The Law Office of Ellene Welsh Logo

Workers Compensation Lawyer in Columbus, GA

Serving Injured workers in Columbus, GA

Schedule a Consultation
Injured Employee workers compensation attorneys in georgia

Get Legal Help From a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Columbus, GA

Do You Need a Workers Compensation Lawyer in Columbus, GA?

If you have been injured at work, call the Law Office of Elene Welsh to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus, GA. We know how stressful worrying about money can be after getting hurt on the job. So we take a proactive approach to your case, fight to help you recover maximum compensation, and ensure you receive all of the employee benefits you’re entitled to under Georgia law. Our team has over 30 years of experience holding employers responsible on behalf of injured workers.

Your first consultation is free, so don’t wait to contact our Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Columbus to schedule yours today. Call (706) 984-8963 now.

The Law Office of Ellene Welsh Logo White

CONTACT US

Contact Form

*We do not handle disability cases for children*

Do I qualify for worker’s compensation benefits?

Under Georgia law, workers’ compensation benefits can be paid to employees who sustain an injury at work. This law applies to full- and part-time employees, but not independent contractors.

You don’t have to get hurt at your workplace to qualify – you can also successfully secure workers comp benefits if you get injured while “on the job,” performing a job-related task or responsibility.

For instance, let’s say you’re driving a work truck to carry materials to an Atlanta job site when you get into an auto accident: You’d most likely qualify for workers comp since you were performing a duty for your job.

A Georgia employer must possess workers’ compensation insurance for three or more employees. When a worker gets hurt while on the job, this insurance program can cover lost wages, disability, and medical bills regardless of fault.

That’s right — you may be able to obtain workers’ compensation benefits even if you are entirely or partially at fault for the accident that caused your injury. Georgia’s no-fault system states that any injured worker can seek and potentially recover workers’ comp benefits.

How do I file a work injury claim in Columbus?

The process for filing a workers compensation claim

Georgia has strict policies in place for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Here’s what you need to know after being hurt at work.

1

Report Your Accident

Let your boss know right away if you get hurt at work or realize later that you're injured. You have up to one month from when it happened to report it. If you wait too long, you might not get any help with your medical bills or lost wages.

2

Go to the Doctor

Go to the doctor quickly. Your employer will have a list of approved doctors you should visit. If you go to a doctor not on this list, the insurance might not cover your medical costs. The only exception is if you need urgent care right after getting hurt.

3

File Your Claim

To get benefits like medical bill coverage, you need to complete a form called "Form WC-14." You should send copies of this form to your boss, the State Board of Workers Compensation, and the insurance company that covers your workplace. You generally have up to a year from when you got hurt to send in this form.

What a Columbus Workers Compensation Lawyer May Do for Your Case

Why Should I Call a Workers Compensation Lawyer After I Am Injured At Work?

Were You Injured At Work in Columbus, Georgia?

Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is supposed to help injured employees recover physically and financially after an accident at work. However, just because you’re qualified for workers’ compensation benefits doesn’t mean getting your compensation will be easy.

The system is set up to benefit employers and their insurance companies, not injured workers like you. When you file a workers comp claim, you must follow stringent policies and work within strict time limitations. Your employers’ insurance provider may attempt to make it hard for you to get the money you deserve so that they don’t have to pay you. Simple mistakes when filing a claim could decrease your compensation.

Hiring a lawyer can make a big difference in your workers’ compensation case. At the Law Office of Elene Welsh, our workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus, GA, has more than three decades of experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims. We know Georgia workers’ compensation law like the back of our hand. We know what steps need to be taken to get you the maximum benefits you deserve for your damages.

When you hire the Law Office of Elene Welsh, we will advise you throughout the process and advocate for your rights. Our goal is to help you obtain the money you need to recover from your work injury. Give us a call today to set up a free case evaluation and learn more about how we can help you. (706) 984-8963

Attorneys in Georgia for Workers Compensation

Understanding Worker’s Compensation Benefits

After you file your claim, the claim goes to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for evaluation. The employer should provide the injured worker with a list of medical professionals approved by the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. The injured employee must then seek medical attention from one of these approved doctors. The exception to seeing an approved doctor is that if the injured worker requires emergency medical treatment, they may receive medical care from any practitioner. Once the emergency is over, they are required to return to one of the approved practitioners. Workers must let their employer know which approved physician they have chosen, and they have the right to switch doctors once without informing their employer.

The medical provider treating an injured worker may advise staying out of work for some time to recover. Injured workers may be able to receive workers comp benefits if they cannot work for seven days or more. Most injured employees claiming workers’ compensation will receive their initial benefits check within 21 days of missing work. Claimants out of work for more than 21 days may also receive benefits for the first week.

After July 1, 2016, Georgia law limits benefits to no more than two-thirds of the injured employee’s weekly earnings, but not to exceed $575 per week for up to 400 weeks. In some situations, an employee will be able to return to work immediately but may not be able to perform physically demanding previous job tasks. If an injured worker can only return to a lower-paying job, they can receive partial benefit payments of no more than $383 per week for up to 350 weeks.

There are also individual provisions for workers who suffer permanent injuries, amputations, or disfigurements. If a worker dies from their injury, their dependents may receive up to $575 per week. A widowed spouse without kids may only receive up to $230,000 total. It’s also necessary to note that workers’ compensation benefits may sometimes alter Social Security benefits. 

Understanding Worker’s Comp benefits can be complicated, but a skilled Workers Compensation attorney like Ellene Welsh can help explain your potential earnings after a work injury. Ellene offers a free consultation, so if you have questions, please call her office at (706) 984-8963 and schedule a time to speak with her.

Contact Us

Choose a local Columbus Workers Compensation Lawyer

Why Choose The Law Office of Ellene Welsh?

Ellene Welsh is a seasoned lawyer in Columbus, Georgia, with 35 years of experience specializing in workers' compensation. She and her team are deeply committed to the local community and aim to ease your burden if you're unable to work due to injury. They offer expert guidance to help you secure the benefits you need to pay your bills and support your family.

  • lead-counsel-rated-blue
    Avvo Rating 10 - Georgia Social Security Lawyer Ellene Welsh
    Ellene Welsh CR Silver 2020
    GTLA-Member-2019
  • Ellene Welsh PR AV 2020
    SuperLawyer Badge - ellene welsh
    Avvo Clients Choice Award Winner 2013 Social Security Attorney
    Lead Council Rated

Why choose us? We prioritize personal attention to your needs and questions in a welcoming environment. Being local, we're readily available for face-to-face meetings and dedicated to actively participating in your case. We even offer robust support for appeals, ensuring your case is as strong as possible.

Learn More About Us
Ellene Welsh, Esq.
Founding Attorney

Testimonials for Our Columbus Work Injury Lawyers

Hear From Our Clients

Avedis SmithAvedis Smith
20:02 27 Jul 23
When I first got my review denial letter from SSA and had to appeal I was crushed...I contacted several lawyers and no one wanted to take my case. I contacted Ellene Welsh law firm and spoke with Annette and told her about my situation(she spoke with Attorney Welsh) they agreed and took my case. Let me tell you, they are so thorough...they took the time to explain everything to me each step of the way and obtained all medical records, worked endlessly with my SSA hearing officer, and help ease my anxiety. I'm happy to write after a long battle I received a fully favorable decision with no hearing!! If you need a office that will work tirelessly for you then look no further...Thankyou so much to Attorney Welsh and Annette...
Donl AtkinsDonl Atkins
21:47 02 Jan 23
Mrs Welsh and her staff were so helpful. They kept me informed every step of the way and I received a better decision than I expected.Would hire them again if needed.
Reign SupremeReign Supreme
17:19 02 Nov 22
Friendly, professional and attentive. I was made to feel comfortable asking questions.
Kimberly HanbackKimberly Hanback
17:04 05 Oct 22
I had tried to get my disability first with a different lawyer and was turned down. When I called thier office to ask about an appeal they said they couldn't help me and was very rude and hung up on me. Found another lawyer who did my appeal was turned down. I called Ellene Welsh and her and her staff were very nice and helpful. Of course it was during the pandemic so we had to do things differently but she helped me and I won my case. Anytime I had a question they were very helpful and nice. If I could just say if you need a great lawyer with a great staff call her. They will fight for you. Love them.
kyle croftkyle croft
20:29 11 Jul 22
After being denied by SSD , I called the Law offices of Ellen Welsh and she got my disability claim approved. Her employees were professional and easy to work with. They took care of everything. I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with their SSD CLAIM
Kris ArhartKris Arhart
17:46 02 Feb 22
Ms. Ellene Welsh Came recommended from another attorney. The whole process with her office was as smooth as it can be. If you have never had to use a attorney before let me explain something I learned. Every great attorney has a amazing Paralegal / assistant or more behind them. Ms. Welsh team made contact As easy as I can get. Whether it be by phone or email. Thank Ms. Welsh and your amazing office for all the hard work yall did to make this process as easy as possible.
Pam ScheibPam Scheib
02:49 01 Feb 17
I became a client of Ellene's 3 years ago. When I first met Ellene she took a great deal of time to go over my denied paperwork from Social Security. She explained it was not a quick process and we would be looking at least another year to eighteen months before a hearing. She explained every step! When I had questions Becky and other office staff were always there to walk me through my questions and ease my mind and at times frustrations. Never along this journey did I feel ignored or abandoned. Ellene's staff got all my records together for my hearing and thanks to their hard work we got an immediate decision. It is very rare, I knew it was a good case going in, but Ellene made sure every "I" was dotted and every "T" was crossed. She was excellent in front of the judge and knows what she is doing. It was her 20 plus years experience that makes her so good! I can't thank Ellene and her staff enough for all their time, hard work and dedication in helping me with my case. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a Social Security Disability Attorney.
js_loader

Contact Us Now

You Deserve an Experienced Workers Compensation Attorney in Columbus On Your Side

If you have been hurt on the job while working in Columbus, Georgia, you may be qualified for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you get back on your feet after an unfortunate injury at work.

Don’t let insurance companies pay you less than you deserve. Instead, let the experienced legal team at the Law Office of Elene Welsh help you get maximum compensation. Our workers’ compensation attorney in Columbus has been handling complicated workers’ compensation and personal injury cases for over three decades. We understand Georgia law and know what needs to be done to get you the compensation you deserve.

Contact our Columbus law firm today to schedule a free case evaluation at (706) 984-8963. Our team will review the details of your case and explain your legal rights. Our goal is to guide you in your legal claim and help you get the money you deserve for your injuries. There’s not much time to act, so give us a call now!

Contact Form

*We do not handle disability cases for children*

Lady justice Social Security and Workers Comp Attorneys in Georgia

Schedule a Consultation

With 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Ellene Welsh specializes in assisting individuals in the Douglasville, Columbus, and West Georgia areas to secure Work Comp, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the systems and collaborating with admin officials to secure her clients the financial support they deserve.

Get Started
crossmenuchevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram