In Georgia, employees who get injured or sick because of a workplace hazard may file for workers’ compensation (WC) benefits. This employer-provided insurance program helps employees receive financial support for their work-related accidents.
To help provide a better insight into this process, here is a simple guideline on how you can file your WC claim in Georgia:
Notify your employer
After your accident at work, you must inform your manager of your injury or illness as soon as possible. Although you will have 30 days to report it, you must still act with promptness to avoid any potential delays or issues in the process.
Once your employer has been informed, they will file a report with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). Keep in mind that you must seek treatment from your employer’s “panel of physicians.”
Get prompt medical care
After you review and choose a doctor from your employer’s list, you must seek appropriate treatment for your injury or condition. Aside from your medical and hospital bills, your WC benefits can also cover payments for your prescription medications and necessary travel expenses.
It is important to remember that you must keep a copy of all your medical-related records and expenses.
Fill out your WC-14 form
To formally file your WC claim, you must download the “WC-14” form from the SBWC’s website. You can take this step on your own or with the help of a workers’ compensation attorney.
Upon completion and submission, you must provide your employer and their insurer with a copy of your claim form. In this process, they will begin to review your claim, your medical records and the accident report.
If your claim is approved, you will start to receive your WC benefits. However, if you get a denial letter, do not feel discouraged. You can still challenge the insurance company’s decision by appealing your case.
Your right to seek compensation
By understanding your rights and following the legal processes involved, you can file your WC claim and get treated for your injuries without having to worry about the expenses that follow.