Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury Attorney
Workers' Compensation: Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach us at seth@sjb-law.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
General information only — not legal advice.
Every workers' compensation claim is different; contact us for a free consultation about your specific situation.
Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible — Georgia law requires notice within 30 days, and waiting can hurt your claim even if you're still within that window. Get medical treatment from a doctor on your employer's authorized panel, and write down what happened while it's fresh: date, time, location, and how the injury occurred.
You must notify your employer within 30 days of the injury. Separately, you generally have one year from the date of injury to file a formal claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation. Missing either deadline can jeopardize your right to benefits, so it's worth acting quickly.
Keep photographs of the injury, videos, medical records, bills, prescription information, witness contact details, insurance correspondence, wage-loss documentation, and notes about how the injury affects your day-to-day life.
It is generally wise to speak with a workers' compensation attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company. An attorney can explain your rights and help you respond appropriately.
Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to medical treatment, a portion of your lost wages while you're out of work, and compensation for any permanent impairment. The specifics depend on your injury, your average weekly wage, and how your employer's insurer handles the claim.
Yes. Some injuries do not cause immediate or obvious symptoms. A timely medical evaluation can identify concerns early, support appropriate treatment, and document the condition after the incident.
In most cases, no — you'll need to treat with a physician from your employer's authorized panel. You're typically allowed one change to another doctor on that same panel if you're not satisfied. An attorney can help if you're being steered toward a provider who isn't taking your injury seriously.
Georgia law prohibits retaliation for filing a legitimate workers' compensation claim. That said, disputes over this do happen, and if you believe you're being pushed out or punished because of your claim, it's worth talking to an attorney right away.
You're not required to have one, but insurance companies have adjusters and defense attorneys working the claim from day one — you're often at a disadvantage without your own representation. We handle workers' comp cases on a contingency basis: no upfront cost, and you don't owe us anything unless we recover benefits for you.
A denial isn't the end of the road. You have the right to request a hearing before the State Board of Workers' Compensation to contest the denial. This is often where having an attorney makes the biggest difference — insurers deny claims more often when they know the worker doesn't have representation.
It is best to be cautious. Posts, photos, and comments can be misunderstood or used out of context during an insurance claim or lawsuit. Avoid discussing the incident, your injuries, or your activities online while your matter is pending.
You can contact an attorney as soon as you are medically stable. Early legal guidance may help preserve evidence, protect you during insurance communications, and give you a better understanding of the next steps.
Connect With The Law Offices of Seth J. Butler
13010 Morris Rd., Bldg. 1 - Ste. 650, Alpharetta, Georgia 30004, United States
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