Georgia

What you need to know for Georgia…

Georgia workers’ compensation claims are administered through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). If a workplace injury or illness occurs, both the employer and the injured worker have responsibilities to ensure the claim is reported and processed correctly.

For Employers

If an employee reports a workplace injury or illness, Georgia law requires employers to take prompt action.

1. Ensure the employee receives medical care.

If the injury requires immediate attention, direct the employee to appropriate medical treatment. Provide the employee with a list of authorized physicians from your posted panel.

2. File the Employer’s First Report of Injury.
Employers must immediately complete and file a Form WC-1 (Employer’s First Report of Injury or Occupational Disease) with their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

3. Report the injury.
Employers must promptly report the injury to the Care West Claims team using the online claims reporting form. Click on the Submit A Claim button in the left menu to initiate the claim.

For Workers

If you are injured at work or develop a work-related illness, you should take the following steps.

1. Report the injury to your employer.
Notify your supervisor or employer as soon as possible after the injury occurs. Georgia law requires this notice within 30 days of the accident.

2. Contact Nurse Triage.
If medical care is needed, contact nurse triage promptly at (844)-326-2918 and inform the provider that the injury occurred at work.

3. File a Notice of Claim.
Workers must file a Form WC-14 (Notice of Claim/Request for Hearing/Request for Mediation) with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation to formally initiate a claim. A copy must also be sent to your employer and their insurance carrier.

Georgia law allows injured workers up to one year from the date of injury to file a Form WC-14 with the State Board, but reporting the injury and submitting the necessary forms as soon as possible helps avoid delays.

4. Claim Review
After a claim is filed, the insurance carrier will review the claim and issue a determination regarding benefits and coverage.