Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Georgia: Step-by-Step

To protect a Georgia workers' comp claim, notify your employer within 30 days of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80) and file Form WC-14 with the State Board of Workers' Compensation within 1 year (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82). Missing either deadline can bar your benefits.

This is general information, not legal advice. A Georgia workers’ compensation attorney can help.

Filing a workers’ comp claim in Georgia involves two separate steps — notifying your employer and filing a formal claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). Missing either deadline can cost you your benefits.

Step 1: Report the Injury to Your Employer

Tell your employer about the injury immediately or as soon as practicable. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80, if you have not given oral notice, you must give written notice within 30 days of the accident.

Failure to give timely notice bars compensation unless:

Your employer (or their agent) had actual knowledge of the accident; or
You had a valid excuse for the delay and the employer was not significantly prejudiced.

Notify your direct supervisor and HR in writing — a dated email creates a record. Include the date, location, and how the injury occurred.

Step 2: Seek Treatment from a Panel Physician

Your employer is required to post a panel of at least 6 physicians (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-201). Select your authorized treating physician (ATP) from that list. Treatment from a non-panel doctor is generally not covered unless your employer failed to maintain a valid panel. For emergency care, you may go to the nearest available provider — but follow up with a panel physician as soon as possible.

Step 3: File Form WC-14 with the SBWC

To formally open a claim, file Form WC-14 (Notice of Claim) with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. The statute of limitations is:

1 year from the date of the accident (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82) — general rule
Running from the last date of employer-paid medical treatment, if applicable
2 years from the last weekly benefit payment, if the employer paid income benefits
5-year absolute bar — if no hearing is held within 5 years of the injury (for injuries on or after July 1, 2007), the claim is barred regardless of payments

You can file Form WC-14 online through the SBWC’s website at sbwc.georgia.gov. There is no filing fee.

Step 4: What Happens Next

Once you file, the SBWC notifies your employer and their insurer. The insurer has 21 days to accept or deny the claim. If accepted, benefits begin flowing. If denied, your options include:

Mediation — a neutral SBWC mediator helps both sides reach an agreement, usually faster than a hearing
Hearing before an ALJ — you present evidence; the ALJ issues a decision
Appellate Division — if you disagree with the ALJ, you have 20 days to appeal to the SBWC Appellate Division
Further appeals go to Superior Court, the Court of Appeals, and ultimately the Georgia Supreme Court

SBWC Contact Information

State Board of Workers’ Compensation 270 Peachtree Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303 Phone: (404) 656-3818 | Toll-free: 1-800-533-0682 Website: sbwc.georgia.gov

To get matched with a local Georgia workers’ compensation attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I missed the 30-day notice deadline?

Your claim may still be valid if your employer had actual knowledge of the injury, or if you have a valid excuse for the delay. Courts look at whether the employer was prejudiced by the late notice. Talk to an attorney quickly — the issue is fact-specific.

My employer is disputing my claim. What do I do?

If your employer or their insurer denies the claim, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge at the State Board of Workers' Compensation. The SBWC also offers mediation as a faster first step. Filing your WC-14 formally starts the dispute process.

Can I file a claim for a repetitive-stress injury, not just a single accident?

Yes. Georgia workers' comp covers occupational diseases and repetitive-motion injuries (like carpal tunnel) as well as single-event accidents. The notice and filing deadlines generally run from when you knew or should have known the condition was work-related.

Related guides

Independent Contractors and Workers' Comp in Georgia Georgia uses the right-to-control test to determine whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor for workers' comp purposes (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-1). A written IC contract does not automatically establish contractor status. In construction, a general contractor can be the statutory employer of a subcontractor's uninsured workers (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-8).

The Panel of Physicians in Georgia Workers' Comp Georgia employers must post a panel of at least 6 physicians (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-201), including at least one orthopedic surgeon. You choose your authorized treating physician (ATP) from the panel and are entitled to one free change. If the employer has no valid panel, you can see any doctor.

Third-Party Claims in Georgia Workers' Comp Workers' comp is the exclusive remedy against your employer and co-workers in Georgia (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11), but you can still sue a negligent third party who caused or contributed to your injury (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-11.1). Your employer holds a subrogation lien on any third-party recovery but can only collect after you are fully compensated.

Workers' Comp Benefits in Georgia Georgia workers' comp pays wage-replacement benefits (TTD, TPD, PPD), all reasonable medical expenses, and death benefits. TTD pays 2/3 of your average weekly wage up to $800/week (confirmed July 2023) for up to 400 weeks — or unlimited for catastrophic injuries. PPD is based on your AMA Guides 5th impairment rating.

Workers' Comp Settlements in Georgia Georgia workers' comp cases can be resolved through a Stipulated Settlement (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-15), which must be approved by the SBWC Board when there is a bona fide dispute of fact. Once approved, the settlement is final and typically closes both income and medical benefits.

Filing a Workers' Comp Claim in Georgia