6 Common Mistakes Made When Filing For Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Getting injured at work is something you should never take lightly. Whether it’s a catastrophic injury or just a sprain, you deserve workers’ compensation benefits if you’ve been injured at work.

The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation reported over 38,000 claims in 2013. What can we learn from this? Job-related injuries happen more than you think, making it even more important to know what to avoid so you aren’t denied your workers’ compensation benefits if it happens to you.

Avoid These 6 Common Workers’ Compensation Mistakes

• Waiting too long to notify your employer of your injury. It’s always better to report your accident immediately, but if you’re unable to do so at the time of the injury, make sure you tell your supervisor within 30 days. Failure to report your injury within this time frame can result in a loss of benefits.

• Not reporting your injury because you think you are suing your employer. When you file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, you’re not suing your employer. Instead, you’re filing a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. If approved, the employer’s insurance company will pay your benefits.

• Not filing for workers’ compensation because you just started your job. You are covered by workers’ compensation immediately when you start your job. You don’t have to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

• Avoiding a visit to the doctor’s office. Regardless of the severity of your injury, see a doctor immediately to avoid being denied any benefits. It’s possible that an injury can be more severe than you first think, and waiting to see a doctor can be hazardous to your claim.

• Assuming the statute of limitations is two years. People often assume the workers’ compensation statute of limitations is two years like in personal injury cases. However, under Georgia law it is only one year from the date of accident in most cases. If the claim is not timely filed then it is barred forever.

• Hiring the wrong workers’ compensation lawyer. Workers’ compensation law is very complex. Hire an attorney with years of successful experience fighting for the rights of workers like you. Meet directly with the lawyer to make sure he or she understands your needs and answers all of your questions.

If you’ve experienced a job related injury, avoid making these common mistakes and improve your chances of having your claim approved. Getting injured is bad enough on its own and any denial of benefits will only make things worse.