Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
Susan J. Sadow
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2003 Awarded Practice Areas
Biography
Atlanta Magazine: Named one of the Top 50 Women Georgia Super Lawyers 2010 -2014
Atlanta Magazine: Georgia Super Lawyer 2006 - 2024
AV rated
ATLANTA MEDICINE - JOURNAL OF THE MEDICAL ASSOCIATION OF ATLANTA
2016 VOL. 87, No. 5
”Keys to Success in Treating Injured Workers: The Patient’s View”
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ATLANTA CLAIMS ASSOCIATION
2015 Speaker
“Injuries Arising Out of and in the Course of Employment”
1997 Speaker and author of the article “Learning How to Work with Claimants' Attorneys - How Proper Communication Can Improve Your Effectiveness and Make Your Job Easier”
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ICLE WORKERS' COMPENSATION LAW INSTITUTE2021 Speaker
"Professionalism: Remember When We all Got Along?"
2014 Speaker
“Controversial Medical Treatment and Testing - From Spinal Cord Stimulators to Ketamine Comas”
2011
Co-Chairperson ICLE Workers' Compensation Law Institute
2010 Speaker
“Professionalism: A Primer on Practicing Before the State Board of Workers' Compensation”
2007 Speaker
“Motions Practice”
2005 Speaker
“Ethics: Problems and Solutions in Workers' Compensation Claims”
2003 Co-Chairperson ICLE Workers' Compensation Law Institute
2002 Speaker
“Employers' Duties and Problems”
2002 Speaker
“Workers' Compensation From All Angles”
2002 Speaker
“Common Issues Resolved Through Hearings”
2001 Speaker and author of the article
“Medical Benefits: Rights and Obligations”
2000 Speaker and author of the article
“Ethics - The New Georgia Rules of Professional Conduct”
1994 Speaker and author of the article
“Legislative Changes, Rules and Procedures - How They Can Work”
1993 Speaker and author of the article
“Practice Pointers - New Rules and Forms - From First Phone Call Through Hearing”
2002 Speaker
“Effective Direct and Cross Examination of Medical Professionals”
1998 Co-Chairperson
1997 Co-Chairperson
1995 Co-Chairperson
1994 Speaker and author of the article
“Settlement Considerations”
1992 Co-Chairperson
GEORGIA SELF-INSURERS ASSOCIATION, INC.2001 Speaker
“Claimants' Attorneys - Why I Get the Call”
1998 Speaker and author of the article
“Georgia Workers' Compensation Practice: Dealing with the Psychic Injury Case”
2024 Moderator - Ethics Panel “Knowing When to Hold ‘em & How to Fold ‘em”
2021 Speaker - "Legends from Legends: Professionalism"
1998 Speaker and author of the article
“Legislative/New Case Law Update”
1997 Speaker and author of the article
“Drug and Alcohol Cases/Willful Misconduct”
1995 Speaker and author of the article
“Hearing Preparation: Preparing Your Client to Win”
Overview
- Gender: Female
- Emory University, J.D., graduated 1981
- Tufts University, B.A. History & French, graduated 1978
- Georgia, State Bar of Georgia
- The College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers - Fellow
- Atlanta Bar Association - Member of Workers' Compensation Section - Past Chairperson of Section
- Georgia Association of Women Lawyers - Member
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association - Member of Board of Directors of Workers' Compensation Claimants Lawyers (WCCL)
- Kids' Chance of Georgia, Inc. - Member of Board of Directors
- State Bar of Georgia - Member
- State Board of Workers' Compensation Chairman's Advisory Council - Public Education Committee - 2000 - 2014
- Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group - Member
- United State Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- Georgia, State Bar of Georgia
- The College of Workers' Compensation Lawyers - Fellow
- Atlanta Bar Association - Member of Workers' Compensation Section - Past Chairperson of Section
- Georgia Association of Women Lawyers - Member
- Georgia Trial Lawyers Association - Member of Board of Directors of Workers' Compensation Claimants Lawyers (WCCL)
- Kids' Chance of Georgia, Inc. - Member of Board of Directors
- State Bar of Georgia - Member
- State Board of Workers' Compensation Chairman's Advisory Council - Public Education Committee - 2000 - 2014
- Workers Injury Law & Advocacy Group - Member
- Emory University, J.D., graduated 1981
- Tufts University, B.A. History & French, graduated 1978
- United State Supreme Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit
- United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit
- Gender: Female
Client Testimonials
Awards & Focus
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
- Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants, Atlanta (2024)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2026 for work in:
- Workers' Compensation Law - Claimants
Additional Areas of Practice:
- Workers' Compensation Law
Special Focus:
- Catastrophic Injury
Awards:
2020 - Present: Fellow of the College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
News & Media
Additional Information
Q&A
We pride ourselves on excellent communication with our clients. We are held in high regard by our peers and they know we will work aggressively, but with the highest ethical standards, to get our clients the medical treatment, income benefits and settlements that they deserve. We have excellent relationships with many of the medical professionals who treat our clients. This enables us to get them top quality care and the best possible surgical outcomes.
The most common question that I am asked by clients is “Do I need a lawyer if workers’ compensation is already providing me with weekly checks and medical treatment?” My answer is a resounding “Yes” because the workers’ compensation system in Georgia is quite complicated and an expert is necessary to guide an injured worker through the entire process. Otherwise, the injured worker will be taken advantage of. I view my role as making sure that I play an active role in selecting their treating physicians. It is critical that my clients are kept informed of what they can expect from the initial meeting until the conclusion of their case.
The second most common question I am asked is “Will I get fired if I hire an attorney?” I explain to my clients that some people who suffer work related injuries get fired and others do not. Hiring an attorney will not cause you to get fired. If your employer is looking to fire you, they will fire you with me or without me, despite your number of years of service. Unfortunately, an injured worker is often considered a liability by his or her former employer.
The second most common question I am asked is “Will I get fired if I hire an attorney?” I explain to my clients that some people who suffer work related injuries get fired and others do not. Hiring an attorney will not cause you to get fired. If your employer is looking to fire you, they will fire you with me or without me, despite your number of years of service. Unfortunately, an injured worker is often considered a liability by his or her former employer.
One of my most memorable cases involved a gentleman who was a loss prevention manager for a big box store. He suffered neck and back injuries but only the back in jury was accepted by the insurer as compensable. It turned out that the neck injury was far more severe causing him to have an unusual “scissors” type of gait. We tried the case and with the help of the testimony of a radiologist who compared old MRI scans with more recent ones, we won. This allowed my client to get the surgery that he desperately needed. The case settled well into the six figures. The initial offers made by the insurer was $5000. I had a very, very satisfied and appreciative client.
The workers’ compensation system in Georgia is very employer/insurer oriented. The most challenging area of my practice is finding treating physicians on employers’ panels who will truly provide quality care to my clients. The second most challenging area is trying to explain that despite the fact that my client may have suffered devastating injuries, there is no recovery for pain and suffering in the Georgia workers’ compensation.
My first job in workers’ compensation was as a summer clerk for the Chairman of the Georiga State Board of Workers’ Compensation. I fell in love with this area of the law. I enjoy the fast pace, the medical issues, and the fact that no matter how many years you have practiced, each and every day you are faced with new and different problems that you need to resolve.
I enjoy skiing, hiking and travel.
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