[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-long-georgia-workers-compensation-claim\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-long-georgia-workers-compensation-claim\/","headline":"How Long Does a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim Take?","name":"How Long Does a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim Take?","description":"Numerous factors can affect how long a workers\u2019 compensation claim will take in Georgia, including the types of benefits pursued and the length of negotiation between the two sides. In some cases, you may begin receiving wage replacement benefits within three weeks of your injury. However, you may...","datePublished":"2023-08-30","dateModified":"2026-01-14","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/#Person","name":"Ken Bernard","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/kenbernard\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/2c8989e3a6ded75e4fe0fae6e90fc6dfec65eaf7676e8cefa113ad6e8e2d6c66?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/injured-at-work-waiting.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/injured-at-work-waiting.jpg","height":667,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-long-georgia-workers-compensation-claim\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU","name":"Are there time deadlines for my workers' comp case? | Sherrod Bernard","description":"The statute of limitations is the time deadline a case must be filed by. In Georgia, the applicable statute of limitations for a workers' compensation case is one year. If the case is not filed by the applicable statute of limitations, the case is time-barred and forever lost. There are ways to extend the statute of limitations in cases where the employer voluntarily provided workers' compensation benefits after the injury. An injured worker must also be aware of another important time deadline. The injured worker must provide notice of his or her injury. This notice must be provided to the employer, and it must be done within 30 days from the time the worker has been injured on the job. \n\nAt Sherrod & Bernard, we recommend filing a claim as soon as the injury occurs.\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/KEV-0JWqgbU\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/KEV-0JWqgbU\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/KEV-0JWqgbU\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/KEV-0JWqgbU\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/KEV-0JWqgbU\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-08-09T11:30:00+00:00","duration":"PT1M2S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KEV-0JWqgbU","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":109621}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=KEV-0JWqgbU#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":114}]},"about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":943,"articleBody":"Numerous factors can affect how long a workers\u2019 compensation claim will take in Georgia, including the types of benefits pursued and the length of negotiation between the two sides. In some cases, you may begin receiving wage replacement benefits within three weeks of your injury. However, you may have to wait several months to over a year to receive your full benefits.How Soon Can a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim Start?A\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation claim\u00a0can start when you report the injury to your employer and file your claim. The State Board of Workers\u2019 Compensation (SBWC) should send you Form WC-14 to complete. You can also obtain it from the\u00a0SBWC website. The sooner you start, the higher the likelihood of receiving timely benefits.Unfortunately, your employer can drag out the process even if you file your claim early. A workers\u2019 compensation attorney can ensure that your employer cooperates and does not delay the claims process.Do I Have a Time Limit for Notifying My Employer That I Was Injured?You\u00a0should notify\u00a0your employer, foreperson, or immediate supervisor of your workplace injury as soon as possible. However, you must report it within\u00a030 days of the accident. If you wait longer than 30 days, you may lose your right to workers\u2019 compensation benefits.While not required by law, you should report your injury in writing so that there\u2019s a clear record that you did. Otherwise, your employer could accuse you of failing to report it and deny your claim. The written notice should contain the following:The injured employee\u2019s name and addressThe time, place, nature, and cause of the accident and resulting injuryThe injured employee\u2019s signatureWhat Is the Deadline for Filing a Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim in Georgia?Under\u00a0Georgia law, injured employees must file a workers\u2019 compensation claim\u00a0within one year of the accident date. If the employee has received weekly wage benefits from their employer, they must file the claim within two years of the last payment.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Can Affect How Long It May Take to Settle a Workers\u2019 Comp Claim?Various factors can affect the length of time it takes to settle a workers\u2019 compensation claim, including the following:The timeliness and accuracy of your claim \u2013\u00a0Delays and inaccuracies in filing a workers\u2019 compensation claim can prolong the process. An experienced workers\u2019 compensation attorney can help ensure the timeliness and accuracy of your claim.The severity of your injuries \u2013\u00a0The more severe the injuries, the longer it may take to assess the full extent of the physical damage, required medical treatments, and potential for permanent disability. Once you reach the point of maximum medical improvement, your treating physician will assign a permanent disability rating. This rating may impact the type of benefits you receive.The responsibility of your employer \u2013\u00a0Some employers may try to avoid their responsibility to their injured employees and challenge or deny claims for benefits, which can prolong the battle to protect your rights.The quality of your legal representation \u2013\u00a0Hiring a knowledgeable, skilled workers\u2019 compensation attorney can affect your workers\u2019 compensation claim timeline. Often, aggressive, effective legal representation can shorten the time it takes to secure your rightful benefits.How Long Can I Receive Workers\u2019 Comp Payments?According to the\u00a0SBWC, injured workers are entitled to benefits and medical treatment for up to 400 weeks, depending on the circumstances. If your injury is catastrophic, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits. In certain circumstances, your benefits may be reduced after you have been released to work with limitations or restrictions. If you are released to return to work with no limitations or restrictions, your benefits may be suspended.The duration of workers\u2019 compensation payments also depends on the severity of your injury, its impact on your ability to work, and your long-term prognosis. Depending on the type of benefits you qualify for,\u00a0workers\u2019 comp payments\u00a0may last for the following amounts of time:Temporary total disability benefits \u2013\u00a0If your injury prevents you from working for at least seven days, these benefits replace two-thirds of your regular weekly wages up to a maximum set by state law. Benefits last for up to 400 weeks.Temporary partial disability benefits \u2013\u00a0If you can work during your recovery but in a limited capacity, these benefits replace up to two-thirds of the difference between your pre- and post-injury weekly wages up to a maximum set by state law. They last for up to 350 weeks.Permanent partial disability benefits \u2013\u00a0These benefits apply when your injury results in permanent loss of a body part or bodily function, such as the loss of a limb or partial visual impairment. The amount and duration are set by law according to your specific injury.What Happens If My Claim Is Denied?You can request a hearing before the SBWC if your claim is denied. An administrative law judge will decide your claim based on the facts and evidence. A workers\u2019 compensation lawyer can help you prepare for your appeals hearing and build a case proving that you deserve workers\u2019 compensation benefits for your injury.Contact a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation LawyerIf you suffered a workplace injury and need help securing workers\u2019 compensation benefits, contact the experienced attorneys at\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., immediately. The time it takes to receive benefits can vary significantly, and injured workers often face numerous challenges. We can guide you through the process and advise you on how long it may take to receive the benefits you deserve. You do not have to tackle this daunting process alone. Contact Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., to speak with a Georgia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer\u00a0today.Visit Our Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Long Does a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim Take?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-long-georgia-workers-compensation-claim\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]