Managing Partner
There is no time to waste after suffering a workplace injury in Georgia. You could lose your right to workers’ compensation benefits if you wait too long to report your injury. Delaying your injury report could also affect your ability to pursue a personal injury claim. As such, it’s important to act fast to protect your rights and seek the money you deserve.
Deadline to Report a Workplace Injury in Georgia
Let’s start with the essentials. Under Georgia law, you have 30 days after a workplace injury to report it to your employer. To protect your rights, it’s best to report the injury to an HR rep or your manager as quickly as possible. Submit your report in writing so there’s a clear record, as verbal reports are sometimes unclear or can be misinterpreted (intentionally or not).
What Happens if You Don’t Report Your Workplace Injury On Time?
You can seriously hurt your chances of recovering workers’ comp benefits by waiting too long to report an on-the-job injury. If you miss the 30-day deadline, your employer can deny your workers’ compensation claim, even if your claim is otherwise valid. Delaying your injury report also gives your employer’s insurance company more room to challenge the accuracy of your supporting evidence.
Moreover, any delay could jeopardize your ability to pursue any third-party injury claim you may have. If someone other than your employer or a coworker was to blame for what happened, you are not restricted to the workers’ comp system. Instead, you may have grounds for a third-party claim against the at-fault person. However, evidence can deteriorate quickly, which could leave you without the necessary proof to win your case.
Protecting Your Rights After Reporting a Workplace Injury
Here’s what you can do to protect your rights following an injury in the workplace:
- Seek prompt medical treatment – See a doctor as soon as possible after an injury at work. This step creates a clear record linking your injury to the accident and your employment.
- Follow your doctor’s instructions – Stick to your treatment plan, attend all follow-up appointments, and take your prescribed medications. Ignoring medical advice can give insurers a reason to deny your claim or reduce your benefits.
- Document the incident – Record your symptoms, missed workdays, doctor visits, and how your injury affects your daily life. This information can back up your claim.
- File a workers’ compensation claim form – In Georgia, you must file a WC-14 form with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to provide notice of your claim. Do this within one year of your injury to preserve your right to benefits.
- Do not give recorded statements without legal advice – Your employer or their workers’ comp insurer might try to get you on record early. If you’re not careful, you might accidentally say something that hurts your case. Speak with an attorney first to protect your rights.
- Watch what you post online – Do not post about your injury or activities on social media. Insurance adjusters may use your posts to challenge your claim.
- Speak with a qualified attorney – An experienced lawyer can guide you through the workers’ comp system, help you avoid costly mistakes, and see if you qualify for additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
How Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm Can Help
Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm is here to help you with your workers’ compensation claim. We’ll handle all the paperwork on your behalf, communicate with your employer and their insurer to protect your interests, and inform you of your claim’s progress. If your employer denies your claim or tries to reduce your benefits, we can appeal the decision to state officials. We can also investigate whether a third party—like a negligent contractor or equipment manufacturer—contributed to your injuries, in which case we can pursue a personal injury claim for additional compensation.
Don’t jeopardize your recovery. Call Joshua E. Palmer Law Firm today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
