If you were injured at work in Atlanta, you may be wondering, “How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta, Georgia?” When you’re focused on recovery and not receiving a paycheck, the thought of legal fees can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, Georgia law is designed so that you don’t have to worry about paying any attorney fees upfront.
Workers’ compensation lawyers in Atlanta, GA work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they help you recover benefits. You do not have to pay anything out of your own pocket to get started. This fee system allows injured workers to get legal help even if they are not working or earning income.
If you’re unsure about legal costs, a free consultation can help you understand how the fee system works and what to expect.
Call Hasner Law PC at 678-888-HURT (4878) for a free and private case review today.
Table of Content
- How Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Atlanta Charge for Legal Representation
- Understanding the 25 Percent Attorney Fee Cap in Georgia Workers’ Comp Cases
- How Georgia’s State Board Regulates Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Fees
- How Georgia Workers’ Comp Laws Differ and Why Local Legal Experience Matters
- Do I Have to Pay Out-of-Pocket Costs in a Georgia Workers’ Comp Case?
- Why Hiring a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Atlanta Can Improve Your Case Outcome
- Exceptions to the Standard Workers’ Comp Attorney Fees in Georgia
- FAQs for Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
- Get Legal Help for Your Workers’ Comp Case in Atlanta With No Upfront Fees
How Workers’ Comp Lawyers in Atlanta Charge for Legal Representation
Many people who are hurt at work want to know how much it costs to hire a lawyer for a workers’ compensation claim. In Georgia, the system is designed so that you can get legal help without having to pay anything up front.
At Hasner Law, as with most workers’ compensation firms in Georgia, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means our payment depends entirely on the outcome of your case.
We only receive a fee if we successfully recover benefits on your behalf, and that fee comes from a portion of the recovery. If your case is not successful, you owe nothing for our time or services.
You are not required to pay a retainer or cover monthly legal bills. This structure is designed to relieve financial pressure, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle your claim and pursue the benefits you are entitled to receive.
Understanding the 25 Percent Attorney Fee Cap in Georgia Workers’ Comp Cases
Georgia law sets a clear limit on how much a workers’ compensation attorney can charge.The law says attorney fees cannot be more than 25 percent of your weekly checks or settlement. This limit applies to income benefits, such as temporary or permanent disability payments, or a lump-sum settlement.
When your case is resolved, the settlement funds are sent directly to our law firm’s trust account. From that total amount, we deduct our attorney fee and reimburse any case-related expenses we covered in advance. The remaining balance is then paid to you. You will receive a detailed settlement statement that clearly shows how the funds were distributed.
It’s also important to know that attorney fees apply only to income benefits, such as weekly checks or a lump-sum settlement. They do not affect your medical coverage.
Under Georgia law, your employer’s insurance company is required to pay for all authorized medical care, including doctor visits, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, and surgeries. Although legal support may be needed to obtain approval for medical care, attorney fees are never taken from your medical benefits.
How Georgia’s State Board Regulates Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Fees
Every attorney fee agreement in a Georgia workers’ compensation case must be submitted to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation for approval. The Board reviews each agreement to confirm that the fee is reasonable and follows state law.
If a lawyer requests more than the permitted amount or includes charges that are not allowed, the Board has the authority to deny the agreement. This review process helps protect injured workers and provides added confidence when choosing to hire a lawyer.
How Georgia Workers’ Comp Laws Differ and Why Local Legal Experience Matters
When thinking about the cost of hiring a workers’ comp lawyer in Atlanta, it’s also helpful to know how the local system works. Georgia’s rules are different from other states, and the process has some important steps.
For example, you can’t choose any doctor you want for your work injury. You must select from a list of approved providers given by your employer or their insurance company. This is called the panel of physicians, and it’s a Georgia-specific rule.
Working with a lawyer who is familiar with how workers’ compensation cases are handled in Atlanta can also be an advantage. That local experience can help move your case forward and may improve your results.
Do I Have to Pay Out-of-Pocket Costs in a Georgia Workers’ Comp Case?
Besides attorney fees, workers’ compensation cases sometimes come with other costs. These are known as case expenses and may include:
- Filing fees with the State Board
- Medical record requests
- Court reporter fees for depositions
- Expert witness charges in complex claims
These costs help support your case and may be needed to prove your right to benefits. At Hasner Law, we cover all of these expenses up front.
You won’t have to pay out of your own pocket while your case is active. If we win your case, the costs are paid back from your recovery after the 25 percent fee is taken out.
Injured workers should not have to choose between pursuing medical care and protecting their legal rights.
Why Hiring a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Atlanta Can Improve Your Case Outcome
If you’re worried about your finances, it makes sense to wonder whether hiring a lawyer is worth it. But it’s just as important to think about what you might lose by not having an experienced attorney on your side.
The workers’ compensation system can be complicated, and insurance companies have teams of professionals whose job is to limit how much they pay. Their priorities may not align with your goal of receiving the full benefits allowed under the law.
How Legal Representation Protects You From Insurance Tactics
An insurance adjuster may try to use their superior knowledge of the system to their advantage. They may pressure you into giving a recorded statement that can be used against you or try to convince you to accept a low settlement offer before your medical condition has stabilized.
Retaining an attorney immediately signals to the insurer that you are serious about your rights and will not be taken advantage of. All communication must then go through your lawyer, which protects you from these direct pressure tactics.
Making Sure You Receive Every Workers’ Compensation Benefit You’re Owed
An experienced attorney makes sure you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to under Georgia law. We review your average weekly wage for accuracy, push back when medical care is denied, and dispute low disability ratings that could lower your claim’s value.
What Happens If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied in Georgia?
If your claim is denied, you are no longer dealing only with an adjuster. You are entering a formal legal process that may include depositions, mediation, and a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Facing this process without legal help, especially against experienced insurance attorneys, can be extremely difficult. A workers’ comp lawyer will manage the entire appeal, from filing to courtroom representation, giving you the best chance at a fair outcome.
While the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics tracks how often work injuries happen, it does not show how many valid claims are wrongly denied, making legal representation even more important.
Exceptions to the Standard Workers’ Comp Attorney Fees in Georgia
Most workers’ comp cases in Georgia follow the same rule. The lawyer can take up to 25 percent of your weekly checks or settlement. When considering how much it costs to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta, it is also important to understand that some cases involve additional complexities:
- Fee Requests Reviewed by the State Board: In certain complex cases, an attorney may ask to charge more than the usual 25 percent. This is only allowed if the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation reviews the request and finds it reasonable. The Board considers the time spent on the case, the work completed, and the outcome before making a decision.
- Third-party Injury Claims: If someone outside your workplace caused your injury, such as in a car accident while you were on the job, you may also have a personal injury claim. Personal injury cases follow different rules and are not limited by the 25 percent fee cap. These cases often involve a separate fee agreement.
- Multiple Claims Handled together: Some workers’ compensation cases are filed at the same time as a Social Security Disability (SSDI) claim. When this happens, each claim is subject to its own set of rules. Workers’ compensation fees are reviewed by the State Board, while SSDI fees must be approved by the Social Security Administration.
If your case is one of these special types, a lawyer will go over all the details with you. At Hasner Law, we explain our fees in plain language before you sign anything. That way, you know how your case will be handled from the start.
FAQs for Workers’ Compensation Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia
Do I have to pay a lawyer if I lose my workers’ comp case?
In most Georgia workers’ compensation cases, attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay any legal fees unless your lawyer successfully recovers income benefits on your behalf. If your case is not successful, you typically owe nothing for the attorney’s time or services. This arrangement allows injured workers to get legal help without taking on financial risk.
Is the 25 percent attorney fee taken before or after case costs are paid?
The 25 percent fee is taken from the full settlement or award amount before anything else is paid. After the fee is deducted, any case costs we advanced are then repaid. You receive the remaining balance. We give you a detailed settlement statement so you can see exactly how the funds are divided.
Can a workers’ comp lawyer help me even if my case has not been denied?
Even if you are already receiving weekly checks, an attorney can still help. We can check that your benefits are correct, help if you are having trouble getting medical care approved, and give advice if the insurance company sends you for an Independent Medical Examination. We can also negotiate a full and fair settlement that protects your future needs.
What if I cannot afford to get medical records or pay for a doctor’s report?
In most workers’ compensation cases, law firms like Hasner Law cover the costs required to prepare your claim. This includes expenses for medical records, expert reports, and other important documentation.
These costs are only repaid if your case is successful and results in a settlement or award. You are not expected to pay for them upfront.
Is hiring a lawyer likely to lead to a better settlement?
While no outcome is guaranteed, hiring a lawyer often improves the chances of a favorable result. A workers’ compensation attorney understands how to assess the value of a claim, gather and present strong evidence, and respond effectively to insurance company strategies. Legal experience can make a meaningful difference in negotiating a settlement that reflects the full scope of the worker’s needs.
Get Legal Help for Your Workers’ Comp Case in Atlanta With No Upfront Fees
If you’ve been injured at work and are unable to earn a paycheck, the idea of hiring a lawyer can feel like an added burden during an already stressful time. But if you’re asking, “How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation attorney in Atlanta, Georgia?”, the answer is straightforward: there is no upfront cost to get legal help.
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is structured to give injured workers access to legal representation without creating more financial strain. Your ability to receive legal support should not depend on whether you can afford to pay out of pocket.
If you’re dealing with a serious injury and trying to understand your options, speaking with a workers’ compensation attorney can provide clarity and direction. Legal guidance can help you protect your rights, your income, and your future.
Call Hasner Law at 678-888-HURT (4878) for a free consultation. A team member will review your case and explain your options during a free consultation.
Hasner Law: Atlanta Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
2839 Paces Ferry Rd SE #1050
Atlanta, GA 30339
Ph: (678) 888-4878
