for Coke, going to your family physician may not be an option. You may be required to use a doctor or medical services that is Coca-Cola approved. Like all companies in Georgia, Coke has the right to decide which doctor you can visit — up to a point. It’s important that you follow the rules and proper steps so that your workers’ compensation claim is not declined for this reason.
Many of these steps are complicated, and companies like Coke often intentionally delay treatment or benefits. That’s why it’s important to seek out legal representation as soon as possible. While not applicable to every case, it’s possible you have the right to pursue a personal injury lawsuit or third-party injury claim.
What benefits are available to injured Coca-Cola employees?
In the state of Georgia, workers’ compensation benefits cover the basic financial needs of an injured worker. Your medical expenses will be covered. Any earnings that were lost as a result of missing work due to the injury will be covered, but usually at a percentage rate of two-thirds. That same rate will most likely apply if you are unable to ever return to work.
It’s important to get all documentation correct the first time when applying for workers’ compensation so that your claim isn’t rejected. It’s a detailed process that is often best executed by an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
Did you know that workers’ compensation rules vary depending on the state where you were hurt? For more information on workplace injuries and other frequently asked questions about Georgia workers’ compensation and disability benefits, visit our FAQs page.
It’s arguable that The Coca-Cola Company—or more widely known simply as “Coke”—is one of the most recognizable brands on the planet.
This flagship drink and namesake was invented by an Atlanta, Georgia pharmacist in 1886, who sold the rights to the formula for just over $2,000 a few years later to Asa Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company. The company is headquartered in midtown Atlanta to this day.
When you add up their corporate headquarters and bottling operations, the company employs about 7,500 employees in metro Atlanta (including Athens) and 9,000 across the state of Georgia.Coca-Cola employs more than 62,000 people across the world, bringing in billions of dollars in revenue. The umbrella company also owns a wide variety of brands, including Minute Maid, Fruitopia, Dasani water, Powerade, Sprite and Fanta.
Like most companies in Georgia, Coca-Cola is responsible for providing its employees with workers’ compensation insurance in the event of a job-related injury or illness — and all employees should be covered under this policy. However, as the company experiences a wave of job cuts and corporate restructuring, injured workers might be surprised to discover how quickly the company is willing to turn its back on them by denying benefits to the hardworking people whom they employ.
If you work for Coca-Cola and get injured or become ill on the job, it’s imperative that you understand your rights to ensure you aren’t taken advantage of. Contact an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney at Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys immediately to ensure you receive the maximum benefits available to you under Georgia laws.
Client reviews
“I was very impressed with the quality of service I received. It was like having a good friend by my side who didn’t stop until I was happy with the ending results. They were honest with me from the start! Quick with communication. Will definitely use their service again.”
“Gerber and Elkins gave me excellent advice on my workman’s comp case. They knew when to tell me to be patient and gave me sound recommendations during negotiations. I was very satisfied with the outcome. I would recommend them without hesitation.”
“Ben is an excellent lawyer and his office personnel handled my case with care. Also he answers the phone when you call which, to me, says it all definitely made the right decision to fire my first lawyer and hire Ben. Workers’ comp is far more complicated than most realize and Ben not only answers questions, he explains the process to you and why he is doing what he is doing. In short, Ben is great. Hire him, you won’t regret it.”
Common types of accidents and major hazards
Coca-Cola workers face a variety of risks while on the job. Many employees in the Atlanta corporate headquarters work in an office, but thousands work in warehouses, distribution centers and bottling plants all across the state and country.
Here are some examples of some of the most common types of injuries sustained by Coca-Cola employees:
- Wet or damp floors can cause employees to slip and fall, which could lead to a back or head injury.
- Drivers are at risk of being involved in a truck accident or car crash.
- Being struck by a forklift, or crushed by an improperly loaded forklift that falls over.
- Office workers who sit all day and do repetitive tasks could develop a repetitive stress injury like carpal tunnel.
- Falling from ladders or great height, which can lead to broken bones, concussions or worse.
- Breathing leaked compressed gasses or being exposed to an exploding compressed gas canister.
Client success
Our record of winning accident cases in Georgia speaks for itself:
Hire an experienced Atlanta work injury attorney
If you were injured on the job—whether you work at Coca-Cola or another Georgia company—it’s important to understand all of your rights as they pertain to workers’ compensation benefits. Don’t go it alone. Contact our knowledgeable Atlanta work injury attorneys today so that we can review your case and fight for what’s right for you and your family.
