What is an Administrative Law Judge?
Last Updated: 11/12/2025
An Administrative Law Judge at the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation, or ALJ, is the judge and finder of fact in the workers' compensation claim.
Understanding Administrative Law Judges (ALJs)
An Administrative Law Judge is the judge who decides your workers’ compensation case:
- Trial judge role: Presides over workers’ comp hearings and makes findings of fact
- Decision authority: Issues orders and awards based on evidence and applicable law
- Case assignment: When you file a hearing request, the State Board assigns your case to an ALJ
- Powers: Can award benefits, authorize medical treatment, and resolve disputes
- Limitations: Cannot force settlements—both parties must agree to settlement terms
- Appeals: ALJ decisions can be appealed to the Appellate Division
The ALJ is the key decision-maker in contested workers’ compensation cases.
What is an Administrative Law Judge?
The Role of an ALJ
An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) is a judicial officer who presides over administrative hearings. They adjudicate disputes involving administrative law.
ALJs are responsible for conducting workers’ compensation hearings. They make findings of fact based on the evidence presented.
They issue decisions or orders based on the evidence and applicable law. Their role is similar to a judge in civil court, but in the administrative context.
Resolving Workers’ Compensation Disputes
Their role often involves resolving disputes between government agencies and individuals or entities. In Georgia, this means workers’ compensation cases.
For example, in the context of the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, ALJs issue orders and awards. These decisions may be subject to appeal or review by the Appellate Division.
Unlike general civil court judges who hear all types of cases, ALJs at the State Board of Workers’ Compensation focus exclusively on workers’ comp law. This specialization means they have deep expertise in the Workers’ Compensation Act and related regulations.
How Your Case Gets Assigned to an ALJ
Filing a Hearing Request
When you file a hearing request with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your case gets assigned to an ALJ. This assignment is typically random to ensure fairness.
The ALJ will preside over the hearing. They will make a decision based on the evidence presented by both sides.
The ALJ’s Authority
They have the authority to issue orders and award benefits. They resolve disputes in accordance with the Workers’ Compensation Act.
They also apply other relevant laws and regulations. Their decisions carry the force of law unless appealed.
Think of the ALJ as your trial judge in the workers’ compensation system. They control the hearing, rule on objections, evaluate witness credibility, and ultimately decide whether you win or lose your case.
What an ALJ Can (and Cannot) Do
Powers of an ALJ
An ALJ may order the employer to pay benefits through an award or order. This can include:
- Income benefits - Temporary total disability (TTD), temporary partial disability (TPD), or permanent partial disability (PPD)
- Medical treatment authorization - Ordering specific treatment or procedures
- Disability determinations - Finding the extent and duration of your disability
- Compensability rulings - Deciding whether your injury is work-related
They can also resolve disputes over the extent of disability. They determine the compensability of an injury.
What ALJs Cannot Do: Forced Settlements
However, an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) does not have the authority to order a settlement. This is an important limitation.
Settlements must be agreed upon by both parties voluntarily. No one can be forced to settle their case.
The ALJ or the State Board of Workers’ Compensation can only review and approve the settlement once it is submitted. They ensure it complies with the law and is fair.
An ALJ cannot force you to settle your case, and they cannot force the insurance company to settle either. Settlements are purely voluntary agreements between the parties. The ALJ’s role is limited to approving settlements that both sides agree to.
The Settlement Approval Process
Both parties must agree to the terms of a settlement. Once they do, the settlement documents are submitted to the Board.
The Board reviews the settlement for approval. This review ensures compliance with the Workers’ Compensation Act and Board Rules.
The ALJ checks that:
- The injured worker understands the settlement terms
- The settlement is reasonable given the injury and medical evidence
- All required forms are properly completed
- The settlement complies with minimum statutory requirements
Appealing an ALJ’s Decision
The Appellate Division
If you disagree with an ALJ’s decision, you can appeal to the Appellate Division of the State Board.
The Appellate Division reviews the ALJ’s findings for errors of law or fact. They can affirm, reverse, or modify the ALJ’s decision.
Learn more about successful appeal outcomes in workers’ compensation cases. Understanding the appeals process can help you evaluate whether to appeal an unfavorable decision.
Time Limits for Appeals
Appeals must be filed within 20 days of the ALJ’s decision. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to appeal.
If the Appellate Division rules against you, further appeals to the Superior Court and Court of Appeals may be possible.
Preparing for Your Hearing Before an ALJ
- Gather all medical records and bills related to your injury
- Obtain witness statements from coworkers who saw the accident
- Prepare a clear timeline of events from injury to present
- Collect wage documentation to prove your average weekly wage
- Be ready to testify about how the injury occurred and affects you
- Review all prior medical authorizations and denials
- Dress professionally and arrive early for your hearing
- Listen carefully to questions and answer truthfully
Facing a Workers' Comp Hearing?
The ALJ's decision can make or break your workers' compensation case. Don't go to your hearing unprepared. Our experienced attorneys know what ALJs look for and how to present compelling evidence. We've successfully represented countless injured workers at hearings and appeals. Free consultation—let us evaluate your case and prepare you for success.
