Attorney Bruce Carraway Stands Up for Injured Workers at the Georgia State Capitol

When Attorney Bruce Carraway walked into the Georgia State Capitol recently, he wasn’t there for ceremony or politics. He was there for workers — the people who keep Georgia’s economy moving, often without recognition, and sometimes at great personal risk. His message to lawmakers was direct and urgent: protect workers’ compensation rights, especially the right to file state claims when federal and state jurisdictions overlap.

Defending a Critical Protection: Dual Jurisdiction Claims

In certain industries — transportation, longshore work, federal contracting, and others — an injured worker may fall under both federal and state workers’ compensation systems. This is known as dual jurisdiction, and for decades, Georgia workers have had the right to pursue a state claim even when a federal claim is also available.

That right is now under threat.

Some legislative proposals would restrict or eliminate a worker’s ability to file a Georgia state claim when a federal remedy exists. Carraway made it clear to lawmakers that such a change would tilt the system heavily in favor of employers and insurers, leaving injured workers with fewer options and weaker protections.

Why This Matters for Georgia Workers

The difference between a federal claim and a state claim isn’t just paperwork. It can affect:

• Access to medical treatment
• The amount and duration of wage benefits
• The ability to challenge unfair denials
• The speed at which a claim is resolved
• The worker’s long‑term financial stability

Federal systems can be slower, more rigid, and less responsive to individual circumstances. Georgia’s state system, while not perfect, often provides more practical and timely relief. Removing the option to file a state claim would leave many injured workers with only one path — and often, it’s the path that benefits employers and insurers, not the people who were hurt.

Carraway emphasized that choice is the safeguard. Without it, workers lose leverage, lose protections, and lose access to the system designed to help them recover.

A Voice for the People Who Can’t Be in the Room

Most injured workers can’t take a day off to speak to legislators. Many are recovering from surgeries, fighting pain, or struggling to keep their families afloat. Carraway brought their stories with him — the longshore worker caught between federal statutes and state realities.

He reminded lawmakers that workers’ compensation isn’t a perk. It’s a promise. And weakening that promise only benefits one side of the equation.

The Bigger Picture: Fairness, Not Favoritism

Carraway’s advocacy underscored a simple truth: when workers lose rights, employers gain power. Eliminating dual jurisdiction claims would reduce employer liability, limit accountability, and shift costs onto injured workers and their families.

Georgia’s workers deserve better.

They deserve a system that recognizes the complexity of modern work, respects the risks employees take, and ensures that when someone gets hurt doing their job, they aren’t left navigating a maze with only one locked door.

Standing Firm for Georgia’s Workforce

Attorney Bruce Carraway’s appearance at the Capitol wasn’t just about legal nuance. It was about fairness, dignity, and the belief that workers should never be forced into a weaker system simply because it’s more convenient for employers.

As the legislative session continues, his message remains clear: protect the right to file state claims. Protect dual jurisdiction. Protect Georgia’s workers.