Most Common Workers’ Comp Injuries in Athens

A workplace injury may qualify for medical care, replacement income, and disability compensation. Understanding common injuries may help you pursue your benefits.

From the experienced Athens workers’ compensation lawyers at Larrison Law Firm, here are the most common workers’ comp injuries in Athens, GA.

10 Most Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries in Athens, GA

1. Sprains, strains, and tears

Soft tissue injury is trauma to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues of the body. A person may suffer from a sprained ankle, a torn ligament, tendonitis, or a hernia. Soft tissue injuries can significantly impair workplace activity, including walking, lifting, and writing.

2. Back injuries

Examples of common workplace back injuries are herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and muscle strain. A pinched nerve may cause significant pain. Back injuries vary in severity. Some injuries may improve with rest and a slow return to activity, but surgery may be required.

3. Brain injury

Traumatic brain injury is a disruption to normal brain activity from trauma. It may include concussion and loss of consciousness. Brain injury may occur with or without an object penetrating the skull. When a brain injury occurs in the workplace, the injury may be more serious than it initially seems. Time to recover may be critical because secondary brain trauma can be especially harmful.

4. Bone fracture

When more force is placed on the bone than it can withstand, the bone can break. The person may hear a pop or snapping sound, followed by significant pain. It may be painful to touch or move the affected limb. There may be visible deformity. Broken bones commonly take 6-8 weeks to heal. A splint, boot, and mobility devices may be required. Surgery to set the bone may be necessary.

5. Cuts and bruises

Cuts can cause pain, bleeding, and risk of infection. Cuts and bruises may result from encountering sharp objects or surfaces, from crushing injury, or a collision. The injured person may need medical attention to stop bleeding, clean the wound, limit the risk of infection, and manage pain.

6. Amputation, dislocation

Fingers, hands, and feet are at risk for amputation in the workplace. Machinery malfunction or misuse is a common cause. Failing to follow lockout and tagout procedures can cause accidents that result in amputation.

Joint dislocation may result from falls, falling objects, and machinery accidents. The tissue that surrounds the joint may also suffer harm.

7. Burns, electric shock

A burn in the workplace may be caused by flame, heat, steam, chemicals, electricity, or radiation. A burn may result in a scar. There is risk of infection. Proper medical care can minimize these risks.

8. Paralysis

When a workplace injury results in a permanent disability, like paralysis, the injured worker may qualify for lifetime medical benefits and extended income payments. Paralysis may be complete or partial. The person may lose voluntary muscle movement. They may also suffer nerve pain and damage to bodily systems.

9. Cumulative trauma

Repetitive tasks over time may result in cumulative trauma. A person may experience chronic pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. Examples of cumulative trauma injuries are carpal tunnel and tendonitis.

10. Occupational diseases

Exposure to noise in the workplace can cause hearing loss. Exposure to dust and chemicals may cause respiratory distress. These conditions can develop gradually. A person may also experience acute toxicity.

See :U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses Data

Employers with the Most Workplace Injuries and Fatalities in Georgia

Workplace injury can occur in any job or profession. But in Georgia, 55% of workplace injuries and illnesses occur in two sectors: trade, transportation and utilities, and education and health services. These industries make up 39% of employment in Georgia but result in 55% of workplace injuries.

The rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses in Georgia’s private industry is 2.5 per 100 workers. In the reporting period, there were 78,100 reported workplace injuries and illnesses. 53% of injuries resulted in missed work or work limitations.

Causes of Workers’ Comp Fatalities in Georgia

In Georgia, there were 209 fatal work injuries in a one-year period (2022). The primary event or exposure causing the fatalities was:

• Transportation incidents, including car accidents
• Slips, trips, and falls
• Struck by an object
• Harmful exposure
• Violence

Fatal workplace accidents occurred in a variety of industries, but were most common in transportation, construction, manufacturing, and professional services.

See Fatal Occupational Injuries in Georgia – 2022.

Workplace Injuries in Athens, GA

Athens, GA, is a large and thriving city 70 miles northeast of Atlanta. It is the county seat of Athens-Clarke County. The largest employer in Athens, GA, is the University of Georgia. Other leading employers include Piedmont Athens Regional Medical Center, the St. Mary’s Health Care System, Pilgrim’s, and Caterpillar.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the Athens-Clarke County, GA, civilian labor force is approximately 110,100 workers, as of December 2025. Industries employing the most workers are: manufacturing, trade, transportation and utilities, professional and business services, education and health services, leisure and hospitality, and government.

With diverse employment in the Athens area, workplace injuries vary significantly. Each employee may receive medical care for qualifying injuries under the Georgia workers’ compensation system.

Treatment for Workplace Injuries in Athens, GA

A person who is hurt on the job in Athens, GA, may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. It doesn’t matter if your injuries are common or uncommon – if you are hurt and you qualify for workers’ compensation, you may claim benefits.

How Do I Know if I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Treatment for my Injuries?

To qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, the injury must arise out of and in the scope of employment. You must not be disqualified for any reason, like intoxication or willful misconduct.

The injured worker must take the right steps to claim their benefits. That means reporting the workplace injury to the employer immediately. It means going to an authorized medical care provider.

More from Larrison Law Firm: Can you see your own doctor after a work injury in Athens?

What Medical Care is covered in Athens, GA Workers’ Compensation?

In Athens, GA workers’ compensation, you may receive medical care to:

• Cure
• Give relief
• Restore to suitable employment

Common types of medical care include:

• Medical attention
• Hospital care
• Surgery
• Treatment
• Medical supplies, aids
• Prescription medications
• Prosthetic devices
• Durable medical equipment
• Physical therapy

See O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.

Larrison Law Firm represents injured workers. You can have an experienced attorney assist you with your claim.

What To Do

If you’ve been injured on the job, here’s what to do next:

• Receive medical care: Seek emergency care from the nearest appropriate provider. Seek other medical care from an employer-authorized provider.
• Report the injury to the employer as soon as possible: Failing to report can mean losing your benefits.
• Continue your medical benefits: Follow instructions and attend appointments.
• Save records: Keep information relating to the injury and your employment.
• Understand your benefits: Learn about the benefits you may qualify to receive.
• File a Claim: To file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia, complete WC-14. Submit it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Provide a copy to the employer and their insurance carrier.
• Contact an Attorney: It’s never too early to have a lawyer working on your case.

A lawyer can identify the benefits you may qualify to receive. Your lawyer can protect your rights.

More from Larrison Law Firm: How Long Does Workers’ Comp Last in Georgia?

Talk to a Lawyer

It doesn’t matter if your injuries are common or uncommon – you deserve the benefits you are entitled to under the law.

Larrison Law Firm is an Athens, GA workers’ compensation lawyer. Our law firm represents injured workers. We know the most common workers’ comp injuries, and we are committed to assisting employees in getting their benefits.

Talk to an attorney and get representation today. Call or message us now.