Norcross Workplace Accident Lawyer

Advocating for Injured Workers to Receive Justice and Compensation After a Workplace Injury

Workplace accidents can leave employees facing severe injuries, costly medical expenses, and lost income. If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to benefits under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. In some cases, you may also have a third-party claim if someone other than your employer contributed to the accident. At Bowman Law Firm, we help injured workers navigate their legal options and secure the compensation they deserve. Contact our office today for advice and representation from a dedicated Norcross workplace accident lawyer.

Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is a no-fault program, meaning injured workers do not have to prove their employer was negligent to receive benefits. If you were injured while performing job-related duties, you may be eligible for the following benefits:

Medical Treatment – Coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD) – Wage replacement benefits if you are unable to work due to your injury.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits (TPD) – Partial wage replacement if you can return to work but at a reduced capacity.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits – Compensation for lasting impairments that impact your ability to work.

The Process of Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If you suffer a workplace injury, it is essential to take the following steps:

Report the Injury – Notify your employer as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the accident, to preserve your right to benefits.
Seek Medical Treatment – Visit an authorized workers’ compensation doctor to evaluate and treat your injuries.
File a Claim – If your employer or their insurance company denies your benefits, you may need to file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC).
Consult an Attorney – A lawyer can help ensure your claim is properly handled and that you receive the full benefits you are entitled to. Bowman Law Firm works with experienced and successful workers’ compensation attorneys to achieve success on your claim.

Third-Party Liability Claims

In some workplace accident cases, an injured worker may have a third-party claim instead of or in addition to workers’ compensation benefits. These claims arise when someone other than the employer or a co-worker is responsible for the injury. Common third-party claims include:

Defective Products – If faulty equipment or machinery caused the injury, the manufacturer may be liable.
Negligent Contractors or Subcontractors – If you were injured on a construction site due to another contractor’s negligence.
Car Accidents – If you were injured in a work-related vehicle accident caused by another driver.
Property Hazards – If unsafe conditions at a third-party job site led to your injury.

Unlike workers’ compensation, third-party claims allow injured workers to recover additional damages, including pain and suffering and full lost wages. Our experienced personal injury legal team can handle your third-party claim to maximize compensation on your behalf.

Common Workplace Accidents in Norcross

Workplace accidents can occur in any industry, but some of the most common incidents affecting workers in Norcross include:

Slip and Fall Accidents – Wet floors, uneven surfaces, and poor lighting can lead to serious falls.
Construction Site Injuries – Falls from heights, electrocutions, and equipment malfunctions.
Industrial and Factory Accidents – Machinery accidents, exposure to toxic substances, and explosions.
Repetitive Stress Injuries – Long-term strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome or back pain.
Vehicle Accidents – Work-related crashes involving trucks, delivery vehicles, or forklifts.

Why You Need an Attorney for Your Workplace Injury Claim

Employers and insurance companies often attempt to minimize or deny claims to protect their bottom line. An experienced workplace accident attorney can ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to. A skilled work injury lawyer can handle disputes over denied claims or premature termination of benefits, investigate potential third-party liability to maximize your compensation, and represent you in hearings before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Norcross Workers’ Compensation FAQs

If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Below are answers to frequently asked questions about workers’ compensation to help you better understand your situation and know what to expect. If you’ve been hurt on the job in Gwinnett County, contact Bowman Law Firm to speak with a Norcross workers’ compensation lawyer.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their employment. It covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, regardless of who was at fault for the injury.

In exchange for these benefits, employees typically give up the right to sue their employer for negligence.

What Types of Injuries Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of injuries and illnesses that occur in the course of employment, including:

Physical injuries from accidents, such as slips, trips, and falls
Repetitive strain injuries, like carpal tunnel syndrome
Occupational illnesses from exposure to hazardous materials
Mental health conditions caused by workplace stress (in some cases)
Injuries sustained while performing work-related tasks off-site

What Benefits Can I Receive Through Workers’ Compensation?

If your claim is approved, you may be eligible for several types of benefits, including:

Medical care: Coverage for doctor visits, surgery, medication, and rehabilitation
Temporary disability benefits: Payments to partially replace lost wages while you recover
Permanent disability benefits: Compensation for permanent impairments
Vocational rehabilitation: Job retraining if you cannot return to your previous position after a catastrophic injury
Death benefits: Financial support for dependents if a work-related injury results in death

What Should I Do If I’m Injured at Work?

If you’re injured on the job, take these steps to protect your health and your right to compensation:

Report the injury immediately to your supervisor or employer.
Seek medical attention from an approved healthcare provider if required by your employer.
Document the incident by noting details of the accident and gathering witness information.
File a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible.
Contact a workers’ compensation attorney if your claim is denied or delayed.

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

In Georgia, you must file a formal claim within one year from the date of injury or diagnosis of occupational illness. You should also make sure to notify your employer of the injury or illness within 30 days to protect your rights to workers’ compensation benefits.

Can My Employer Fire Me for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for filing a workers’ compensation claim. Retaliation can include termination, demotion, reduced pay, harassment, and other adverse job actions. If you believe you’ve been retaliated against, you can likely take additional legal action against your employer and recover compensation or other remedies for the harm they caused.

What If My Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?

If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Common reasons for denial include missing filing deadlines, disputes over whether the injury is work-related, or challenges to the medical evidence. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you gather evidence, file an appeal, and represent you at hearings to fight for the benefits you deserve.

Can I Sue My Employer Instead of Filing for Workers’ Compensation?

In most cases, workers’ compensation is your only legal remedy against your employer for a work-related injury. However, you may be able to file a lawsuit if your employer intentionally caused your injury or if a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer) caused or contributed to your injury. We can help you determine whether you have grounds for a lawsuit in addition to your workers’ compensation claim.

How Long Will It Take to Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

The timeline for receiving benefits varies depending on factors such as how quickly you report the injury and file your claim, the time needed for medical evaluations, and whether your employer’s insurance company disputes the claim. In many cases, benefits begin within a few weeks of filing a claim. If your benefits are delayed, an attorney can help resolve any disputes.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

While it’s possible to handle a workers’ compensation claim on your own, having an experienced attorney can increase your chances of success—especially if your claim is denied or you face retaliation from your employer. If you have a permanent disability or believe you may have a third-party lawsuit, contacting a lawyer is likely in your best interest. We’ll help you navigate the process, protect your rights, and fight for the benefits you’re entitled to receive.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?

Most workers’ compensation law firms handle on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay no upfront fees, and your attorney only gets paid if they successfully recover benefits for you. Fees are a percentage of your awarded benefits, as regulated by law.

Contact Bowman Law Firm for a Free Consultation

If you have been injured at work, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Contact a Norcross workplace accident lawyer at Bowman Law Firm today for a free consultation to discuss your rights and legal options. We are committed to fighting for injured workers and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.