Legal Question in Personal Injury in Georgia
Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
While moving office equipment, my boss leaned a huge wall cabinet over on its side and told me to pick up the other end.I ask him shouldn't we wait on a dolly? He said no, we can move it. I picked it up and while moving it I felt a sharp pain in my lower back. The next day I could hardly walk when I went to work. I told him I had injured my back and had made a doctor appoint that required me to leave 1 hour early. He got mad and told me I shouldn't have made it on company time.I have been going to the doctor for several monthes now and they think I have a compressed disk.Now he is moving my shift hours and I believe this is punishment but he says it is to accomidate me.If this is a permanet injury can I sue the company not workers comp, because of his negligence? I don't want to be messed up for life because of a company boss that does not have any common sense when it comes to work place injuries.I don't know what the laws of georgia are in this matter and your help is greatly appreciated.
5 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
Sounds like you have a Worker's Compensation claim. I assume that your employer has WC insurance. File a claim.
Re: Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
I handle workers' compensation cases and would be glad to discuss yours with you. My number is 404.352.3400.
Re: Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
You had a job accident and negligence is not relevant. Workcomp controls. We are located on Exit 6 Ga400 and handle cases from Cumming.
Re: Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
THIS IS A WORKER'S COMP CASE -EXCLUSIVE REMEDY. YOU CANNOT SUE THE COMPANY UNDER A NEGLIGENCE THEORY.SUCH A LAWSUIT IS BARRED BY BY THE WORKER'S COMP STATUTE. REPORT IT AS A COMP CLAIM.
Re: Hurt because boss told me to pick up cabinet after I protested
Each of my colleagues is correct. Your claim is for worker's compensation, and you may not sue your boss. That said, I am somewhat concerned that you have indicated there have been several months pass. It sounds as though you are treating under compensation, but it is not clear. There are important time limits for making a claim. I believe you should speak to someone and be certain your rights are protected so as to avoid a statute of limitations defense.
Please call if you would like to discuss this matter on a no obligation basis.
Jim Hough
770-607-5300