Georgia requires most employers with 3 or more employees to carry workers compensation insurance. However workers comp is not your only option — third-party claims can provide significantly more compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Georgia workers compensation: report injury within 30 days. File WC-14 claim within 1 year of injury or last authorized medical treatment. Personal injury lawsuit against third parties: 2 years (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33).
Georgia workers compensation (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1 et seq.) requires employers with 3 or more employees to carry coverage. Benefits include medical treatment, temporary total disability (TTD) at 2/3 of your average weekly wage, and permanent disability benefits. Critically, Georgia workers comp requires you to treat with a panel of physicians selected by your employer — you do not have free choice of doctor in Georgia workers comp cases without approval.
Georgia-Specific Tip
In Georgia workers compensation, you are typically required to treat with a doctor from your employer's posted panel of physicians. However if your employer did not properly post the panel, or if you need emergency treatment, you may have the right to choose your own doctor. A Georgia workers comp attorney can evaluate whether your employer followed the proper posting requirements.
📊 Georgia's construction, manufacturing, and agricultural sectors account for the highest rates of serious workplace injuries in the state. The Atlanta metro's construction boom has significantly increased workplace injury rates.
Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately
Ask whether your employer has a posted panel of physicians — in Georgia workers comp you must treat with a panel doctor
Seek medical attention immediately — go to the emergency room if needed
File a WC-14 claim form with the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation within 1 year
Document all expenses and lost wages
Contact a Georgia workers compensation attorney if your claim is denied or delayed
Separately evaluate whether any third party contributed to your injury
Generally no — Georgia workers compensation requires you to treat with a doctor from your employer's designated panel of physicians. However if your employer did not properly post the panel, failed to provide emergency treatment, or if no panel doctor is available, you may have the right to choose your own physician. A Georgia workers comp attorney can evaluate your specific situation.
Georgia workers comp provides: medical treatment for work-related injuries, temporary total disability (TTD) payments at 2/3 of your average weekly wage (up to a weekly maximum), temporary partial disability for reduced earning capacity, permanent partial disability for lasting impairment, and death benefits for surviving dependents.
If your employer carries workers compensation insurance, the workers comp system is your exclusive remedy against your employer for a workplace injury. However you can still pursue third-party claims against any other party whose negligence contributed to your injury — contractors, equipment manufacturers, property owners, and others.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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