Learn the value and importance of workers’ compensation for Georgia workers
Workers’ compensation insurance is not something that most people think about until they need to file a claim after a workplace accident or illness. Most employers in Georgia are forced to think about workers’ compensation because the law requires them to have it.
While employers may consider paying premiums for workers’ compensation insurance a nuisance and burden, the reality is that the system makes things a great deal easier, more efficient and less expensive than they would otherwise be.
Whether you are an employer or an employee, you may be wondering why we need workers’ compensation. The truth is that, while the system isn’t perfect, both parties are likely far better off with it than they would be without it.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits of workers’ compensation.
Promotes cooperation
Without workers’ compensation, an employee who was injured while working would have to prove that their injury was somehow the fault of their employer. They would have to file a personal injury lawsuit against their employer, and this is a long, costly and adversarial process.
Because workers’ comp is “no-fault” and doesn’t require the injured party to prove that their employer was liable, it’s likely that the employer/employee relationship can be maintained. Moreover, the workers’ comp system allows injured employees to receive compensation even if they were partially at-fault in the accident.
Protection for employees
Thanks to workers’ compensation, injured employees are assured that they will be compensated for their medical bills and lost wages resulting from a work-related accident or injury. This helps them to stay afloat until they can get back to work.
Best of all, there is no need to get into a contentious battle with their employer to get the compensation that they deserve because the system is already in place, ready to help struggling workers.
Protection for employers
By carrying workers’ compensation insurance, the companies themselves are not burdened with compensating injured employees out of the business profits. In most instances, the employer also cannot be sued for a worker’s injuries, and this means that the company does not lose time and resources in fighting litigation.
Injured employees work directly with Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation and the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier, leaving the employer free to continue running a business.
Gets injured workers back on the job
The reality is that workers’ compensation is not only good for employers and employees, but also for Georgia’s economy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the U.S. economy loses some $225.8 billion per year because of occupational injuries and illnesses.
Recovering from an injury isn’t easy, but it can happen more quickly when workers get the treatment that they need without delay. Thanks to workers’ compensation, injured employees don’t have to wait for care. This means that healing begins faster so that they can get back to being on the job.
Peace of mind for employers
Carrying workers’ compensation insurance is mandatory for the protection of employees. However, business owners can elect to be covered as well. This means that if a business owner is ever injured on the job, they can expect to be compensated for the medical bills and any lost earnings.
Moreover, it’s worth considering the consequences that come with ignoring Georgia’s laws about carrying workers’ compensation insurance. First among these is that if one of your employees gets injured at work, they will have the right to sue you. Without workers’ compensation, you’ve lost the protection of this insurance as an “exclusive remedy.”
Without workers’ compensation coverage, you and your company will have personal liability for any medical bills that an injured employee may accrue. Consider also that the state may levy additional penalties and fines if your business is legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and you fail to do so. In fact, the state is empowered to shut down your business until you get the coverage that the law requires.
The simplest, easiest and most straightforward route is to simply sign up for workers’ compensation insurance.
Safer workplaces for all
The reality is that all businesses and workers alike benefit from the efforts of Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation. The Board regularly recommends safe practices for all workplaces across the state.
When followed, these recommendations help companies to avoid the disruption and loss of productivity that accompany all workplace injuries. The result is that people get to keep working, and Georgia’s economy is improved.
Contact a workers’ compensation attorney
The workers’ compensation system here in Georgia benefits everyone. That said, there are still improvements to be made. At Gerber & Elkins Law, our experienced legal professionals work hard every day to protect the interests of workers across the state. We believe in the workers’ compensation system, and we also are committed to improving it so that it operates to genuinely protect the interests of hardworking Georgians everywhere.
If you suffered an injury while on the job, then contact Gerber & Elkins Law today. We can answer your questions regarding how the workers’ compensation system works and help you to settle your claim as quickly as possible.
Has your claim after a workplace injury been denied?
Gerber & Elkins may be able to help you with an appeal. If you were working and received an injury, then you are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, even if you were partially at fault. Let the qualified and experienced legal professionals at Gerber & Elkins review your claim and manage the appeal process.
