Workplace injuries can happen in any job, but some industries in Waycross, GA, such as manufacturing, healthcare and construction, have higher risks than others. When an employee is injured on the job, Georgia’s workers’ compensation system provides benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. However, understanding how workers’ comp applies to different injuries is crucial for ensuring you receive the benefits you deserve.
Among the most common workplace injuries reported by in Waycross employers are:
- Farming-related injuries: Injuries involving farm employees are typically not covered by workers’ compensation insurance. Farms may elect to have coverage even though it is not required. With the ever-changing landscape of farming moving to large companies, more farms have now elected to have coverage. Additionally, farms that utilize H2A workers must provide coverage for those employees. Agriculture is a vital industry in Waycross, and farm workers face unique workplace hazards. Common injuries include heat stress from long hours in extreme temperatures, musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive tasks, particularly those involved in harvesting crops, and accidents involving heavy machinery such as tractors and plows. Exposure to pesticides and other chemicals can also lead to serious health conditions. Please contact us so that we can help you make a determination as to whether your injury is covered under workers’ compensation insurance or is potentially a personal injury case.
- Overexertion and repetitive motion injuries: Lifting heavy objects, pushing, pulling or performing repetitive tasks can lead to muscle strains, joint pain and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Warehouse and manufacturing workers often suffer from overexertion injuries due to lifting heavy materials and working in facilities that are not sufficiently ventilated, while nurses and caregivers may experience back injuries from lifting patients.
- Machinery and equipment accidents: Employees working with heavy machinery in factories and construction sites are at risk of crush injuries, amputations or severe lacerations. Equipment malfunction or lack of proper safety training can lead to devastating injuries.
- Falling object injuries: Construction workers and warehouse employees frequently work in environments where objects can fall from shelves or scaffolding. Head injuries, fractures and spinal injuries can result from these accidents.
- Workplace violence injuries: While not as common as other injuries, workplace violence is a real concern in certain industries, such as healthcare and retail. Nurses and hospital staff may be at risk of attacks from patients, particularly those on medications that can impair judgement, while retail workers may face violent confrontations during robberies.
Georgia law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, which provides various benefits for injured workers, including:
- Medical benefits: Covers doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy and necessary medical equipment. It may also cover psychological treatment when an injury causes severe PTSD-type symptoms.
- Income benefits: Provides a portion of lost wages if an injury prevents an employee from working for more than seven days. If the employee is out of work for more than 21 days, the initial seven days will be paid as well.
- Permanent disability benefits: If a worker suffers a severe injury resulting in permanent disability, they may receive ongoing benefits based on a percentage of disability determined by their authorized treating physician.
- Vocational rehabilitation: In some cases, workers’ comp covers job retraining if an injury prevents an employee from returning to their previous role.
If you experience a workplace injury, it’s essential to take certain steps to protect your rights. First, report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. In Georgia, you must report a workplace injury within 30 days. Seek medical attention from an approved medical provider to assess and document your injuries. Your employer can provide a list of providers. Ask your employer for all the necessary documents to file a worker’s compensation claim. But don’t risk a do-it-yourself mistake! Call an attorney to help assure that your claim is filed accurately and thoroughly. If you’ve already filed and your claim has been denied or delayed, or if your employer is uncooperative, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help.
At Farrar, Hennesy & Tanner, we’ve been fighting for injured workers to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve since 1949. Call us today at 912-384-2287 or schedule a free case review online.