What an unpleasant surprise you are facing. Your employer – the HR supervisors, company management, perhaps even your direct supervisor – are no longer treating you very nicely. Even if you have been with your employer for years, that “second family” atmosphere is gone, replaced by a vibe that feels like suspicion and scorn.
Many of our clients report that once they report an on-the-job injury, everything is a hassle. Phone calls are not returned. Communication stops. The big “runaround” starts.
What does this mean and what can you do about it?
The runaround happens because employers hate, really hate, work injury claims. Work schedules have to be shifted, other employees may become eligible for overtime and your supervisor might have to work late to make up for your absence.
Why Your Employer Hates Work Injury Claims
Company owners hate workers’ comp claims because they know that your co-workers will see that you are missing work while collecting benefits, and that can damage morale. In addition, if the insurance company has to pay a claim, there is a good chance that the company owner will have to pay higher premium for workers’ comp coverage – and that negatively impacts profits.
Sometimes, management will try to discourage hurt employees from filing claims. They’ll tell you to turn your medical bills into group health. They’ll tell you that you’re not eligible. They may tell you nothing at all, hoping you won’t pursue your claim.
All this runaround can create real problems for you. First, any delay in treatment may prolong your recovery and make treatment more painful and less effective. If you wait to “officially” report your injury, the insurance company may use that gap in time to challenge the legitimacy of your claim. You will suffer pain and stress needlessly.
What You Can Do About the Big Runaround
With so much at stake – your medical treatment, weekly income replacement, your long term employment status – you need straightforward, accurate information about your rights under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law.
Unfortunately you should not and cannot assume that the information about workers’ compensation you are getting from your employer or an insurance adjuster will be accurate. Instead, you would be wise to speak with an attorney whose sole focus is your best interest. That’s why calling attorney Jodi Ginsberg makes sense for you.
Jodi has represented injured workers for over 25 years and she knows how the runaround works. She also knows how to cut through the red tape to:
- get you to a qualified doctor quickly
- get your weekly income benefits started
- get you reimbursement for mileage and transportation costs
- stop efforts by the insurance company doc to rush you back to work before you are ready
If you have been injured on the job, you are eligible for money, medical care and expense reimbursement but more often than not, you have to fight to get these benefits. Don’t take on the insurance company alone – put Jodi on your side. Call her today at 770-351-0801 or use the email form on this page to contact her.
Related Topics
Unreasonable Denials: why Employers Controvert Witnessed Injury Claims
