If you were hurt at work in Georgia, you may be facing medical bills, lost income, and pressure from an employer or insurance carrier while you are still trying to recover. The Delashmit Firm represents injured workers in Cartersville, Bartow County, and communities across North Georgia. Founding attorney Hunter Delashmit previously defended insurance companies, so he understands how carriers evaluate claims, dispute treatment, and challenge disability benefits. Call (770) 341-0559 for a free consultation. You pay no attorney fee unless we recover benefits for you.
What can Georgia workers’ compensation pay?
Georgia workers’ compensation may provide authorized medical treatment, rehabilitation, weekly income benefits, and compensation for permanent impairment after a job injury. Dependents may also qualify for benefits when a worker dies because of an on-the-job injury.
Authorized medical care can include doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and necessary travel expenses. If you cannot work for more than seven days, you may qualify for weekly income benefits. For an accident on or after July 1, 2023, total-disability benefits are generally two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a maximum of $800 per week. If disability lasts more than 21 consecutive days, the first missed week may also be payable. The rules and benefit periods depend on the type and severity of the injury, so the facts of an individual claim matter. See the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation FAQs for the Board’s current public guidance.
What should I do after a work injury in Georgia?
- Get emergency care when needed and tell the provider the injury happened at work.
- Report the accident to your supervisor, foreman, or employer immediately. Waiting more than 30 days can jeopardize benefits.
- Ask for the employer’s posted panel of physicians or managed-care information before choosing non-emergency treatment.
- Keep copies of accident reports, work restrictions, medical records, mileage, pay information, and communications with the insurer.
- Get legal advice promptly if treatment is delayed, a claim is denied, or you are pressured to return before you are medically ready.
A claim generally must be filed with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation within one year of the accident, subject to exceptions. Filing Form WC-14 protects the claim; simply telling an employer about an injury is not always the same as filing with the Board.
Can I choose my doctor for a Georgia work injury?
An employer generally must post a panel of at least six physicians or provide access through a certified workers’ compensation managed-care organization. An injured worker may choose from the authorized list and ordinarily may make one change to another listed doctor without the employer’s permission. Emergency treatment can be obtained elsewhere until the emergency ends. Panel defects and other circumstances can affect the available choices, so preserve a copy or photograph of the panel if possible.
What if the insurer denies or delays my claim?
A denial is not the end of the case. A worker may request a hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, where an administrative law judge decides disputed benefits based on the law and evidence. We investigate why the carrier denied the claim, collect medical and wage evidence, address authorized-treatment disputes, and prepare the case for hearing when necessary.
Learn how we handle denied workers’ compensation claims and how Georgia workers’ compensation settlements work.
Why hire a former insurance-defense attorney?
Before founding The Delashmit Firm, Hunter Delashmit represented insurance companies in injury and workers’ compensation matters. He uses that experience to anticipate coverage defenses, medical disputes, surveillance issues, and return-to-work pressure. Our goal is to protect your access to proper treatment and pursue every benefit supported by the evidence.
Workers’ compensation lawyers serving North Georgia
From our Cartersville office, we help injured workers throughout Bartow County and North Georgia, including Rome, Calhoun, Canton, and nearby communities. Explore our local resources for Rome, Calhoun, and Canton, or review all the areas we serve.
Frequently asked questions
Report the accident immediately. The Georgia State Board warns that waiting longer than 30 days may cause you to lose benefits.
A claim generally must be filed within one year of the accident, though exceptions can change the deadline. Filing is usually accomplished with Form WC-14. Get advice promptly rather than relying on the outer deadline.
Depending on the claim, benefits may include authorized medical care, rehabilitation, travel reimbursement, weekly income benefits, and permanent-impairment benefits. Dependents may qualify for death benefits after a fatal work injury.
Attorney fees in Georgia workers’ compensation claims are contingent and require State Board approval. The Board states that no fee greater than 25% of an employee’s award of weekly benefits or settlement may be approved. We explain the fee agreement before representation begins.
Talk with a Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer
If a work injury has interrupted your health and income, call The Delashmit Firm at (770) 341-0559 or use the secure contact form for a free consultation. We serve injured workers in Cartersville, Bartow County, and across North Georgia.