Top 5 Mistakes Injured Workers in Georgia Make After a Job‑Related Injury

David Garner

Quick Summary: After a workplace injury, even small missteps—like waiting too long to report what happened, going to the wrong doctor, or speaking with the insurance adjuster before understanding your rights—can put your Georgia workers’ compensation benefits at risk. At Garner Law Office in Dallas, GA, we regularly see otherwise valid claims weakened simply because an injured worker didn’t know the rules. Attorney David Garner helps clients across Paulding County, Hiram, Carrollton, Douglasville, and beyond avoid these pitfalls and protect the benefits they deserve.

Mistake #1: Not Reporting the Injury Right Away

Georgia law requires injured workers to report a workplace injury to their employer within 30 days. Waiting—even if you think the injury is minor—can give the insurance company a reason to deny your claim. Delays also make it easier for the insurer to argue that the injury didn’t happen at work.

How to stay protected:

  • Report the injury in writing as soon as possible (same day if you can).
  • Tell a supervisor, not just a coworker.
  • Keep a copy or photo of your written report for your records.

Mistake #2: Seeing Your Own Doctor Instead of an Authorized Provider

Under Georgia workers’ comp rules, your employer must post a “panel of physicians”—a list of approved doctors you are allowed to see. If you go to a doctor outside this list (unless it was an emergency), the insurance company may refuse to pay for treatment.

How to stay protected:

  • Ask your employer for the posted panel of physicians.
  • Select one of the listed doctors for your initial treatment.
  • If you’re unhappy with that doctor, you can usually make a one‑time switch to another doctor on the panel.

Mistake #3: Giving a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Adjuster Alone

Insurance adjusters may sound helpful, but their job is to protect the company—not you. Recorded statements can be used to twist your words or argue your condition isn’t work-related. Many injured workers accidentally give information that hurts their claim without knowing it.

How to stay protected:

  • Politely decline to give a recorded statement without legal guidance.
  • Speak with an attorney first, especially if the adjuster is pressuring you.
  • Remember you are not required to explain medical details without support.

Mistake #4: Not Following the Doctor’s Orders

If you miss appointments or ignore treatment instructions, the insurance company may say you’re refusing care—and could suspend your wage benefits. Even if you disagree with the doctor, failing to follow their instructions can significantly weaken your case.

How to stay protected:

  • Attend all scheduled appointments and follow restrictions.
  • If treatment isn’t helping, request a second opinion or a change of physician through proper channels.
  • Tell your lawyer immediately if your employer asks you to do work that violates medical restrictions.

Mistake #5: Waiting Too Long to Get Legal Help

Georgia’s workers’ compensation system has strict deadlines, including a one‑year deadline to file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation in many cases. Waiting too long to speak with an attorney can mean missing important rights, deadlines, or evidence that could strengthen your claim.

How to stay protected:

  • Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer early—before problems arise.
  • If your benefits are denied, reduced, or suddenly stopped, get legal help immediately.
  • Learn what benefits you’re entitled to, including medical care and lost wages.

Helpful Resources

Injured at Work? We’re Here to Help.

If you’ve already made one of these mistakes—or you’re worried about missing a deadline—Garner Law Office is here to guide you. Our team helps injured workers across Dallas, Hiram, Paulding County, Carrollton, Douglasville, and surrounding West Georgia communities get the medical care and wage benefits they’re entitled to.

Contact us today for a free consultation.