What Happens if You’re Injured on a Non-Union Construction Site?

You showed up for work like always. Hammered nails. Poured concrete. Hauled gear. You weren’t part of a union, but you worked hard. And then something went wrong, and now you’re hurt.

If you’re asking what happens if you’re injured on a non-union construction site, you’re not alone. The answer depends on your employer, your role, and how the accident happened. But the law still gives you options.

An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can step in early and help you protect those rights before an insurance company tries to write you off.

Work Injury Claims on Non-Union Sites in Atlanta

Non-union construction sites cover a huge portion of Georgia’s workforce. These sites operate without collective bargaining agreements or union protections. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck.

Workers’ compensation laws in Georgia still apply. That means injured workers on non-union job sites have the right to:

• Report injuries without retaliation
• Receive authorized medical treatment
• File a claim for lost wages
• Get care for long-term or permanent injuries

If you worked for a subcontractor or labor agency, things may feel messier. But the law focuses on your working relationship, not just who signed your checks.

Do I Qualify for Workers’ Comp Without a Union?

Yes. Unions don’t control who qualifies for workers’ comp in Georgia. State law says any business with three or more regular employees must carry coverage.

So, if you were working under someone’s direction and got hurt on the job, you likely qualify. This includes:

• Day laborers
• Construction temps
• Immigrant workers
• Roofers, masons, carpenters, welders, and more

Even if you were paid in cash or didn’t sign a formal agreement, you might still count as an employee. An Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can help prove the employment relationship using texts, work logs, or witness statements.

Common Injuries on Non-Union Construction Sites

Non-union sites often have less oversight and looser safety procedures. We regularly speak with workers injured by:

• Falls from scaffolding or ladders
• Nail gun or tool malfunctions
• Electric shocks
• Crane and forklift accidents
• Falling debris
• Faulty harnesses or lack of fall protection

Some injuries happen fast, like a back fracture or laceration. Others take time to appear—like joint damage or hearing loss. You can file a claim either way, but you need to speak up early.

Reporting a Work Injury in Georgia

On a non-union site, you may not have a shop steward or union rep to walk you through the process. That’s okay. You still have a path forward.

Here’s what to do:

• Tell your employer. Under Georgia law, specifically O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80, you have 30 days to report the injury. Don’t wait.
• Ask for the posted panel of doctors. Your employer must provide options for approved care.
• Document what happened. Take photos, gather witness names, and keep a copy of everything you fill out.
• Call a lawyer. The sooner you involve an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer, the stronger your claim can be.

Non-union workers still have rights. You don’t need a union rep to start the claims process—you just need to speak up, act quickly, and protect yourself. A serious injury can derail your life, but getting the right help early can make a real difference.

What If the Job Was “Under the Table”?

Many non-union construction sites try to avoid paperwork by paying workers in cash. That might make it harder to prove your case—but it doesn’t mean you’re disqualified from workers’ comp. Georgia law doesn’t require a W-2 to count you as an employee.

What matters most is how the work happened. If a foreman or site manager gave you instructions, if you showed up for regular shifts, or if the company gave you tools and equipment, the court may still consider you an employee under the law.

That opens the door to a valid claim. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help show the truth behind your working relationship—even if your boss denies it.

Can I Sue If My Boss Doesn’t Have Insurance?

If your employer failed to carry workers’ comp, you may have other options. You might be able to sue them directly or file with Georgia’s Uninsured Employers Fund. This route can take longer, but it still offers a path to recovery.

Your lawyer will look at all angles, including whether the general contractor or property owner shares responsibility. The goal is to find every possible source of support.

What an Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Do for You

The insurance company won’t look out for you. Neither will your boss if they think you’ll cost them money. An Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can balance the scales.

Here’s how:

• File your claim and meet every deadline
• Push back against denied or delayed treatment
• Calculate your average weekly wage (even if you were paid in cash)
• Identify all liable parties if your employer won’t cooperate
• Help protect you from retaliation

If you need surgery, long-term care, or job retraining, your lawyer will factor those into your case, too. And if the insurance company lowballs you, they’ll fight for what you really need to move forward.

No Union Protection? You Still Have Rights in Georgia

Working on a non-union construction site doesn’t mean you gave up your legal protections. Georgia law still requires your employer to provide workers’ comp, treat you with fairness, and take care of you after a workplace injury.

The difference is that, without a union, you may need to push harder to make sure that happens. And that’s where the right attorney makes all the difference.

Talk to The Strong Arm™ Today

At John Foy & Associates, we help injured workers take back control after serious construction site injuries. You don’t need a union badge or a perfect paper trail—just a story worth fighting for and an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer who listens.

We treat every client with respect, move quickly when it matters most, and bring over 350 years of combined experience to every case we take on.

Call today for a free consultation. You won’t pay us unless we win. Let The Strong Arm™ fight for your recovery.