Thomaston work accident attorneys committed to helping workers get the medical care and wage replacement benefits they’re owed after serious injuries and illnesses
Injured at work in Thomaston and having trouble getting the benefits you deserve?
Unfortunately, many workers in Upson County run into frustrating roadblocks after suffering a job-related injury or occupational disease.
Maybe your workers’ comp claim was denied because the insurance company says your injury was caused by a pre-existing condition. Maybe your employer claims the injury didn’t happen on the job. Or maybe you were offered light-duty work you couldn’t physically do—and now your benefit checks have stopped.
At Gerber & Elkins, we know how common it is for Georgia workers to face wrongfully denied or delayed benefits, and we know how to fight back.
Whether your job caused an obvious injury like a broken bone from a fall or something harder to see like chronic pain from years of manual labor, you deserve to be fully compensated by workers’ comp. Our Thomaston work injury attorneys can help calculate the benefits you’re owed, appeal a denied claim, and negotiate with the insurance company for fair compensation so you can focus on healing.
Frustrated with the workers’ comp process and unsure where to turn?
Let us help you take the next step.
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Our record of winning accident cases in Georgia speaks for itself:
Visit us at our Columbus law office, about an hour southwest of Thomaston
1340 14th St
Columbus, GA 31901
8:30am – 5:00pm (M-F)
Closed Saturday & Sunday
FAQs about work injuries in Thomaston, Georgia
How do I know if I’m eligible for workers’ comp in Georgia?
In most cases, if you work for a company in Georgia with 3 or more employees—even if you’re part-time or seasonal—you’re likely covered by workers’ compensation. That means if you get hurt on the job or develop an occupational illness like cancer or hearing loss that’s directly caused by your work, you should be eligible for benefits.
But there are exceptions. Some types of workers aren’t covered under Georgia’s workers’ comp system, including:
- Independent contractors (though misclassification is common—so double-check)
- Agricultural and farm workers
- Business owners, partners, and those who are self-employed (unless they opt in)
- Federal and railroad employees (covered by separate federal programs)
- Domestic workers employed in private homes, like housekeepers or nannies
- Casual or short-term workers hired for tasks outside the employer’s regular business operations
Not sure if you’re eligible for workers’ comp in Thomaston? The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation offers a free online verification tool that can help you determine if your employer has workers’ comp insurance.
If your claim was denied because of your job classification or you’re just confused about your status, it’s smart to talk to a local Georgia work injury lawyer who can review your case, explain your legal options, and help protect your rights.
How much is my work injury worth in Thomaston?
The value of a Georgia workers’ compensation claim depends on several factors, including the severity of your injury, how long you’re out of work, whether you’re left with permanent limitations, and the medical treatment you’ll need going forward.
In Georgia, workers’ comp benefits may include:
- Medical benefits. Cover 100% of your authorized treatment with no copays or deductibles.
- Indemnity benefits. Also referred to as wage loss benefits, these benefits cover your income loss when you can’t work. They include:
- Temporary total disability (TTD). If you’re unable to work at all on a short-term basis, you can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage—up to $800 per week (as of July 1, 2023).
- Temporary partial disability (TPD). If you can return to work but earn less due to your injury, you may receive benefits to make up for a portion of that lost income.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD). If your doctor determines that you’ve suffered a permanent impairment and assigns you a disability rating, you may be entitled to additional compensation based on a set formula. For cases involving catastrophic injuries, you may be entitled to lifelong indemnity benefits.
- Death benefits. If a work injury or disease results in death, surviving dependents may receive weekly income benefits and money for funeral expenses.
Keep in mind that insurance companies are known for undervaluing claims, and they rarely offer the full amount you’re owed without a fight.
Before you accept any settlement offer, speak with a Thomaston workers’ compensation attorney who can calculate what your injury is truly worth and ensure you don’t leave money on the table.
How do I file a claim for workers’ comp in Thomaston, Georgia?
Injured workers in Thomaston need to follow the same legal process as other Georgia workers when filing a workers’ comp claim—and each step is critical to protecting your right to benefits. Injury attorney Benjamin Gerber often helps clients make sure these steps are handled correctly from the start, especially when insurance companies push back.
- Report your injury to your employer right away. Under Georgia law, you have up to 30 days to notify your employer after an injury or the discovery of a work-related health condition, but the sooner you report it, the better. Verbal notice is allowed, but it’s smart to follow up in writing.
- Get medical care from an approved provider. Your employer should give you a list of authorized treating physicians (called a “panel of physicians”) to choose from. You must choose from this list for your care to be covered. In emergencies, you can go to the nearest ER, but always follow up with an approved provider afterward.
- File a claim. You’ll need to fill out Form WC-14 to officially start your workers’ compensation case. You must submit it to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation within 1 year of your injury. Be sure to also send copies to your employer and their insurance company.
- Wait for a decision. The insurer has 21 days to approve or deny your claim once it’s filed. If approved, your benefits should begin shortly. If denied, you have the right to appeal.
Never just accept a denial without first discussing your case with a Thomaston work injury compensation lawyer. They can step in and help protect your rights if your claim has been wrongfully denied by the insurer.
Our Thomaston work injury lawyers are equipped to handle many types of workers’ comp claims
Looking for the best work injury law firm in Thomaston?
You shouldn’t have to fight for the workers’ comp benefits you’re owed after a serious accident at work in Thomaston—but if you do, Gerber & Elkins is here to help.
Our experienced Thomaston work accident attorneys understand how frustrating it is to be injured, out of work, and having to chase down benefits that are supposed to be guaranteed. We’ve spent over 100 years helping Georgia workers stand up to denied claims, lowball settlement offers, and insurance companies that refuse to play fair.
Whether you’re just starting the claims process or already facing delays or denials, we’ll step in, take the pressure off your shoulders, and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Contact Gerber & Elkins Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for a free consultation—and let us help you take back control of your work injury claim.
