Journal

Large motor carriers and their workers' compensation insurers are not strangers to claims brought by contractor truck drivers claiming to be employees of the carrier. A type of contractor commonly seen in these cases is the "owner-operator", who Georgia law defines as "an equipment lessor who leases his vehicular equipment with a driver to a carrier." ... Continue Reading

Recreational marijuana is now legal in more states than ever before. Medical marijuana has been legalized in the state of Georgia for individuals with specific ailments. This may mean that a percentage of the workforce is impaired on the job. ... Continue Reading

Let's consider the simplest possible workers' compensation scenario. An employee is injured on the job. There is a clear incident. There are several witnesses. The incident is immediately reported to the employee's supervisor, and an incident report is completed. The employee takes and passes a drug screen. ... Continue Reading

Over the last year, gender considerations have garnered significant attention from the media, employees, employers, courts, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (the "EEOC"). Employers should expect the dialogue on gender issues in the workplace to continue, and should take proactive measures to ensure they are in compliance with all state and federal employment laws. ... Continue Reading

As of September 1, 2018, adoptions in Georgia are easier. The state's Adoption Code was significantly revised, adding clarity and modernity to some laws not touched since 1990. The revisions seem to reflect the state's articulated interest in "promptly providing stable and permanent homes for adoptive children, and in preventing the disruption of adoptive placements." While the changes are vast from residency requirements of adoptive parents to assistance for birth parents, this article highlights many of the new laws. ... Continue Reading