If you’re injured on the job, you may incur outrageous medical bills that can cause financial strain. Luckily for you workers injured while on the job are eligible for benefits including rehabilitation support, medical benefits, and supplemental income through workers’ compensation. Your employer will be required to carry this insurance if they have 3 or more employees.
Therefore, learning how to file workers’ compensation is essential. Here are the steps on how to file a workers’ comp claim in Georgia.
What’s the Workers’ Compensation Process in Georgia
Luckily in Georgia it isn’t very difficult to file a workers’ comp claim. If it’s your first time doing so it’s always best to seek assistance from your employer, specifically their human resource department if they have one. If necessary, you can consult with a workers’ comp lawyer to assist you throughout the claims process.
Document and Report the Accident
The first thing you need to do is talk with your employer immediately after the injury occurs. Your employer will likely have you fill out some paperwork and ask you to go through the chain of events. Remember to be specific when describing the chain of events leading up to the injury.
Get Medical Attention
It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. It’s also crucial that you seek medical attention from only approved doctors. Failing to do so can cause you not to be covered under the workers’ comp program. Your employer should provide a list of approved physicians in Georgia you can seek assistance from.
Fill Out a WC-14 Form
You’ll need to fill out a WC-14 form where you’ll be required to document the details regarding your accident. This form will be sent to the state, and you’ll need to clarify if you’re notifying them of the claim, requesting a hearing, or requesting mediation.
Once you’ve completed the form you can submit it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation via mail or in person. Make sure to send a copy to your employer and their insurance provider.
Next Steps
After some time, you should receive a notification on whether or not you were approved for benefits. If approved, the notification will state the benefits you’ll receive. You also have the right to request a hearing if you don’t agree with the ruling.
To remain eligible, you must do as your physician says regarding treatment and/or rehab. Failing to do so can result in your benefits being taken away.
You also must agree to go back to work once your deemed well. It doesn’t matter whether you go to a new job or go back to your current employer.
How to Maximize Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Reporting your accident quickly is the best way you can maximize your workers’ compensation benefits. Even if you are mildly uncomfortable, you should report an accident as soon as it occurs. That’s because your initial discomfort could turn into a serious medical problem.
If a long time has passed since the accident and you neglected to say anything to your employer, the less likely they’ll believe your claim.
Summing Up
All in all, if you’re injured on the job, it’s important to tell your employer and seek medical assistance right away.
Links
https://georgia.gov/file-workers-compensation-claim
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