Suffering a workplace injury can be both physically painful and financially stressful. When you’re unable to work, you depend on workers’ compensation benefits to help cover medical expenses and lost wages. One of the most common questions we hear at Hollington Brown LLP is: “How long does it take to get workers’ compensation benefits?”
The short answer is: it depends. Several factors influence the timeline, including the nature of your injury, how quickly your employer and their insurance carrier respond, and whether your claim is accepted or disputed. In this post, we’ll break down the typical workers’ compensation process in Georgia, explain key deadlines, and help you understand what to expect after filing a claim.
Step-by-Step Timeline for Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits in Georgia
- Reporting the Injury (Immediately to 30 Days)
The first and most important step is reporting your injury to your employer as soon as possible. Under Georgia law, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the incident. Failing to do so can jeopardize your ability to receive benefits.
Tip: Even if the injury seems minor, report it. A seemingly small injury can worsen over time, and having a documented report is crucial.
- Seeking Medical Treatment (Immediately)
Once you’ve reported the injury, your employer should provide you with a list of authorized physicians—called a panel of physicians—from which you can choose a doctor. Getting medical care right away not only aids your recovery but also documents the extent of your injury for your claim.
- Employer Files the Claim with Insurance (Within Days of Report)
After you notify your employer, they should report your injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation using Form WC-1. In most cases, this should happen within a few days to a week of your injury report.
- Insurance Company Investigates the Claim (Up to 21 Days)
Once the insurance company is notified, they have 21 days to investigate and determine whether to accept or deny the claim. During this period, they will:
- Review medical records
- Interview you and your employer
- Examine the circumstances of the accident
If your claim is accepted, you will begin receiving benefits soon after.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal, but this can extend the timeline significantly.
When Do Workers’ Compensation Payments Start?
If your claim is approved, you may begin receiving temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if your injury keeps you out of work for more than seven days. If you’re out for more than 21 days, you may also receive compensation for the first seven days retroactively.
Key Timeline for Payments:
- Within 21 days of your employer learning about the injury, the insurance company should start benefit payments.
- Payments are typically made weekly.
- The amount is usually two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to Georgia’s state maximum.
What Can Delay Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Unfortunately, not every claim proceeds smoothly. Here are some common issues that may delay your benefits:
- Incomplete or Delayed Reporting
If you wait to report your injury or your employer is slow to notify the insurance carrier, your claim could be delayed from the start.
- Disputes Over the Claim
Sometimes the employer or insurance carrier disputes whether the injury happened at work or questions its severity. In these cases, your claim may be denied or delayed, requiring a hearing or mediation to resolve.
- Inadequate Medical Documentation
Workers’ comp decisions are heavily based on medical records. If documentation is missing, inconsistent, or unclear, the insurance carrier may hold off on approving benefits.
- Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)
Insurance companies may request an IME with a physician of their choosing. Scheduling and waiting for this exam can add weeks or months to your timeline, depending on availability.
What Happens If Your Claim Is Denied?
If your claim is denied, don’t panic. You have the right to file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation using Form WC-14. After filing, the process may include:
- Mediation: A neutral party tries to resolve the dispute.
- Hearing: Similar to a trial, where both sides present evidence before an administrative law judge.
- Appeal: If the judge rules against you, you can appeal to the Appellate Division.
Important: The appeals process can take several months or even over a year, depending on the complexity of your case.
How a Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help Speed Things Up
The workers’ compensation system can be confusing, especially when you’re also dealing with pain, stress, and lost wages. At Hollington Brown LLP, we help injured workers by:
- Ensuring timely and accurate claim filing
- Communicating with insurance companies on your behalf
- Collecting strong medical evidence
- Representing you in mediation or hearings if needed
An experienced attorney can help avoid delays and fight for your rights if your benefits are wrongfully denied or underpaid.
Contact Hollington Brown LLP for a Free Consultation
While some workers receive benefits within a few weeks, others may wait months due to disputes, delays, or appeals. The best way to ensure a faster and smoother process is to report your injury promptly, get proper medical care, and work with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney.
At Hollington Brown LLP, we are committed to helping injured workers across Augusta and the surrounding communities receive the benefits they deserve. If you’ve been hurt on the job and are unsure what to do next—or if your claim has been denied—contact us for a free consultation. We’ll guide you through every step and fight to protect your rights.
Reach out to Hollington Brown LLP today at www.augustaworkerscomp.com or call us to schedule a consultation.