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Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia is critical to getting the benefits you deserve. Our lawyers represent injured workers in the entire process. Let us help you file for benefits and more.
Getting the workers’ compensation that you deserve isn’t always easy. There are important steps to be followed. You must report your injury and file a claim. Our lawyers explain what you need to know.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation Forms
Find and print forms for workers’ compensation in Georgia.
Filing for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia
What does it mean to file a worker’s compensation claim in Georgia?
Filing a worker’s compensation claim in Georgia may mean:
- Reporting an injury to your employer
- Filing a hearing request through the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation
What happens when you file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia?
When you file a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia by requesting a hearing, you are asking for formal proceedings about your right to benefits. When you tell your employer that you have an injury, they must investigate. If they agree with you, they should start paying benefits as required by law.
How long do you have to report a workplace injury in Georgia?
You have 30 days to report a workplace injury in Georgia. There are exceptions to the 30-day limit. It’s always best to report the injury as soon as possible.
Once reported, you have one year to request a hearing regarding your benefits.
How do you notify your employer that you have a workplace injury?
To notify your employer that you have a workplace injury, tell a supervisor or someone else who represents the company. It’s always best to make the report in writing, but it’s not necessarily a bar to benefits if you tell them verbally.
How do you request a workers’ compensation hearing in Georgia?
To request a workers’ compensation hearing in Georgia, file a Form WC-14 and check the “Request for Hearing” box.
In the Atlanta area, you may also call (404) 656-3818 to file a claim. Outside metro Atlanta, call 1 (800) 533-0682.
(Access the WC-14 Form at State Board of Workers’ Compensation Board Forms)
What do I report when filing my workers’ compensation claim?
Form WC-14 Notice of Claim requests the following information:
- Your name and contact details
- Your employer’s name and contact details
- Attorneys for either party, if known
- The part of the body injured
- Date the disability first occurred
- If fatal, the date of death
- A description of how the accident occurred
- Income benefits claimed, including TTD, TPD, and PPD benefits
- Other benefits claimed like dependency benefits, burial benefits, and medical benefits
- Fees and lawyer’s fees
- Whether you are requesting a catastrophic designation or appealing a decision regarding rehabilitation
- Affirmation that your documents are accurate to your knowledge
- Certificate of service to all parties and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
Legal Representation for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Can you have a lawyer represent you when you file for workers’ compensation?
Yes! A lawyer can represent you in all aspects of filing for workers’ compensation, including preparing and submitting paperwork, attending your hearing, and settlement negotiations. You may choose the lawyer to represent you.
The Moebes Law firm represents workers who are injured on the job or in the course of their employment. We provide full-service representation, meaning that we can represent you from the very first time you are injured until the end of your case. Our lawyers can be your advocates at any stage in the case.
Does the Georgia workers’ compensation board appoint me a lawyer when I file for workers’ compensation?
No. There is no court-appointed lawyer for workers’ compensation claims. If you want a lawyer to represent you, you may hire the lawyer of your choice.
Can I represent myself in my workers’ compensation claim?
You can represent yourself in your workers’ compensation claim. You’re held to the same standards as though you had a lawyer. However, it’s not a good idea. You are expected to know all the rules and procedures. You may not even know what you are missing that can unravel your case. In fact, many general practitioner lawyers have failed miserably when trying to dabble in workers’ compensation litigation at a hearing. Our founding attorney, Michael Moebes, has many stories about beating them.
The Moebes Law team specializes in helping injured workers receive workers’ compensation. Call us for a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue your rights.
At Your Workers’ Compensation Hearing
Can I submit letters and affidavits as evidence at my workers’ compensation hearing?
No. Affidavits and letters are considered hearsay, so they aren’t admissible at a workers’ compensation hearing. The witnesses must testify so that the other side can cross-examine them. You also have a chance to cross-examine the other side’s witnesses.
Who has the burden of proof in a Georgia workers’ compensation hearing?
The injured worker has the burden to show that their injury resulted from their employment. They may present medical evidence and information about the accident to prove their case. That said, the burden of proof can shift to the Employer/Insurer if circumstances in the case change.
Is there a penalty for making false statements at a workers’ compensation hearing?
False statements in a workers’ compensation hearing are punishable by civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties may be as much as $10,000. Criminal penalties for a false statement are misdemeanor charges carrying penalties of up to 12 months in jail and a fine.
See OCGA § 34-9-19
Lawyers to Help You File for Workers’ Compensation
Filing for workers’ compensation isn’t an easy task. You need to know how to file the claim, and you need to know what benefits you deserve. Our lawyers can evaluate the entire situation and handle the claim on your behalf.
Your benefits are important. At Moebes Law, we are an experienced law firm dedicated to protecting your rights. We help injured workers file claims, negotiate settlements, and conduct hearings. It is our goal to protect your rights, manage the entire process for you, and pursue justice in your claim.
Don’t wait – start your path towards compensation today. Contact our lawyers today for your free consultation.
