Compensation for injured renewable energy workers in Georgia
In recent years, Georgia has become a state with a fast-growing workforce in the renewable energy industry. Over 4,000 employees in Georgia work in the solar energy sector, and the wind power industry has created hundreds of jobs in the state since 2013. Workers’ compensation for solar installers and wind energy workers has increased with a greater number of jobs.
Some of the top renewable energy companies in Georgia include:
- Southern Company (29,000 employees)
- Georgia Power (9,000 employees)
- United Renewable Energy (2,840 employees)
If you work for one of these companies or any of the other smaller renewable energy installers in Georgia, and are seriously hurt on the job, consider reaching out to our experienced work injury attorneys as soon as possible to learn more about your legal rights.
Don’t take your employer at their word if they say your workplace injury isn’t covered.
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Common injuries and accident causes in renewable energy
Georgia workers’ compensation claims made by solar and wind power employees can involve different types of accidents and injuries.
Some of the types of injuries common in the solar power industry include:
- Falls, often from rooftops
- Injury or illness due to a lack of personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Arc flashes (also known as bursts or flashovers), which can result in serious burns
- Electrical shocks
- Thermal burn stress
- Heatstroke/exhaustion from working in hot weather
- Frostbite or hypothermia from working in the cold
Common injuries that can occur in the wind power industry include:
- Arcs and other electrical shocks
- Falls due to the height of most turbines
- Crushing injuries from falling equipment
Spinal cord injuries involving the back and neck can be disabling for injured workers. In addition to spinal cord injuries, workers may also suffer head injuries after a fall or from getting knocked over because of a shock. Shocks may even cause severe burns.
What to do if you’re hurt while working for a solar/wind energy company
If you’re hurt on the job in Georgia, you may be eligible to receive:
- Death benefits for your dependents
- Lost wages and supplemental income
- Medical treatment
- Rehabilitation benefits
First, you will need to contact your supervisor about the incident as soon as possible. Report the injury in writing within a month. Seek medical treatment immediately. Your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company has an obligation to pay for your emergency treatment.
Ask your employer for their list of approved doctors that you are allowed to see for treatment. You can see a doctor of your choice if you don’t get a list of doctors within a reasonable timeframe.
Form WC-14 is the document that you will need to complete when filing your claim. This form will go to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, and your employer should also receive a copy, along with their insurance company.
Make sure your employer provides a written copy of the report they sent to the insurance company that you can keep for your records. Keep your employer updated on any work restrictions, as well as any time you will need to take away from work.
Also, make sure that your employer’s insurance carrier is aware of what is going on. The last thing you want is to have difficulties with your case going forward because the insurance company is not aware of the situation.
How long do you have to file a workers’ comp claim?
After notifying your employer about your injury within 30 days, your claim must be filed no later than 1 year after the incident. The benefits you can receive are reasonably extensive, covering lost wages, medical treatment, mileage to and from appointments and medical and vocational rehabilitation.
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What benefits are available to injured workers?
Weekly benefits vary depending on whether you are unable to work at all, able to work with restrictions or have a permanent partial disability. The maximum benefit pays two-thirds of your weekly pay.
Medical care includes treatment in a doctor’s office or hospital, medications, diagnostics and mental health treatment. Other medical benefits include physical and occupational therapy, in-home nursing, chiropractic care and prosthetic and assistive devices.
When you travel to medical providers or pharmacies, you can get 40 cents a mile. Parking fees and public transportation can also be covered.
Medical and vocational rehabilitation expenses to help you return to work can also be covered. The expenses covered include:
- Help with your job search
- Assisting you with updating your resume
- Help with job interviews
- Paying for your educational expenses
- Job training
If your employer or their insurance carrier has denied your workers’ compensation claim or if they have contested your claim, consulting with a workers’ compensation lawyer can be an excellent step to take to ensure a better possible outcome.
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