Serving injured workers in Douglasville, Columbus, and the surrounding areas of Georgia.
Schedule a ConsultationWhen a Workplace Injury Turns Life Upside Down
If you’re seeking an experienced, hard-fighting workers' compensation lawyer in Georgia, The Law Office of Ellene Welsh is here to help you get the benefits you deserve. Getting hurt on the job can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to navigate the claims process alone. We’ve spent years navigating the workers’ comp system, and we’re dedicated to making sure you’re treated fairly after a workplace injury.
Our workers’ compensation lawyer helps victims file claims, gather the right evidence, and fight for full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and recovery time. If your claim was denied, we could help you appeal and keep pushing for the results you need. Call The Law Office of Ellene Welsh today at (770) 489-3456 for a free consultation. From initial applications to appeals, we’re here to help no matter where you are in the workers’ comp process.
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Protect Your Rights After a Job-Related Injury
Most employees in Georgia are covered by workers’ compensation from day one on the job. If you’re hurt doing something related to your work, like lifting, slipping, driving for work, or even repetitive strain, it’s likely that you qualify. It doesn’t matter who caused the accident. Georgia Workers’ comp is no-fault, which means you can still get benefits even if you made a mistake.
Our Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer always encourages working people to remember this simple rule: if it happened on the job or because of your job, you should at least file a claim. It’s always better to get a medical exam and report the incident than to assume you’re not covered. You might qualify if:
You were injured while performing work-related duties.
You got sick from exposure to something at work.
Your injury keeps you from working or limits what you can do.
The Advantage of Having a Dedicated Advocate
We know you have options when it comes to legal help, so why us? Simple: we truly care about our clients. At The Law Office of Ellene Welsh, you’re not just a case number. As a contributing member of the workforce, you form part of the backbone of what makes our Georgia community thrive, and we’re here to honor that. Here’s why so many people choose our Georgia workers' compensation lawyer:
At The Law Office of Ellene Welsh, you don’t have to pay anything up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or benefits we help you recover, and not your pocket. This way, you can focus on recovering instead of worrying about bills. We’re on your side, and our workers’ compensation lawyer is invested in getting you the best result.
We don’t treat our clients like just another case. When you work with us, you’ll get personalized care from day one. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and answer every question you have.
You’ll always know what’s happening with your case, and you’ll have direct access to your attorney, Ellene Welsh. We’re here to guide you through every step and make sure you’re comfortable with the process.
Ellene Welsh has been helping injured workers in Georgia for years and has a proven track record of success. She knows the ins and outs of the legal process and understands how to navigate complex claims. She’s handled hundreds of cases and knows what works and what doesn’t. You’re in good hands with someone who fights to win.
We know that behind every case is a person going through a tough time, and we genuinely care about getting you the help you need. You’ll never feel like just another number. Whether it’s a shoulder to lean on or a hand to guide you through the process, we’re here to make this challenging time a little bit easier. Our workers’ compensation attorney is available to talk, listen, and offer advice.
We’re proud to be a part of the Metro Atlanta community. We know the local employers, the medical providers, and even the quirks of the workers’ comp system here. This local insight is invaluable when it comes to navigating your case. When you work with our workers’ compensation lawyer, you’re getting the advantage of someone who knows the area, the people, and the workers’ comp landscape. Plus, we’re familiar with how insurance companies operate in our community and know how to take them on when necessary.
The process for filing a workers compensation claim
Filing a workers’ comp claim in Georgia isn’t complicated, but there are a few steps you need to get right. Missing a deadline or skipping a form can delay your benefits. Here’s how the legal process usually works:
1
Report the Accident
Tell your boss as soon as you can after the injury. Georgia law gives you up to 30 days to report it, but don’t wait that long. The sooner you speak up, the better. Write down when and how the accident happened, and keep a copy of anything you submit. If you’re too hurt to report it right away, ask a coworker or family member to help.
This first step is crucial, and it’s the start of your claim. Establishing documentation from the beginning puts your workers’ compensation lawyer in the best possible position to protect your rights and secure your compensation.
2
See a Doctor
Your employer should have a list of approved doctors (called a “panel of physicians”). You’ll need to pick a doctor from that list to make sure your medical treatment is covered. Tell the doctor your injury happened at work and describe everything that hurts, even if it seems minor.
Be sure to follow their treatment plan to the letter, keep all appointments, and save copies of your medical records. Continuing to document and collect these details will help your workers’ compensation lawyer build a strong claim later on.
3
File a Claim
Next, you’ll file a claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation using Form WC-14. This is your formal claim for benefits. You’ll send one copy to your employer and another to their insurance company. Once it’s filed, the insurance company reviews your claim and decides if it’ll pay benefits.
If this part sounds stressful, don’t worry. That’s where we come in. Our team can help you fill out the paperwork and make sure everything is filed correctly and on time. If your claim is delayed or denied, that’s when we can really make a difference. Our Georgia workers' compensation lawyer could step in to appeal the decision, gather evidence, and represent you in front of the board.
Your Path to Fair Workers’ Comp Benefits Starts Here
Insurance companies are great at finding reasons to delay or deny claims. They have adjusters and lawyers working to protect their side, and their underhanded tactics can leave you feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Our job is to even the playing field. When you work with our workers' compensation lawyer in Georgia, you don’t have to figure this out on your own. We’ll walk you through every step and keep you updated the whole time.
If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t wait to get legal help. The sooner you act, the easier it is to protect your rights and get the payments you deserve. At The Law Office of Ellene Welsh, we’ve helped people across Georgia handle workers’ comp cases with confidence and care.
You don’t have to take on the insurance company alone. We’ll guide you through the process, make sure you’re treated fairly, and fight for every dollar you’re owed. Call (770) 489-3456 today to talk with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. The consultation is free, and you don’t pay unless we win your case.
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Common Questions
You have one year from the date of your injury to file a workers’ comp claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, but you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days.
If your employer won’t report your injury, you can still act. File a WC-14 form directly with the Georgia State Board. That alerts both your employer and their insurance company. If your boss is dragging their feet or trying to avoid responsibility, a workers’ compensation lawyer can make sure your claim gets filed correctly and your rights stay protected.
Sort of. Georgia requires your employer to post a list of approved doctors. To have your treatment covered, you’ll need to pick from that list. You can switch to another doctor on the list once without permission. If you go outside it, the insurance company might not pay your bills.
You can appeal by requesting a hearing with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. A judge will review your case and decide if you should get benefits. Having a workers' compensation lawyer helps here. We gather evidence, handle paperwork, and fight to get benefits approved.
If your claim is approved, payments usually start within three weeks after you’ve missed seven days of work. If you’re out more than 21 days, you’ll get paid for that first week too. Delays can happen, but an experienced attorney can push things along and make sure you’re not waiting longer than necessary.
Yes. Georgia’s workers’ comp system is no-fault, so you can still get benefits even if you made a mistake that caused your injury. The only exceptions are cases involving intoxication or intentional harm. Workers’ comp is there to help you recover, not blame you for an accident.
You can fill out a form called WC-14 from Georgia’s official website. They can also help you over the phone or by mail.
It is best to contact a GA work injury attorney like Ellene Welsh to discuss all the details further. Give our office a call today for a free consultation.
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With 35 years of legal experience, Attorney Ellene Welsh specializes in assisting individuals in the Douglasville, Columbus, and West Georgia areas to secure Work Comp, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, leveraging her in-depth knowledge of the systems and collaborating with admin officials to secure her clients the financial support they deserve.
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