lmccullough@hawklawgroup.com | August 23, 2025 | Workers Compensation
Workers’ compensation exists to protect employees who get hurt on the job — whether through a routine accident, a serious equipment failure, or even an unusual workplace incident.
Real-life case examples help injured workers understand how the system works, which injuries qualify for benefits, and why legal guidance can be essential.
At Hawk Law Group, our Georgia workers’ compensation lawyers have represented clients in cases ranging from straightforward injuries to highly complex disputes.
Below, we share real workers’ comp case examples, drawn from U.S. news and government reports, to illustrate how benefits can apply to a wide variety of workplace injuries.
If you were injured while working in Georgia, our Augusta workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through the claims process and fight for the benefits you deserve.
Common Work Injuries That Qualify for Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation claims arise from a wide spectrum of accidents. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the leading causes of serious workplace injuries include:
- Transportation accidents – In 2023, 1,252 U.S. workers died in roadway incidents involving motor vehicles.
- Slips, trips, and falls – Falls remain a leading cause of serious injuries, with thousands of cases resulting in time away from work.
- Equipment and machinery injuries – OSHA frequently cites manufacturers for failing to guard dangerous machines, leading to severe “caught-in” or “struck-by” incidents.
- Overexertion injuries – Repetitive motion and heavy lifting are leading causes of musculoskeletal disorders. NSC data show that overexertion is one of the top drivers of lost workdays.
- Workplace violence – Assaults at work caused over 20,000 injuries and 392 fatalities in 2020, a persistent issue across industries.
📌 Patterns in injury data show that transportation accidents and overexertion are consistently underappreciated risks. These often generate long-term disability claims, making early claim filing critical to secure wage replacement.
Real Workers’ Compensation Case Examples
These case studies demonstrate how workers’ compensation applies to real-world injuries — including several tragic accidents here in Georgia.
Georgia Construction Worker Killed by Forklift (Perry, GA)
In December 2024, 29-year-old Andrew Williams Morgan died in Perry, Georgia, after falling from a forklift and being run over. OSHA opened an investigation into the incident. This case highlights the dangers of improperly operated equipment and the critical role of workers’ comp in covering death benefits for surviving family members.
Fatal Forklift Accident at Georgia EV Battery Plant (Savannah, GA)
In May 2025, a worker was killed at the HL-GA Battery Co. construction site near Savannah when a load fell from a forklift. OSHA launched a full investigation. Families in such cases may qualify for workers’ comp death benefits while also exploring potential third-party claims against contractors or equipment manufacturers.
Nurse Suffers Back Injury Moving a Patient
Terry Cawthorn, a North Carolina nurse, suffered a serious back injury after lifting a patient. Her employer initially denied that her injury was work-related, eventually terminating her employment. She sued, underscoring how healthcare workers are at high risk for overexertion injuries (KPBS).
Worker Crushed by Large Bay Door
In July 2023, a woman was fatally crushed by a massive industrial door at Pegasus Steel in South Carolina. OSHA cited the company for safety violations. Workers’ comp provides critical death benefits in such tragic cases, while OSHA citations show how negligence contributes to preventable deaths.
Slip and Fall from a Ladder
An OSHA accident report described an employee who fell when a ladder wobbled, suffering a traumatic brain injury. This case illustrates how falls from even modest heights can result in catastrophic, life-changing injuries — often requiring lifelong medical care.
Worker Caught in Machinery
In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that an employee at a manufacturing plant was fatally injured after being caught in inadequately guarded machinery. OSHA cited the company for failing to prevent “caught-between” hazards.
Workplace Violence: Half Moon Bay Shooting
In 2023, a tragic mass shooting at a Half Moon Bay mushroom farm left seven workers dead. Cal/OSHA cited the employers for failing to implement adequate workplace violence prevention measures. This case underscores that violence at work is a recognized occupational hazard covered by workers’ comp.
Unique and Unusual Workers’ Comp Cases
Not all workers’ comp claims involve predictable injuries. U.S. cases have shown that benefits may still apply in surprising situations:
- Horseplay gone wrong – Courts have sometimes allowed claims when injuries occurred during short breaks, depending on employer policies.
- Food-service accidents – Fast-food workers injured while rushing to prevent spills or accidents may qualify.
- Home-based injuries – Employees working remotely who trip over equipment in their home office may still be eligible if the injury occurred during work hours.
Even unusual accidents may qualify for benefits. If you’re unsure whether your case applies, call Hawk Law Group today.
💡 Courts have shown surprising flexibility when accidents occur in gray areas (like remote work or horseplay). Policies and employer practices often determine whether coverage applies.
Workers’ Compensation + Third-Party Negligence
Workers’ comp covers medical bills and wage replacement, but it does not provide compensation for pain and suffering. In some cases, injured workers can file a third-party negligence claim against someone other than their employer — for example:
- A delivery driver was injured by a negligent motorist while on the job.
- A construction worker was injured by defective equipment.
These third-party lawsuits can significantly increase compensation. Workers’ comp insurers may then pursue subrogation to recover what they paid, but injured workers often benefit from pursuing both avenues.
What Benefits Can Workers Receive?
Typical benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation include:
- Wage replacement – Usually two-thirds of average weekly wages (up to a state maximum).
- Medical expenses – Coverage for all necessary and authorized medical care.
- Mileage reimbursement – Travel costs for medical appointments.
- Permanent partial disability benefits – Payments based on impairment ratings.
- Vocational rehabilitation – Training to return to work in a new capacity.
- Settlements or lump sums – Negotiated payouts for certain cases.
Not sure whether your case qualifies as personal injury or workers’ comp? Read our guide on personal injury vs. workers’ comp to better understand your options.
📌 Many workers underestimate mileage reimbursement and vocational rehab benefits, yet these “smaller” categories often make a big financial difference over time.
Factors That Affect Case Outcomes
Every workers’ comp case is different. Outcomes depend on:
- Severity of the injury.
- Whether the employer or insurer disputes the claim.
- State-specific laws and benefit caps.
- Possible third-party liability.
- Representation by experienced legal counsel.
Why Choose Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers?
- Extensive experience before Georgia workers’ comp boards and judges.
- Proven record of successful settlements and awards.
- Compassionate, personalized guidance through every step.
- No fee unless we win your case.
⚖️ Specialized experience with Georgia boards and judges often shapes the success of a case. Attorneys familiar with local medical providers and insurers negotiate stronger results.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt on the job, don’t wait. Strict deadlines apply to workers’ comp claims in Georgia. Hawk Law Group is ready to fight for the benefits you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been hurt on the job, don’t wait—call us today at 706-914-2591 to schedule a consultation and protect your rights.
FAQs
What types of injuries qualify for workers’ compensation?
Most injuries that occur while performing work duties include falls, equipment injuries, repetitive strain, and even workplace violence.
Can I sue my employer and still collect workers’ comp?
Generally, no, workers’ comp is an exclusive remedy. But you may sue third parties (e.g., negligent drivers, equipment manufacturers).
How much can I get from a workers’ comp settlement?
It depends on wages, medical needs, and disability ratings. Settlements vary widely.
What if my claim is denied?
You have the right to appeal. Our attorney will help gather medical evidence and represent you at hearings.
How long do workers’ comp cases take to settle?
Anywhere from a few months to several years, depending on medical recovery, disputes, and negotiations.