Skibiel Law Skibiel Law2024-03-19T07:26:37Zhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203797/2019/09/apple-touch-icon-75x75.pngOn Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=544452024-02-06T06:36:29Z2024-02-06T06:36:29ZLess time-consuming
A managed care organization stands out for its ability to connect injured workers with a network of pre-approved medical professionals. Access to the network ensures that workers receive timely and high-quality healthcare. It also reduces the hassles of cumbersome paperwork or prolonged approval processes. The direct approach significantly expedites the healthcare experience for injured workers.
Holistic approach
An MCO takes a holistic approach to treating injured workers. It involves collaboration between all parties. Workers, healthcare providers, employers and insurance carriers work together in the goal of rehabilitating the worker and getting him or her back on the job as quickly as possible. This collaborative effort also helps in making well-informed decisions regarding medical treatment and rehabilitation. Plus, it enables a more personalized and effective recovery plan.
Financial efficiency
By centralizing the management of medical services, MCOs significantly reduce administrative burdens for employers and insurance providers. This not only expedites the medical treatment process but also makes the system more cost-effective.
An MCO provides a more direct and accessible avenue for injured workers. This stands in contrast to a traditional physician panel that often has delays and a less cohesive approach to healthcare management. Employers using an MCO can offer injured workers necessary care more promptly and efficiently.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=544462023-12-13T09:28:16Z2023-12-13T09:28:16ZUnderstanding workers' compensation in Georgia
According to the NSC, employers reported 2.8 million work-related injuries in the U.S. in 2022. Georgia law aims to protect workers and provides a comprehensive workers' compensation system. The state designed the laws to cover injuries in the workplace. The laws ensure that employees receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages.
Haste and inattention
When it comes to injuries caused by haste or inattention, the key consideration is whether the accident occurred within the scope of employment. If an employee is rushing to complete a task or becomes distracted due to inattention while performing work-related duties, workers' compensation may cover any resulting injuries.
Exceptions and limitations
While Georgia law designs workers' compensation to be inclusive, there are certain limitations and exceptions. Workers' compensation may not cover injuries that occur while an employee is on a break, engaged in horseplay or involved in activities unrelated to work. Employees and employers alike must understand these nuances to ensure a clear understanding of the scope of coverage.
Maintaining a safe work environment and adhering to proper safety protocols is important. By prioritizing safety, both employers and employees contribute to a workplace culture that minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures the well-being of everyone involved.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=535222023-10-09T09:18:30Z2023-10-12T09:17:59ZConventional panel of physicians
The conventional panel of physicians is a common choice for injured workers. Employers must maintain a list of at least six approved healthcare providers. When an injury occurs, the employer must provide the injured worker with this panel. From this list, the worker selects one physician to be their treating doctor.
This option offers some flexibility, allowing injured workers to choose a healthcare provider who they believe can best address their specific needs. Workers also can make a change of doctors one time without having to get board approval. However, straying from the list may jeopardize workers' compensation benefits.
Managed Care Organization panel
Some employers in Georgia opt for MCOs to manage workers' compensation claims and medical treatment. If the employer is part of an MCO, the worker receives a panel of physicians affiliated with the organization.
Under this panel, workers have a range of doctors to choose from, similar to the conventional panel. However, it is important to note that MCOs may have specific procedures and guidelines for treatment, referrals and specialists. These guidelines can influence the choice of physicians and the course of medical care.
Conformed panel
The conformed panel is similar to the conventional panel of physicians with two distinctions. There are 10 physicians minimum, which must include a chiropractor and general surgeon. This option provides expanded physician options, and including the two required specialist doctors is another benefit. Like with the conventional panel, a worker can change doctors one time without approval.
To exercise this option, employees must first notify their employers and the SBWC of their intent to seek a second opinion. The SBWC will then provide them with a new panel of physicians, from which to select a different treating doctor. This panel offers an alternative if an employee believes his or her current physician's treatment plan is insufficient or experiences a dispute over medical care.
Injured workers in Georgia have several physician panel options, each with its own advantages and considerations. The choice can significantly impact recovery and workers' ability to secure the compensation they need to move forward after a workplace injury.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=535202023-08-02T06:18:47Z2023-08-07T06:18:12ZTop OSHA violations
Some OSHA violations occur more frequently than others. These are:
Improper fall protection, including slips and falls and falls from heights
Failing to provide proper warnings about equipment or hazards in the workplace
Failure to provide respiratory protection, safety goggles and other safety equipment
Improper safety training or certification
Improper lockout/tagout systems
Unsafe or failing machine guards
OSHA can and will fine employers or parent companies for these violations.
OSHA fines for safety violations
OSHA categorizes the severity of safety violations and fines companies accordingly. These are:
Serious - the business owner knows about the hazard, and it can cause injury or death. The fine for a serious can run up to $13,653 per violation.
Other than serious- The violation does not compromise employee safety. These fines can range from $1,000 to $14,502.
Willful and repeated - When an employer has a violation for the same or similar problem within three years, the fine can increase to $156,259.
Each of these is per incident. So if an employer has multiple incidents, the fines can reach millions of dollars. These fines encourage employers to correct the violations as quickly as possible.
OSHA is not there to penalize employers or businesses. It is there to protect both workers and patrons from harm.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=535192023-06-30T08:46:23Z2023-07-05T08:45:42ZUnderstanding the changes brought by HB 480
One of the most significant changes introduced by HB 480 is the increase in the weekly benefits for total and partial disabilities. For total disabilities, the weekly benefit has risen from $725 to $800. In cases of partial disabilities, the benefit now stands at $533 per week, up from the previous $483.
The bill also addresses dependents' benefits in cases where a workplace accident results in the worker's death. The maximum compensation for such cases has seen a significant increase from $290,000 to $320,000.
Implications for workers
This change in the Workers' Compensation law ensures workers have better financial support when they suffer injuries on the job. Higher weekly benefits provide injured workers with a greater safety net, ensuring they can meet their financial obligations while they recover. It also relieves the financial strain on dependents in the unfortunate event of a worker's death due to a work-related incident.
Governor Brian Kemp's take
Governor Brian Kemp recognizes the importance of protecting Georgia's workers. He believes that the new law will ensure that workers who have suffered injuries will get the support they deserve.
Implications for employers
While HB 480 is undoubtedly beneficial for workers, it also has implications for employers. With increased benefits, employers may see a rise in their workers' compensation insurance premiums. However, the increase in benefits can also lead to a more motivated and secure workforce, knowing that their welfare is a priority.
The signing of HB 480 marks a significant step in the right direction for the protection of workers' rights in Georgia. By increasing the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits, the state underscores its commitment to ensuring the well-being and financial security of its workforce.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=534952023-04-13T09:14:10Z2023-04-18T09:13:25Zyour credit, but the indirect effects can significantly affect your score.
Medical bills, lost wages and credit score
If you have to miss work due to your injuries from a car accident, you may struggle to pay your bills, leading to missed payments and late fees. Late payments on loans, credit cards and other bills can negatively impact your credit score. By contacting your creditors and letting them know your situation, you might work out a payment plan for your debts.
Medical bills resulting from a car accident should not impact your credit score. In most cases, medical providers do not report payments to credit bureaus. However, if you fail to pay your medical bills and the provider sends them to collections, this may negatively affect your credit score. Therefore, it is essential to make sure you pay your bills or arrange a payment plan with your healthcare provider.
Getting compensation from the negligent party
If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you might get compensation for your lost wages, medical bills and other related damages. This usually comes from the driver's insurance company. This compensation can help you avoid missing payments on your accounts and negatively impacting your credit score.
It is essential to seek compensation from the other driver's insurance provider if you were not at fault to cover your damages and avoid negatively impacting your credit score.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=534852023-03-02T08:34:47Z2023-03-07T08:33:57ZFederal income tax does not apply to injury benefits
Generally, the federal government does not tax these injury benefits. According to 26 U.S. Code Section 104, those who receive workers' compensation benefits for an occupational injury or illness do not need to report these funds as income on their tax returns. This is because these benefits are more aligned as a form of insurance rather than similar to income. The related payments include lost wages, short-term disability, long-term disability, death benefits, lost employment benefits and reimbursement for past and future medical costs.
Georgia state law follows federal tax codes
Regarding state taxes, Georgia matches what the federal income tax codes outline. You do not pay state taxes on your workers' compensation benefits. This also includes not paying state taxes on settlements you receive if your loved one dies on the job.
The exceptions
In certain instances, you may have to pay taxes on the settlement you received. For example, this might happen when you pay for your medical care before receiving the workers' compensation package and then list these payments as deductions on your taxes. Since the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) does not allow you to get double reimbursement for the same expenses, you likely will owe taxes on a portion of your workers' compensation benefits.
Overall, you will likely not have to pay federal or Georgia state taxes on your workers' compensation settlement.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=534842023-01-31T06:54:16Z2023-02-03T06:53:18ZWhen does workers' compensation cover a car accident?
The Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation explains that your benefits should cover an injury you sustain while on the job. This includes all work-related injuries, even many that might occur while you are on break. When it comes to car accidents, your benefits will likely cover situations such as when you are running an errand for your boss, when you are traveling between worksites or most other situations in which you are receiving payment for your time spent traveling.
When does workers' compensation not cover a car accident?
Accidents that occur during your daily commute are likely not subject to workers' compensation. Your employer and insurer can also withhold compensation if you experience an accident while running a personal errand, even if you are on the clock.
Car accidents exist in a vague area of workers' compensation law, but many cases are likely to be valid for the sake of receiving a payout from your benefits policy. You have the right to pursue legal action if you believe that your employer is wrongfully withholding workers' compensation after a car accident.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=534812022-12-07T11:40:50Z2022-12-12T11:37:54ZWhat is workers' compensation?
Workers' compensation is a type of insurance employers pay to mitigate workplace accident costs. All jobs have some risk to them. A few of the injuries that workers' compensation covers are:
Repetitive motion injuries
Death or dismemberment
Back or muscle injuries
Slip and fall accidents at the workplace or on the job
Automobile and trucking accidents
Exposure to disease or toxic chemicals
These are not the only conditions they cover, but they are the most common. The government requires businesses to carry this insurance by law if they have employees. They are exempt from paying it, if you are a contract worker or a 1099 employee.
In which situations is workers' compensation taxable
Although workers' compensation technically is not taxable, there are a few situations where it becomes taxable, according to the Social Security Administration. Your benefits might be offset by a specific amount.
If you retire because of a workplace illness or injury, your retirement benefits are taxable. Technically this is not a tax on workers' compensation but on retirement benefits due to a workers' compensation injury.
If your workers' compensation benefits decrease your social security or railroad retirement benefits. Those may be taxable.
If you claim your medical expenses or you receive payment for an injury.
Workers' compensation and taxation are often tricky and it is always better to do some research before you file your taxes.]]>On Behalf of Skibiel Lawhttps://www.skibiellaw.com/?p=534752022-11-22T20:33:44Z2022-11-25T07:14:20ZHigh-speed expectations
Large warehouses utilize robotic machinery to speed up production. However, these increased speeds force employees to work faster, too. Combining high production speeds with employee quotas and company production tracking practices often results in employees experiencing repetitive stress injuries.
Modified safety procedures
To keep up with the high-speed production lines, enforcement of safety practices is not always a priority in these warehouses. Supervisors may encourage workers to bypass or uninstall safety devices designed for their protection and skip breaks to keep up with the high output. The poor practices result in more injuries requiring longer recovery times than other warehouses.
Improper training of new staff
A high turnover of employees means that these warehouses have a continual stream of inexperienced personnel. These new employees require training on the proper work techniques to prevent injuries. However, to keep up with the high production schedules, some supervisors do not provide adequate training to new employees and instead put them to work as soon as possible. This practice puts new employees at higher risk for injuries.
Some warehouses make fast output a higher priority than employee wellness. Despite improving safety in these facilities, employees may always be at risk in order to keep profits high.]]>