Being injured on the job can be daunting, especially when you are not familiar with the steps involved in receiving workers’ compensation in Georgia.
In Georgia, workers’ compensation serves as a safety net, providing injured workers with necessary medical treatment and lost wages. Here are the steps involved in the process.
Reporting the injury
Immediately after the injury, you must report it to your supervisor. Under Georgia law, you have one year from the date of the accident to report your injury. Failure to do so can jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
Medical examination
After reporting the injury, your employer should provide you with a list of authorized medical providers. These are the doctors who can examine and treat your injury for workers’ compensation purposes. You must choose a doctor from this list, known as the Panel of Physicians.
Filing the claim
Your employer has the responsibility of notifying their insurance company about your injury. However, to ensure you are protecting your rights, you should also file a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This form serves as your official claim for benefits.
Investigation and decision
Once you file your claim, the insurance company will investigate your injury and the circumstances around it. Based on their findings, they will either approve or deny your claim. If the insurance company approves your claim, they will start paying your medical bills and lost wages.
Appeal if necessary
In case the insurance company denies your claim, you have the right to appeal the decision. You can request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. At the hearing, you will present evidence to support your claim and the Board will make a decision.
Navigating through the Georgia workers’ compensation process may seem challenging, but following these steps can simplify the process.