Georgia Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Schedule a Free Case Review With a Top Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Georgia workers’ compensation attorneys are compassionate, experienced, and driven by justice. A job-related accident or illness can disrupt your entire life. It is imperative that you know how to effectively navigate the claims process. If you or your loved one was hurt on the job, we are more than ready to help. Contact us at our Athens office or our Loganville office for a free, no-obligation initial consultation with a top workers’ comp lawyer.

What to Do After Being Hurt On the Job in Georgia

Were you injured or made ill while on the job in Georgia? It is imperative that you take a proactive approach to protect your rights and your interests. Here are four of the most important things to do:

Get Immediate Medical Care: All serious work-related injuries should be evaluated and treated by a licensed physician. It is your right to see a doctor. Quick treatment helps prevent complications and creates a clear medical record of your injury. If you do not see a doctor, you cannot bring a workers’ compensation claim.

Report Your Accident to Your Employer: Under Georgia law, you are required to notify your employer of the injury within 30 days. To best protect your rights, you should report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, preferably in writing. Be specific about what happened, where, and when. A delay in reporting can cause big problems.

File for Workers’ Comp Benefits: Reporting your work accident to your employer is not enough to apply for benefits. To get compensation, you must file Form WC-14 with the Georgia Board of Workers’ Compensation. Doing so is what actually starts your official claim. A workers’ comp lawyer can help you with your initial claim.

Appeal a Denial (If Necessary): Unfortunately, some people struggle to get access to their workers’ comp benefits after a job-related accident in Georgia. A denial is not the end of the road. You have the right to appeal a workers’ comp denial. A Georgia workers’ comp attorney will represent you through all of the stages of the appeals process.

Your Guide to Georgia Workers’ Comp Laws

Georgia is a no-fault workers’ comp state (O.C.G.A. Title 34, Chapter 9). Virtually all employers in Georgia are required to provide no-fault workers’ compensation coverage to virtually all of their employees, including part-time employees and seasonal employees. You do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive compensation. Instead, you must prove that:

You were injured or made ill within the course and scope of your employment; and
You notified your employer of the incident in a timely manner (generally 30 days).

Know the Different Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits

Workers’ comp benefits are designed to help injured workers support themselves and their families after a job-related accident/incident. Here is an overview of workers’ comp benefits in Georgia:

Medical Benefits: Your medical needs are a top priority. Workers’ comp in Georgia covers all authorized, necessary medical treatment for work injuries. It is crucial that injured workers are able to get all of their medical expenses covered.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD benefits are wage replacements for when you are unable to work at all due to an injury. It is usually paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage pre-accident, subject to the Georgia state maximum benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): You may be so badly hurt that you will endure permanent effects. PPD benefits are compensation for permanent impairment. They are based on your disability rating.
Death Benefits: Sadly, fatal workplace accidents do happen every year in Georgia. If a worker dies due to a job-related injury, his or her dependents may receive financial support in the form of death benefits.

Understanding Workers’ Compensation Appeals in Georgia

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal. In Georgia, the first step to appeal a workers’ comp denial is to request a hearing before an administrative law judge with the State Board. During this part of the process, you will have an opportunity to present evidence and, potentially, even call witnesses. If the judge rules against you, you can appeal further to the Appellate Division. Workers’ comp appeals are complex. You should speak to a Georgia workers’ comp appeals lawyer as soon as possible after receiving a denial letter.

You May Also Have a Third-Party Liability Lawsuit for a Work Injury in Georgia

Although you cannot file a personal injury lawsuit against your employer, as your workers’ comp claim is your sole remedy, you may have a fault-based claim against any negligent non-employer third party. A third-party liability claim is a separate legal action you can take if someone other than your employer or co-worker caused your workplace injury. Some common examples include:

Contractors and subcontractors;
Negligent drivers;
Equipment manufacturers, and
Property owners.

Unlike a workers’ comp claim, these claims are fault-based cases. You must prove negligence by a third party in order to establish liability. These cases are handled in civil court and can provide broader recovery. For example, you may be able to obtain compensation for pain and suffering. Our Georgia work injury lawyer can help you navigate a third-party liability claim.

How the Georgia Workers’ Comp Law Team at The Larrison Law Firm Can Help

Hurt in an accident on the job in Georgia? You need a top-tier attorney on your side. At The Larrison Law Firm, we represent injured workers with compassion, integrity, and diligence. Our case results tell the story of what we can do for injured workers.

When you contact us at our Athens office or our Loganville office, you will have a chance to consult with a Georgia workers’ comp lawyer who can:

Listen to what you have to say and answer questions about workers’ comp laws.
Investigate your workplace accident in Georgia, gathering all relevant evidence.
Handle the workers’ compensation claims paperwork; and
Take whatever action is required to help you or your loved one get the maximum benefits.

Contact Our Georgia Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Immediate Help

At The Larrison Law Firm, our Georgia workers’ comp attorneys put people and families first. We know how to hold employers and insurance companies accountable. Hurt on the job? We are more than ready to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation initial consultation.

With offices in Athens and Loganville, we represent injured workers throughout the Georgia region.