What Happens If Workers’ Comp Stops Paying Benefits?

Workers’ compensation is meant to provide financial support and medical care for employees injured on the job. But what happens if those benefits suddenly stop while you’re still recovering and unable to return to work? For many injured workers, this can feel overwhelming and unfair. Here’s what you need to know if your workers’ comp checks or medical coverage come to an end.

Common Reasons Benefits May Stop

Workers’ compensation insurers may stop paying benefits for several reasons, including:

Return-to-work release – A doctor may decide you’re healthy enough to return to work, even if you don’t feel ready.
Independent Medical Exam (IME) results – The insurance company may require an IME, and if that doctor says you can work, benefits could be cut off.
Missed deadlines or paperwork issues – Sometimes benefits stop because forms weren’t submitted on time or there was a clerical error.
Claim disputes – The insurer may argue your injury is not work-related or that treatment is no longer necessary.

Your Rights if Benefits Stop

Just because benefits are stopped doesn’t mean you have no options. In Georgia, workers’ comp laws protect employees and provide ways to challenge unfair decisions. You may:

Request a hearing before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation to dispute the suspension.
Appeal an IME decision with additional medical evidence from your treating doctor.
Seek penalties against the insurer if benefits were wrongfully suspended.

Steps to Take Immediately

If your workers’ comp benefits are cut off:

Contact your attorney right away. A workers’ comp lawyer can review your case and take quick action to protect your rights.
Keep all medical records. Documentation is critical in proving your ongoing need for treatment and income benefits.
Don’t return to work too soon. If you’re still injured, returning before you’re ready could worsen your condition and impact your claim.

How Hollington Brown LLP Can Help

At Hollington Brown LLP, we’ve helped countless injured workers in Augusta and across Georgia fight back when benefits were wrongfully stopped. Our team understands the tactics insurance companies use and knows how to present strong evidence on your behalf.

If your workers’ comp benefits have been reduced, delayed, or cut off altogether, don’t face this battle alone. We’ll stand by you every step of the way to ensure you get the medical care and financial support you deserve.