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Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

A Brief Summary of the Following Article:

• Eligibility: In Georgia, most employers with three or more workers must provide workers’ compensation insurance, covering job-related injuries or illnesses. Exceptions include railroad, federal government employees, and agricultural workers.
• Benefits: Workers’ compensation in Georgia offers medical care, disability benefits, and covers lost wages, but excludes injuries under substance influence, willful misconduct, and emotional trauma without physical injury.
• Appeals: Denied claims can be contested through a hearing request, with evidence gathering and legal representation crucial for overcoming denials and securing deserved benefits.
• Legal Support: At Hasner Law, we have over 100 years of collective experience assisting injured workers in navigating claims, appealing denials, and fighting for comprehensive compensation, including handling third-party claims.

Were you or a loved one injured while working in Georgia? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and lost wages. An experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at Hasner Law can protect your rights under state workers’ compensation and personal injury laws. 

Collectively, our legal team has over 100 years of experience holding employers responsible for the damages they owe injured employees – and we’ve recovered millions of dollars in benefits on their behalf.

If you’ve been hurt on the job, please don’t hesitate to call our law offices in Georgia at (678) 928-8784 to schedule a free consultation today.

How Can Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Georgia Help With Your Claim?

There’s always the risk that you could be injured on the job. Unfortunately, sometimes your injuries or illness prevent you from working. That can put you in a difficult position.

Unfortunately, the process of recovering workers’ comp benefits can get tricky. You have to meet strict deadlines and worry about insurance rules and regulations.  Your initial claim could even be denied or challenged. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys at Hasner Law can help.

Hiring us means you’ll have a lawyer to:

• Evaluate all options for recovering benefits 
• Assess the value of your claim
• Defend you if your claim is challenged or denied
• Negotiate with the workers’ compensation insurance carrier on your behalf
• Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys specialize in protecting workers’ rights.
• Our founding attorney co-founded the Georgia Injured Workers’ Advocates (GWIA) and is Chairman of the Workplace Injury Network Political Action Committee.

Don’t take our word for it. Call to learn more about how we can put more than 100 years of experience to work for you.

Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Laws

Employer-provided workers’ compensation insurance offers financial support for employees injured on the job, covering their medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages. In Georgia, it’s mandatory for businesses with three or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, there are several exceptions, including the following:

• Railroad companies
• Federal government agencies
• Agricultural workers

Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws benefit both employees and employers. In exchange for receiving workers’ compensation coverage, the employee forfeits their rights to sue their employer for their losses, even if they are at fault. However, injured employees may have the right to sue third parties like contractors if they contributed to their injuries and other losses. 

Who Is Eligible for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?

In Georgia, most employers with three or more employees must have workers’ compensation insurance to cover any injuries or illnesses that occur on the job. To be eligible for these benefits, you must meet the following criteria:

1. Injury or Illness Related to Work

You can qualify for benefits if you are injured while performing your job duties, regardless of the location. This includes injuries from accidents or illnesses caused by exposure to hazardous conditions. However, injuries or illnesses stemming from pre-existing health issues, like heart disease, may not qualify.

2. Employment Status

You’re eligible for workers’ compensation if you’re an employee of a company that withholds taxes from your paycheck. This applies whether you’re full-time, part-time, seasonal, salaried, or hourly. Workers’ compensation coverage starts from your first day on the job. There is no probationary period requirement.

While many individuals qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, there are several exceptions. Independent contractors and freelancers do not qualify as they’re not considered employees under Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. If your employment status is misclassified, you may miss out on essential benefits. A skilled Hasner Law workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and review your eligibility and legal options.

How Common Are Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Georgia?

In 2019, over 2.8 million work-related injuries and illnesses were reported to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Over 5,300 people were killed on the job. In Georgia alone, 207 workers lost their lives in fatal workplace accidents.

According to data collected by the U.S. Department of Labor, 8,434 workers’ compensation claims were filed in Georgia during the first ten months of 2021. As of November 1, 2021, the state board of workers’ compensation had paid out more than $269 million in benefits to injured workers.

What Is My Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

Most Georgia employers are required to purchase workers’ compensation insurance. 

The value of your claim will depend on a few different factors, including:

• Your average weekly wages 
• The length of your recovery time
• The cost of your medical treatment
• Whether you’ll be able to work once you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

Your weekly cash benefits will equal ⅔ of your average weekly wages. In most cases, you can receive temporary workers’ comp benefits for up to 400 weeks. 

The value of your weekly check is also subject to a state-mandated cap of $800 per week if you were injured after July 2023. If you’re able to work in some partial capacity, your weekly check could be even less.

We don’t have to tell you how important it is to get the full benefits you deserve after a work accident. At Hasner Law, we’re here to help you fight for every penny you deserve. To learn more, call our workers’ compensation attorneys in Georgia, for a free case review today.

What Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available to Injured Workers in Georgia?

Workers’ compensation provides critical benefits to Georgia workers who are injured at work. Those benefits are primarily economic–they are meant to cover financial losses caused by the injury.

Several different types of benefits are available, including:

• Medical care
• Disability benefits
• Vision or hearing loss benefits
• Benefits to compensate for loss of the use of a body part
• Death benefits for survivors of fatal work accident victims

Do you have questions about the benefits you’re entitled to receive? Call Hasner Law for a free case evaluation today. Our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys are standing by to help you fight for the maximum benefits available.

Medical Benefits

Georgia workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses to treat your injury or illness. 

Benefits cover:

• Doctors’ bills
• Hospital bills
• Prescriptions
• Physical therapy
• Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
• Medical and vocational rehabilitation

However, to qualify for benefits, you are required to see a doctor that’s been approved by your employer.

Disability Benefits

Cash benefits are available to injured workers who miss at least seven days of work because of an injury. Once your injury causes you to miss at least 21 days of work, you’ll also be retroactively compensated for the first seven missed workdays.

The type of disability benefits you receive will depend on the severity of your injury and your recovery time.

Available benefits include:

• Temporary total disability benefits
• Temporary partial disability benefits
• Permanent partial disability benefits
• Permanent total disability benefits

You should consider filing a claim as quickly as possible after your injury. That way, you can start receiving your benefit checks within a few weeks.

Can I Sue My Employer for Additional Damages?

Georgia workers’ compensation laws prohibit injured employees from suing an employer for damages. Instead, you’re entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, without any need to prove that your employer caused your injuries or illness.

Third parties aren’t entitled to the same protection. You may be entitled to file a lawsuit against negligent third parties who caused your injury or illness. These lawsuits are called “third-party claims.” 

You may be entitled to file a third-party claim against:

• Property owners
• Negligent drivers if you were hurt in a car accident or truck accident
• Manufacturers of defective work equipment or vehicles
• General contractors
• Venders
• Suppliers

Workers’ comp benefits aren’t always enough to cover the full range of harm you’ve suffered. If you’re eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Georgia can also help you seek benefits for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• The full amount of your lost income
• Reduced future earning potential
• Rehabilitation 
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Diminished quality of life
• Physical disfigurement 
• Scarring
• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Loss of consortium

You can count on our attorneys to pursue all types of damages that may be available. That includes non-economic damages in a third-party lawsuit.

Proving Negligence in a Third-Party Claim

In contrast to workers’ compensation, which does not consider fault, third-party claims hinge on proving negligence and liability. A strong case requires demonstrating several key elements, including the following:

• Duty of Care: The defendant had a legal duty to act responsibly to prevent harm to others. 
• Breach of Duty: The defendant failed to uphold their duty of care by acting negligently. This could involve careless actions that were taken or necessary actions that were neglected. A breach of duty directly contradicts what would be expected from a reasonable person under similar circumstances.
• Causation: The defendant’s failure to uphold the duty of care must be the direct cause of your accident. It’s essential to link the defendant’s negligence to the accident with evidence showing the accident would not have occurred if not for their breach of duty.
• Damages: The incident must lead to tangible losses, including physical injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. It’s necessary to prove that these damages were a direct result of the accident, encompassing everything from medical expenses to lost wages, pain, and emotional suffering.

At Hasner Law, our attorneys thoroughly investigate the details of every case, identifying the cause of the accident and pinpointing who is liable for the injuries and losses you have suffered. Our attorneys are committed to using their extensive knowledge and skills to protect your rights and interests. We understand the complexities of third-party claims and are prepared to navigate the legal process on your behalf, advocating on your behalf every step of the way.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Workplace Accident in Georgia?

Workers’ comp is a no-fault system. You can receive full benefits even if you were responsible for your injuries or illness. You don’t have to prove negligence.

However, the state of Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law that applies in personal injury cases. You’re only entitled to file a third-party claim if you were less than 50% responsible for the accident or illness.

What Damages Are Not Covered Through a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claim?

While Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is designed to provide support for those injured on the job, it doesn’t encompass all types of losses. Some notable exclusions include the following:

• Injuries While Under the Influence: Injuries incurred while under the influence of drugs or alcohol generally disqualify an injured worker from receiving benefits. While there are some rare exceptions, intoxication at the time of an accident typically leads to claim denial, especially if the injured party refuses or fails a substance test.
• Willful Misconduct: Claims may be challenged by employers if the injury results from the employee’s deliberate violation of safety measures or self-inflicted harm. A Hasner Law attorney may be able to challenge these claims by providing a detailed examination of the incident.
• Off-The-Clock Injuries: Injuries which occur during breaks, such as lunch hours (especially off the employer’s premises), typically do not qualify for workers’ compensation. The law views these instances as outside the scope of employment, placing the responsibility on the employee.
• Heart Attacks and Strokes: To qualify for coverage under workers’ compensation for heart attacks or strokes, there must be clear medical evidence tying the incident to the workplace and work activities.
• Emotional Trauma: While there’s growing recognition of psychological injuries like PTSD injured workers in Georgia must also have a physical injury to receive benefits for emotional trauma. Solely psychological claims are not recognized.
• Pain and Suffering: Benefits for pain and suffering, which cover the emotional and physical distress from injuries, are not available under Georgia’s workers’ compensation. These types of damages are typically pursued through personal injury lawsuits against third parties, not through the workers’ compensation system.

Understanding these exclusions is crucial for employees navigating the complexities of workers’ compensation claims in Georgia. An experienced Hasner Law attorney can review every detail of your case and determine if any of the above exceptions apply to your case. We will consider the facts and advise you on the best path forward to recover the benefits you deserve. 

What Should I Do if I’m Injured On-The-Job in Georgia?

Following a workplace accident, you may be feeling understandably lost and confused. However, the actions you take in the moments, days, and weeks following your injury can have a significant impact on the outcome of your claim. If you were injured at work, consider taking the following steps to protect your rights and safety:

Report the Injury

Under Georgia law, you must notify your employer of any work-related injury within 30 days. Simply informing a coworker does not count. Depending on your employer’s policy, you may make a written or verbal report. Failing to make an official report within the 30-day window could disqualify you from receiving the workers’ compensation benefits you need.

When you report the injury, include details such as how and when the injury happened, and describe the injury itself. Your employer should then give you a workers’ compensation claim form to fill out. It is also in your best interest to obtain a copy of any report your employer completes.

Seek Medical Treatment

In emergency situations, prioritize getting medical help as soon as possible. Your employer and their insurance are required to cover emergency medical care, even without a predefined list of doctors. For non-emergency injuries, your employer should offer you a selection of approved medical providers.

Maintain thorough records of your medical treatment, including healthcare providers’ names and contacts, appointment dates, and details of treatments and medications. It is also essential to document any work restrictions provided by your medical doctor, such as limited duties. Share these restrictions with your employer to adjust your work tasks accordingly and keep copies for your records. These documents can serve as crucial evidence in your workers’ compensation claim.

File a Claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation

After reporting your work injury and seeking medical treatment, it’s crucial to file a workers’ compensation claim. Typically, your employer will give you a “Notice of Claim” form (WC-14) to complete and file with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. If they don’t, you must get the form yourself, either online or by contacting the State Board directly.

Fill out the WC-14 form with detailed information about your injury and desired actions, and send copies to both the State Board and your employer’s insurance carrier. Be sure to save a copy for your records.

Update Your Employer

If your doctor recommends you take time off work or imposes restrictions on your work activities, it is vital to obtain this advice in writing. Be sure to provide a copy to your employer and keep one for your records. 

If you are excused from work for an extended period, ask your employer how often you need to provide updates about your condition. Whether it’s daily, weekly, or at another set interval, adhering to these check-in guidelines is crucial for maintaining open communication and remaining in compliance. 

Contact the Insurer

Employers typically have workers’ compensation insurance through an external company which manages their claims. It’s important to inform the insurer about your injury or any work restrictions directly. This can help move along the claims process and ensure you receive the right benefits without delay.

Make sure your employer has submitted the “Employers First Report of Injury” form to their insurance. Obtain the insurer’s contact details and the adjuster’s name from your employer to communicate directly about your claim. If your employer doesn’t provide this information, contact the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation Coverage Department to find out who to contact.

Speak to a Skilled Hasner Law Attorney

If you were injured on the job in Georgia, consulting a Hasner Law Attorney can help you protect your rights and interests. We can guide you through the complex system, help negotiate a settlement, and help you fight for the benefits you deserve.

If your claim is denied, a Hasner Law attorney can help you appeal the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This process, which may involve a hearing and presenting evidence like medical records and witness statements, requires skilled navigation to challenge the denial effectively.

Considering insurance companies have legal counsel, having one of our skilled attorneys ensures you’re equally protected and represented.

We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for Your Workplace Accident Injuries

Our lawyers at Hasner Law are prepared to help you fight to recover benefits for all of your workplace injuries and illnesses, including:

• Concussions
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Respiratory diseases and lung damage
• Cancer 
• Eye injuries
• Hearing damage
• Head and neck injuries
• Brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Back injuries
• Crush injuries
• Chest injuries and organ damage
• Burns 
• Amputations 
• Paralysis
• Catastrophic injuries
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Do you have questions about your legal rights? Call our attorneys in Georgia for a free initial consultation today.

What Causes Most Workplace Injuries and Illnesses in Georgia?

You can claim workers’ comp anytime you were injured or sustained a medical condition during the course of employment. That’s true whether you work on a dangerous construction site or in an office downtown.

Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Georgia know that any work-related injury can be devastating. We represent clients who were injured because of:

• Motor vehicle accidents
• Slip and fall accidents
• Unsafe work conditions
• Dangerous or defective work equipment
• Lack of safety protection
• Construction site accidents
• Electrocutions
• Fires and explosions
• Exposure to harmful substances
• Scaffolding accidents
• Falls from heights
• Repetitive motions
• Lifting heavy objects
• Failure to follow OSHA safety regulations
• And more

Regardless of whether your employer was negligent, you are entitled to benefits. We’re here to help you get the fair benefits you deserve. Just give us a quick call today to learn more about your rights.

Evidence in Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claims

Collecting evidence is vital for strengthening your workers’ compensation claim and increasing your chances of receiving the necessary benefits for recovery. Essential types of evidence to support your claim include the following:

• Medical Records: Medical records are crucial and should include your doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan, hospital records outlining care and complications, and specialist reports for a comprehensive view of your injuries and treatment needs.
• Witness Statements: Witnesses offer valuable, objective perspectives on the accident. This includes coworkers who saw the event, supervisors who can comment on safety practices, and any neutral observers. If possible, collect their contact information immediately after the accident.
• Employer Documentation: Documents from your workplace, such as the accident report, photos or videos of the incident, and safety protocol records, can provide context and evidence of the conditions leading to the injury.
• Financial Documentation: Keep records of all medical expenses, lost wages, mileage to and from doctor appointments, and any other injury-related costs to establish the financial impact of your injury.

Prompt medical care and detailed documentation of the injury and its aftermath are critical for protecting your rights and safety. Records of your personal observations and experiences can also significantly support your claim. A Hasner Law attorney can assist in gathering and organizing these pieces of evidence to advocate for you.

The Role of Evidence in a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claim

Through workers’ compensation insurance, injured workers can claim benefits regardless of fault. However, presenting solid evidence is still essential for a successful claim. Evidence can make a difference in the success of your case in the following ways:

• Validating Your Claim: Even in a no-fault system, you must prove your injury or illness occurred while engaging in your job duties. This ensures your claim is recognized and processed efficiently, leading to quicker benefits.
• Confirming the Severity of the Injury: Detailed medical documentation is critical for proving the extent of your injury. This is crucial for securing the right level of benefits and covering necessary treatments and rehabilitation costs.
• Determining Benefit Amounts: Pay stubs and medical bills are key to accurately calculating your entitled benefits for lost wages and healthcare costs. At Hasner Law, we focus on securing benefits that meet your immediate and future needs.
• Overcoming Disputes or Denials: Strong evidence is your best defense against challenges or rejections of your claim by employers or insurers, as it confirms the validity of your case.
• Negotiating Settlements: In settlement discussions, evidence clarifies your needs, helping to establish a fair settlement amount that reflects your losses.
• Trial Preparation: If your claim goes to trial, evidence becomes even more critical. A Hasner Law attorney will utilize this evidence to argue for the legitimacy of your claim effectively.

At Hasner Law, our attorneys can meticulously investigate your case to collect and organize evidence to support your claim. When you partner with us, you can trust us to do everything in our power to fight for you.

How Long Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?

Georgia has strict rules about claiming workers’ compensation. You’re required to report your injury to your employer within 30 days. Otherwise, you risk losing your right to benefits. In most circumstances, the statute of limitations for workers’ compensation in Georgia is one year from the date of the accident. However, there are situations where there can be additional deadlines to keep track of regarding your benefits.

In third-party claims cases, the statute of limitations in Georgia gives you two years to file a lawsuit for additional damages.

What Are My Legal Options if My Claim Is Denied?

When an insurance company denies a workers’ compensation claim, the adjuster often questions the injury’s validity or if it actually occurred on the job. In Georgia, insurers may cover medical treatments without providing indemnity benefits for lost wages, even if the employee’s working capacity is reduced.

When medical costs are covered but wage replacement benefits are not, it essentially amounts to a claim denial. Depending on the certain circumstances surrounding the denial, employees can challenge such by promptly requesting a hearing, ensuring to act before the statute of limitations expires. The pre-hearing stage involves exchanging information through discovery, including interrogatories, document requests, depositions and gathering medical records.

The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation will issue a notice for the hearing, detailing its timing, location, and the presiding administrative law judge, who addresses all preliminary issues and also oversees the hearing. 

The skilled attorneys at Hasner Law are well-versed in handling appeals for denials. We are ready to apply our wealth of experience and skills to help you recover the maximum benefits available for your losses.

Contact a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney for a Free Consultation

At Hasner Law, our attorneys have over 100 years of combined experience helping injured workers in Georgia recover the benefits they deserve. We understand the unique complexities of these cases and are ready to fight aggressively for a favorable outcome for your case. When you partner with us, you can have peace of mind that a seasoned attorney will handle every detail of your case as you heal and recover.  

Hurt on the job in Georgia? Call us at (678) 928-8784 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney today. We’re here to help you fight for the maximum benefits you deserve.