LEGALLY REVIEWED BY:
Stephen R. Hasner
Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
May 17, 2024

Atlanta Workers Compensation Lawyer

Are you suffering from a work-related injury or illness in Atlanta, Georgia? If so, the Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at Hasner Law can help you get the full amount of compensation you’re due for your medical bills and lost wages.

Hasner Law is a leader in the fight for workers’ rights. Our top-rated trial attorneys have more than 80 years of combined legal experience. We’re committed to getting each and every client every dollar they deserve. We’ve already recovered millions of dollars in life-changing settlements and verdicts for injured victims like you.

Contact our workers’ compensation attorneys today for a free consultation or call us at (678) 888-4878 if you were injured on the job. There’s no risk to you.

What Are the Most Dangerous Industries in Atlanta? 

Every job comes with its own set of risks, regardless of the field. Yet, it’s evident that certain professions pose significantly higher dangers than others. For instance, a person working in a factory is likely to face more hazardous conditions during their daily tasks compared to someone working as a receptionist. If you’ve suffered an injury while working in Atlanta, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits.

The following are some of the most perilous jobs and sectors in Atlanta, Georgia, along with the reasons they are more prone to injuries.

Delivery and Commercial Trucking Industry 

In Georgia, the occupations with the highest fatality rates often involve extensive driving, which is no mere coincidence. Regular driving, a task many of us undertake daily, ranks among the riskier activities, especially for those in the trucking and delivery sectors. These jobs combine two risky factors: navigating large vehicles through congested traffic and the regular handling of heavy items.

While proper safety training can reduce these risks, drivers inherently face hazards each time they embark on long-haul journeys to transport goods.

Medical and Healthcare Industry 

Healthcare workers in nursing homes and specialized care centers help our communities immensely. The physical demands of their job, including assisting, transferring, and lifting patients, often result in chronic back issues and strain on their joints.

Additionally, healthcare providers in psychiatric units or facilities offering specialized treatments face a constant threat of injury when interacting with patients who may become aggressive or violent.

Industrial and Factory Industries 

It’s widely acknowledged that individuals employed in warehouses and factories face a greater likelihood of sustaining serious injuries. Workers in the manufacturing sector often report suffering from joint and muscle discomfort, a consequence of regularly lifting and transporting goods along assembly lines.

Moreover, the presence of heavy and potentially hazardous machinery increases the risk of severe accidents. These dangers vary from life-threatening, such as fatal outcomes from machinery malfunctions, to the grievously common, including severe injuries like degloving, where the skin is dramatically separated from the tissue beneath, or the amputation of fingers caught in equipment.

Factor in the extended working hours, which can lead to carelessness driven by exhaustion, and it’s clear why such environments are prone to workplace accidents.

These conditions highlight the vital need for rigorous safety protocols and thorough training. Inadequate training can result in a lack of awareness about essential safety practices among workers, making education just as important as physical safeguards in preventing occupational accidents.

Fishing and Logging Industries 

Logging and fishing, while offering the allure of the great outdoors and a connection with nature, come with their own set of significant risks that cannot be overlooked. These occupations require not only physical resilience due to the necessity of being on one’s feet and moving throughout the day but also the mental acuity to safely navigate the challenges presented by the environment and the job’s demands.

For loggers, the work involves the felling, cutting, and transporting of trees—a process that is inherently hazardous. The use of chainsaws, felling axes, and other cutting tools, combined with the unpredictable nature of falling trees, significantly increases the risk of injuries. Factors such as uneven terrain, changing weather conditions, and the remote locations of logging sites can further complicate safety measures and emergency responses.

Fishing, on the other hand, requires dealing with the unpredictability of the sea or water bodies, handling fishing equipment, and often performing tasks under harsh weather conditions. Risk of slips and falls on wet decks, injuries from fishing gear, and the potential for overboard incidents are constant concerns. The physical strain of pulling nets and lifting catches can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.

Both loggers and fishers are exposed to the risk of serious injury from sharp objects and machinery, a risk that is magnified when fatigue sets in. Long hours, physically demanding tasks, and the repetitive nature of certain actions contribute to a heightened risk of accidents. Moreover, companies that do not prioritize safety protocols or fail to provide adequate training and protective gear exacerbate these risks, putting workers in a precarious position.

This underscores the importance of stringent safety measures, comprehensive training, and the provision of appropriate safety equipment. Adherence to safety protocols not only helps in mitigating the inherent risks associated with logging and fishing but also fosters a culture of safety that may greatly reduce the occurrence of accidents and injuries. Employers have an essential role in ensuring workers are well-informed about the risks and are equipped to handle the challenges of these demanding jobs safely.

Construction Industry 

Atlanta’s construction sector is not just growing; it’s thriving. With an anticipated growth rate of 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, the demand for construction laborers and helpers is set to outstrip the average growth rate for all job categories in Georgia. This boom reflects a vibrant expansion phase, as evidenced by the 1,643,900 construction positions filled across the state in 2019, showcasing the industry’s significant contribution to the state’s economy and infrastructure development.

However, the flip side to this robust growth is the heightened risk associated with construction work. The industry is notorious for its safety hazards, as underscored by the alarming statistic that in Georgia, the private construction sector had the most significant number of work-related fatalities, totaling 47, with transportation accidents accounting for 10 of these. This stark figure highlights the inherent dangers of construction work, further emphasized by the fact that in 2016, one in every five worker deaths in the state was related to construction.

The risks faced by construction workers are so prevalent the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has delineated the “Fatal Four” hazards that are the most common causes of fatalities in the sector. These are:

  • Falls: This category includes falls from ladders, scaffolds, and roofs, which are tragically common due to the high elevations at which many construction activities are performed. The risk is exacerbated by unstable working surfaces and the lack of proper fall protection measures in place.
  • Struck by Object: Workers are often hit by falling, swinging, or misplaced objects. This risk is particularly high in zones where heavy materials are being lifted or moved and where buildings or structures are being demolished.
  • Electrocutions: The presence of live electrical wires without adequate safety measures and the misuse of equipment can lead to fatal electrocution incidents. These incidents highlight the need for proper electrical safety practices and training.
  • Caught-In/Between: This category includes accidents where workers are caught in or compressed by equipment and objects or caught, struck, or crushed in a collapsing structure, by equipment, or by materials. Such incidents often result from the failure to lockout/tagout machinery properly before maintenance or from working in unprotected trenches or excavation sites.

Addressing these hazards requires a concerted effort from both employers and employees to adhere to safety protocols, engage in continuous safety training, and utilize protective gear. By focusing on mitigating the “Fatal Four,” the construction industry in Atlanta and beyond can work towards significantly reducing the number of fatalities and creating a safer working environment for all its workers.

Can I Sue My Employer if They Have Workers’ Compensation Insurance?

In Georgia, workers’ compensation laws are made to provide swift financial support for injured employees. It’s also designed to protect employers from lawsuits. If your employer has workers’ comp insurance, you’ll waive your right to sue them for injury-related damages. You’ll be required to go through the workers’ compensation system instead.

There are limited exceptions to this rule. You may have a legitimate case if they failed to purchase a workers’ comp insurance policy, denied your claim without justification, or weren’t required to have it. 

How Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Can Help You With Your Claim

If you’re injured at work, you might think that all you have to do is report the accident to your employer to get your workers’ compensation benefits. He might have even told you that you don’t need a lawyer.

But the system is designed to benefit employers and insurance companies, not injured workers. When you file a claim, you have to follow rigid procedures and meet strict deadlines. Your employers’ insurance carrier will put obstacles between you and the justice you deserve. Simple mistakes could cost you valuable compensation; that’s why you need professional legal advice and representation.

Hiring the best attorney can make a significant difference in your case.

The Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys at Hasner Law will:

  • Investigate your accident
  • Monitor the progress of your workers’ comp claims and challenge any claims which are denied
  • If necessary, hire experts to make sure your needs are accurately documented
  • Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
  • Advocate for you before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation if your claim is denied
  • File a personal injury lawsuit if there is a third party liable & get started on your case

At Hasner Law, our workers’ compensation attorneys in Atlanta, GA have more than 80 years of professional experience handling complex workers’ compensation claims with great results. We know Georgia workers’ compensation laws inside and out. We know what steps need to be taken to not only secure benefits on your behalf but to get you what you should be paid under the law.

How Much Is My Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Claim Worth?

You’re entitled to compensation for all of your bills as well as a portion of your lost wages – the exact amount depends on whether and when you can return to work.

The value of these items will vary in each case, depending on:

  • The severity of your injury
  • Whether you can return to the same job in the same capacity
  • How long your recovery will take
  • Whether your accident was the result of your violation of safety

When bills are piling up, you will face a long recovery, and you need a team you can trust to give you the personal attention you deserve and one that knows Georgia workers’ compensation law inside and out.

Our founding attorney is committed to ensuring workers receive fair treatment throughout the workers’ compensation process. He’s so passionate about workers’ rights that he co-founded the Georgia Injured Workers’ Advocates, a group dedicated to protecting injured workers throughout the state. We’ll fight hard to maximize your award.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Atlanta?

It varies. Many workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis. This means the attorneys will get a percentage of the money they recover for you. This prevents you from having to give money up front, and you don’t pay anything if they don’t win your case.

The state of Georgia limits the percentage of the fee that can be paid to your attorney in workers’ compensation cases. The fee is capped at 25% of the weekly income benefits. You’ll always get 100% of your medical bills.

Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation Benefits under Georgia Law?

In the state of Georgia, most employers with three or more regular workers must carry workers’ compensation insurance.

Full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees qualify for these insurance benefits if they suffer a work injury while performing work-related responsibilities. 

Traveling employees also tend to qualify for benefits, while independent contractors generally do not. Employees for federal government agencies, farm laborers, domestic servants, and railroad carriers are also not eligible for workers’ comp in the state of Georgia.

Do I Qualify for Workers’ Compensation if I Don’t Get Hurt at Work?

You don’t have to get hurt on your employer’s premises to qualify. You can also successfully secure workers’ comp benefits if you get hurt while performing a job-related task or responsibility.

For example, let’s say you were driving a work van to transport materials to a job site when you got into a car accident. You’d qualify for workers’ comp since you were asked to complete a task within the scope of your employment that put your life at risk.

Can I Sue a Third Party for Additional Money?

Workplace accidents occur for all kinds of reasons. If a party other than your employer contributed to your accident, you might be able to file a third-party lawsuit with the help of an Atlanta personal injury attorney to recover compensation. 

If you file a personal injury lawsuit, you’ll be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering, which workers’ compensation doesn’t cover. And, the amount you can receive for expenses in a lawsuit is typically much higher than you’d get from workers’ compensation benefits.

You can sometimes recover benefits for workers’ compensation and additional damages in a third-party lawsuit. 

Can I Sue My Employer for Denying My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Generally, no. While you’re usually entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after an injury, there are some valid reasons why your claim may be denied.

For example, if you fail to report your accident within 30 days, you are no longer entitled to anything. You’re also not entitled to any benefit for injuries sustained while doing something outside the scope of your employment.

But workers’ comp claims are often denied for other reasons that may not be valid. And you do have options if your employer denies your workers’ comp benefits. You can file a claim and request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

At the hearing, you’ll have the chance to tell the Administrative Law Judge why you’re entitled to benefits. Your insurance company will also be at the hearing to tell the judge its reasons for the denial. The judge will weigh the evidence regarding your claim.

The State Board can also investigate any claims that your employer denied your claim in bad faith. If you think this happened to you, speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer for advice on how to proceed.

What Are My Rights Under Georgia Workers’ Compensation Laws?

As an employee, you have nine specific rights. They’re actually called the Bill of Rights for the Injured Worker. These include:

  1. Right to medical and income benefits.
  2. Right to choose one of the employer-provided list of six doctors.
    1. You may make one switch to another option without your employer’s permission.
    2. In an emergency, you can get help from any doctor. Once the emergency is over, you must see one from the list.
  3. Payment of authorized expenses related to your injury caused while you were working. Covered expenses include:
    1. Doctor bills
    2. Hospital bills
    3. Rehabilitation (in some cases)
    4. Physical therapy
    5. Medication
    6. Medically necessary travel expenses
  4. Weekly income benefits if you missed more than seven days of work. Your first check should be mailed within 21 days after your first missed day of work. 
  5. If you sustain a catastrophic injury, you’re entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage until you can return to work (up to what’s set by law).
  6. If you receive a non-catastrophic injury, you’re entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to what’s set by law) for up to 400 weeks.
  7. If you can return to work at a lower-paying job, you’re entitled to two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to what’s set by law) for up to 350 weeks.
  8. If you’re killed in a fatal accident, your dependents will be paid burial expenses up to $7,500 and also two-thirds of your average weekly wage (up to what’s set by law).
  9. If you don’t receive your benefits on time, your employer’s insurance company pays a penalty. The penalty is added to your benefits.

Hiring a qualified workers’ compensation lawyer can help you get justice and secure your financial award. Get started with your case evaluation and answer all your frequently asked questions about Georgia’s law.

Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed for an Accident at Work?

In most cases, yes. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. That means you will be eligible even if you caused the accident. 

However, there are some exceptions.

If you were using drugs or alcohol during the accident, your claim could be denied. Or, if your conduct was intentional or malicious, you could risk your right to benefits.

We Handle All Workers’ Compensation Claims

Working on some jobs certainly carries more risks. Whether you slipped and fell in the office or fell from scaffolding in a construction accident, our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys can help.

These accidents commonly occur in these fields:

  • Construction
  • Transportation
  • Warehousing 
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining 
  • Health care
  • Social assistance
  • Food processing

The causes include:

We can help you file a claim to cover all of the medical treatment that you need. And we’ll fight hard against unfair denials.

How Much Time Do I Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

You should report your accident immediately. You must do it within 30 days, or you could forfeit your rights.

If a third-party is responsible, you’ll have just two years to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit.

Our experienced team of Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys is well-equipped to thoroughly evaluate the circumstances of your accident and take action quickly to make sure you don’t miss important deadlines that could compromise your case.

What Mistakes Could Compromise My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Even though you’re entitled to certain benefits, you must follow the rules to obtain any. 

Making these mistakes frequently could cause your claim to be denied:

  1. Failure to report your accident on time. You shouldn’t wait longer than 30 days, or your claim will likely be denied for missing the deadline.
  2. Failure to choose an approved medical provider. Unless you need emergency care, you must select a doctor from your employer’s options on their Panel of Physicians.
  3. Failure to follow medical advice or instructions. This also applies to attempting a job authorized by the testing physician. If you fail to attempt the work you can perform, you risk having your benefits suspended.
  4. Refusing to submit to a drug or alcohol test. If you’re asked to take a test for intoxicants after your accident and you refuse, it will be assumed that your injury was caused by your use of alcohol or drugs. If you can’t prove otherwise, your benefits will likely be denied.
  5. Presenting any false information on your claim. This will not just get your benefits denied, but it could land you in jail and leave you owing hefty fines. This certainly doesn’t mean you’ll get thrown in jail for an honest mistake, but if your claim is misleading or contains inaccurate or incomplete information because you don’t understand something about the forms or the claims process, your benefits could be in jeopardy.

When you are out of work because of an injury, you have enough to worry about. Don’t risk the benefits you’re entitled to. Consulting a reputable Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer early in the process can help you be successful with your case.

Preventative Measures and Workplace Safety

Preventative measures and workplace safety are critical components of a healthy and productive working environment, especially in industries known for higher risks, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare. 

Implementing robust safety protocols not only helps reduce the occurrence of workplace injuries and fatalities but also fosters safety practices that benefit both employees and employers. 

Here’s how organizations can enhance workplace safety:

  • Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments is the first step in identifying potential hazards in the workplace. By understanding the specific risks associated with various tasks and environments, companies can implement targeted strategies to mitigate these dangers.
  • Safety Training: Comprehensive safety training for all employees, tailored to their specific roles and the risks they face, is essential. Training should cover the proper use of equipment, emergency procedures, and how to recognize and report hazards. Ongoing education ensures that employees stay informed about safety standards and practices.
  • Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing appropriate personal protective equipment and ensuring its proper use may significantly reduce the risk of injury. PPE can include helmets, goggles, gloves, earplugs, and respirators, among others, depending on the nature of the work.
  • Safety Signage: Clear, visible signs that warn of potential hazards can help remind employees of the dangers in their environment and the importance of adhering to safety protocols.
  • Emergency Preparedness: Developing and regularly updating emergency response plans, including evacuation routes and meeting points, ensures that both employees and management are prepared for unforeseen incidents. Regular drills can help reinforce these plans.
  • Health and Wellness Programs: Promoting overall health and wellness can indirectly contribute to workplace safety by reducing the possibility of accidents related to fatigue, stress, or poor health. Programs may include fitness initiatives, mental health support, and ergonomics assessments.
  • Maintenance and Inspections: Regular maintenance and inspections of all tools, machinery, and workspaces are necessary to ensure that everything is in safe working order. Preventative maintenance can catch potentially dangerous issues before they lead to accidents.
  • Encouraging Reporting of Hazards: Fostering an environment where workers are comfortable reporting safety concerns without fear of retaliation is crucial for identifying and addressing hazards quickly.
  • Implementing Safety Policies: Developing clear, enforceable safety policies and procedures is essential. Policies must be communicated clearly to employees and enforced consistently.
  • Engagement and Culture: Fostering a workplace culture that prioritizes safety involves engaging employees at all levels in safety discussions, decisions, and improvements. Recognition of safe behaviors and practices can reinforce a positive safety culture.

By prioritizing preventative measures and workplace safety, organizations may greatly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, leading to a safer, more productive work environment for everyone involved.

Steps to Take After a Work-Related Injury

If you experience a work-related injury, taking the right steps immediately afterward is crucial for your health, safety, and the success of any workers’ compensation claim you may need to file. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do following a workplace injury:

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your health is the top priority. Seek medical treatment as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor. Certain injuries may not present symptoms immediately but may have serious long-term effects. Inform the medical professional that your injuries or illness is work-related. However, make sure that you visit a physician who’s pre-approved. The insurer may decline to pay your medical bills if you visit an unauthorized medical provider. This doesn’t apply if you need emergency medical attention after you get hurt at work.

Report the Injury to Your Employer

You must report the injury or illness to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible but no later than one month after you get hurt. Missing this deadline can cost you the right to collect workers’ compensation.

Document Everything

Keep detailed records of the incident, including:

  • How, when, and where the injury occurred.
  • Names and contact information of any witnesses.
  • All medical treatments, diagnoses, and recommendations.
  • Any correspondence related to the injury with your employer or insurance company.
  • Documentation is key to supporting your workers’ compensation claim.

Your workers’ compensation lawyer may also initiate a comprehensive investigation into the incident on your behalf. 

File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Complete a workers’ compensation claim form from your employer and submit it according to the instructions provided, ensuring you meet any state-mandated deadlines. This step officially starts the process for your workers’ compensation benefits.

To formally request benefits, you’ll have to:

  • Complete Form WC-14, and
  • Send copies to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your employer, and your insurance company. 

You’ll have, at most, one year from the date of your injury to file this form. Once you’ve submitted your compensation claim, your insurance company will review your request for benefits. If it is approved, you’ll begin receiving the benefits you’re eligible for.

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can appeal that decision and fight to get justice.

Follow Medical Advice

Follow through with prescribed treatments and attend all follow-up appointments. Non-compliance with medical advice can affect the outcome of your claim and your recovery.

Keep Communication Lines Open

Stay in communication with your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance carrier regarding your recovery progress and any updates to your work status as advised by your healthcare provider.

Consult With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Consider consulting with a Hasner Law attorney who has focused knowledge of the workers’ compensation process to protect your rights, especially if your claim is denied, your employer disputes the claim, or your injury is severe.

Prepare for Return to Work

Work with your healthcare provider to understand any limitations you might have upon returning to work. If necessary, discuss accommodations with your employer to facilitate a safe and productive return to work.

Attend All Necessary Workers’ Compensation Hearings

If your claim or a specific medical procedure is disputed, you may need to attend hearings before a workers’ compensation board or judge. Be prepared to present evidence supporting your claim, including medical records and witness statements.

Understand Your Rights and Benefits

Familiarize yourself with your rights under the workers’ compensation laws in your state, including benefits for medical care, wage replacement, and any potential disability settlements.

By following these steps, you can navigate the aftermath of a work-related injury more smoothly and ensure you get the appropriate medical care and compensation benefits.

Common Types of Injuries Suffered in Workers’ Compensation Claims 

These types of claims encompass a wide range of injuries, reflecting the varied dangers present in different work environments. Understanding the types of injuries can help employees and employers alike take preventive measures and respond appropriately when incidents occur. 

The following are several prevalent injuries reported in workers’ compensation claims:

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

RSIs occur due to overuse of a particular part of the body, often from repetitive tasks or poor ergonomics at work. 

Common examples include the following: 

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis

These injuries are frequent among office workers, assembly line workers, and others performing repetitive motions.

Slips, Trips, and Falls

These accidents can happen in any workplace, causing injuries from minor aches and bruises to severe fractures, lacerations, or head injuries. Factors contributing to these incidents include wet floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered workspaces, and inadequate lighting.

Back and Neck Injuries

Types of back and neck injuries, including sprains, strains, and herniated discs, are common in jobs requiring heavy lifting, bending, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. These injuries can result from a single incident or develop over time.

Burns

Burn injuries can occur in workplaces dealing with hot materials, chemicals, electrical equipment, or fires. Severity can vary widely, from minor superficial burns to severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment.

Fractures and Broken Bones

Falls, being struck by heavy machinery or vehicles, and accidents involving tools can lead to fractures and broken bones. Construction sites, warehouses, and manufacturing plants are particularly high-risk environments.

Cuts and Lacerations

Sharp objects, machinery, and tools in the workplace can cause cuts and lacerations. While some may be minor, others can be deep, posing risks of infection or requiring surgical intervention.

Head Injuries

Concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other head injuries can have profound short-term and long-term effects. These injuries often result from falls, being struck by objects, or vehicle-related accidents at work.

Hearing Loss

Prolonged exposure to loud sounds without proper hearing protection may lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. Industries such as manufacturing, construction, and aviation are particularly prone to this type of injury.

Respiratory Conditions

Workers exposed to dust, fumes, chemicals, or biological agents may develop respiratory conditions ranging from chronic bronchitis and asthma to more severe diseases like pneumoconiosis or lung cancer.

Occupational Diseases

These are conditions developed over time due to exposure to harmful substances or unhealthy work conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and various forms of occupational cancer.

Awareness and understanding of these common injuries can lead to better prevention strategies, safer work practices, and improved outcomes for injured workers through timely and appropriate workers’ compensation claims.

What Should I Do After I Get Hurt On the Job?

When it comes to filing a request for workers’ compensation, Georgia has some pretty strict procedures in place. Here’s what you need to know about filing a compensation claim to get benefits after you get hurt at work.

Report the Injury

Tell your employer immediately after an accident, or you notice an illness. Your injury must be reported no later than one month after you get hurt. Missing this deadline can cost you the right to collect workers’ comp.

See a Doctor

Make sure that you get help as soon as you can. However, make sure that you visit a physician who’s pre-approved. The insurer may decline to pay your medical bills if you visit an unauthorized medical provider. This doesn’t apply if you need emergency medical attention after you get hurt at work.

File a Claim

To formally request benefits, you’ll have to:

  • Complete Form WC-14, and
  • Send copies to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your employer, and your insurance company. 

You’ll have, at most, one year from the date of your injury to file this form.

Once you’ve submitted your compensation claim, your insurance company will review your request for benefits. 

If it is approved, you’ll begin receiving the benefits you’re eligible for.

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, you can appeal that decision and fight to get the justice.

Georgia Workplace Injury Statistics in 2022

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there was a total of 209 fatal occupational injuries in Georgia in 2022, which is an increase from 187 in 2021.

Transportation incidents were responsible for the majority of fatal work injuries (88) in 2022. Violence and injuries caused by persons and animals was the second-leading cause of fatalities that year, with 38 fatal injuries. Exposure to harmful substances caused 20 worker fatalities, while falls, slips, and trips resulted in 30 worker deaths.

The most occupational fatalities were connected to workers in the age range of 35 to 44 years old, which totaled to 47.

These workplace fatalities that occurred in 2022 were overwhelmingly attributed to men, which totaled to nearly 93%.

Contact Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorneys for a Free Consultation

If you’ve been hurt at work, don’t rely on insurance companies to give you full compensation. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation attorneys are known for their outstanding track record of results and success in advocating for workers’ rights.

When your livelihood is at stake, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let Hasner Law help you win. Call today at (678) 928-8784 or fill out a contact form for a no-risk, completely free consultation to answer your frequently asked questions. 

Local Emergency Rooms

  • WellStar Atlanta Medical Center – 303 Parkway Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Emory University Hospital Midtown – 550 W Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30308
  • Grady Memorial Hospital – 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Emergency Department – 38 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

*Disclaimer – we do not endorse these companies or profit from having them listed on our website.

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Managing Partner at Hasner Law PC
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Stephen Hasner is the founder and managing partner of Hasner Law PC. Since being licensed in Florida in 1997 and in Georgia in 1999, Stephen has worked tirelessly to help Georgia residents navigate the legal process following a serious injury. This includes injuries sustained at work, in motor vehicle accidents, and in cases of personal injury. The team at Hasner Law is dedicated to securing compensation for their clients who have been injured through no fault of their own.