Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Georgia

Hardworking employees are the backbone of Georgia’s economy, but when workplace injuries occur, the path to receiving rightful benefits can be arduous.

 At The McGarity Group, our workers’ compensation attorneys focus on protecting injured workers from denied claims, delayed benefits, and unfair settlements that leave them struggling to make ends meet, sustain long-term injuries, or a lower quality of life. 

Whether you’ve been injured at a construction site, warehouse, hospital, or distribution center, our experienced attorneys stand between you and opposing parties looking to maximize your benefits. Over the last 40 years, we’ve helped Georgia workers secure the full medical treatment and wage benefits they deserve under state law. 

We aggressively advocate for your interests by managing all communication with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and insurance companies, ensuring proper medical documentation, and fighting for maximum benefits at every stage, from initial filing through final settlement.

Filing a Workers Compensation Claim

In Georgia, under Code § 34-9-80, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days of the accident to preserve your right to benefits. However, the statute of limitations gives you one year from the date of injury to formally file a workers’ compensation claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. For occupational diseases, the deadline is one year from when you discover the condition is work-related. 

If you’ve received any workers’ compensation benefits, you have two years from the date of your last payment to file a claim for additional benefits. Missing these deadlines can permanently bar your right to compensation.

To properly initiate your workers’ compensation claim, you should report your injury by:

1. Notifying your supervisor in writing
2. Completing your employer’s incident report form
3. Filing Form WC-14 with the State Board
4. Seeking authorized medical care promptly.

Our workers’ compensation claim lawyers keep copies of all documentation, including medical records, incident reports, and correspondence with your employer and insurance company, to ensure you get the benefits you are entitled to.

Who Is Eligible for a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia?

Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is no-fault, meaning employees are entitled to benefits regardless of who was at fault for their injury.

However, under Georgia Code § 34-9-17, employers can deny workers’ compensation claims if the injury results from willful misconduct, such as intentional self-harm, failure to use safety equipment, or intoxication, with a rebuttable presumption against employees testing above 0.08 BAC, having drugs in their system within eight hours, or refusing a test.

Under Georgia law, most employees qualify for workers’ compensation coverage if they work for businesses with three or more workers, including full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. The system covers workplace accidents and injuries across a wide range of industries, from construction and manufacturing to healthcare and office work.

Coverage extends to most workplace incidents occurring during the course of employment, whether they’re sudden accidents like falls and equipment injuries or gradually developing conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and occupational illnesses. While some industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, see higher rates of claims due to increased workplace hazards, the law protects workers across all sectors throughout Georgia. 

Georgia’s diverse workforce faces various occupational hazards that can lead to serious injuries. Our experienced legal team handles claims involving: 

• Construction site accidents: Workers face significant risks from falls from heights, equipment malfunctions, and structural collapses, often resulting in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and prolonged recovery periods.
• Repetitive stress injuries: Office workers and manufacturing employees frequently develop conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis from repeated motions, which can lead to permanent impairment if not properly treated.
• Industrial accidents: Workers operating heavy machinery such as forklifts, manufacturing equipment, and industrial tools may suffer crushing injuries, amputations, or severe trauma requiring immediate medical intervention.
• Vehicle-related incidents: Employees who drive as part of their job duties can sustain serious injuries in auto accidents at work, whether operating company vehicles or traveling between job sites.
• Occupational illnesses: Long-term exposure to harmful substances or poor ergonomic conditions can result in chronic conditions that significantly impact a worker’s ability to perform their duties.

Secure your right to maximum workers’ compensation benefits with The McGarity Group’s dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers.

Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Taking proper action immediately after a workplace injury is crucial for protecting your rights and strengthening your workers’ compensation settlement in Georgia. 

Here’s how The McGarity Group provides top-notch workers’ compensation assistance to ensure you get maximum compensation:

• Document all details related to your injury and medical treatment
• Collect contact information from any witnesses to the accident
• Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies
• Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney before accepting any settlements

Benefits you may be entitled to under Georgia Code § 34-9-200 include:

Medical and Treatment Benefits:

• Complete coverage for all authorized medical treatment and emergency care
• Access to specialized medical care and necessary surgical procedures
• Coverage for prescribed medications and medical devices
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation services
• Reimbursement for travel expenses to medical appointments
• Vocational rehabilitation support for career transitions

Income and Economic Benefits	Award	Georgia Law
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)	Up to two-thirds of your average weekly wage while unable to work	O.C.G.A. § 34-9-261
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)	Income supplementation when working in a lower-paying position during recovery	O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)	Compensation for permanent impairment based on medical ratings	O.C.G.A. § 34-9-263
Death Benefits	Financial support for dependents and funeral expenses in fatal workplace accidents	O.C.G.A. § 34-9-265

Get Expert Workers’ Compensation Assistance

By working with our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys, you gain advocates who understand how to maximize your benefits while protecting your employment rights. We represent workers throughout Georgia. Let us manage all of your deadlines and build your strongest case. Call us today at 770-932-8477 to schedule a free initial consultation.