Filing a Workmans’ Comp Claim in Macon: Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

• March 7, 2025
• Attorney David Mann
• Workers' Compensation

You are at your construction job in Macon and everything is going well.  It is a typical grueling day at the job site.  You are working 30 feet off the ground when you suddenly slip on something and fall to the ground, resulting in very serious injuries.  You are rushed to the hospital and the doctors get you stabilized.  They explain that you will be able to return to work in about 6 months, but you will have to undergo 2 surgeries and then physical therapy. Immediately, you think about how you are going to financially support your family.

Fortunately, Georgia law provides workers’ compensation benefits for workers injured on the job.  You will receive compensation from insurance and, under most circumstances, it doesn’t matter who is at fault for the accident.

This blog post will discuss filing a workers’ compensation claim in Macon after a work injury, with a step-by-step guide on how to start receiving benefits after an accident.

Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury

You have a right to workers’ compensation after an accident while on the job. Utilize these steps to obtain benefits as soon as possible.

• Report the injury to your employer – Georgia law dictates that injured workers notify their employer within 30 days of the date of the accident.  The sooner you report the accident, the faster your claim goes through insurance and the faster you get paid.  You should report the accident to your supervisor or to human resources.  The notification should be done in writing, although it is not mandatory.  You can tell them in person or over the phone.
• Seek medical attention – It is important to see a doctor after a work injury, even if you think your injuries are minor.   Getting medical attention can ensure your injuries are part of the medical record.  Also, many injuries do not surface until weeks or months after an accident.  Most likely, your employer will provide you with a list of doctors and specialists who are pre-approved to examine their employees.  If you do not see a pre-approved physician, you may be disqualified for workers’ comp benefits.
• Complete the WC-14 form – A WC-14 (or Notice of Claim) form needs to be filled out and sent to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation.  You can get this form from your employer or you can download a copy at the workers’ comp website.  Information on the WC-14 includes basic information about you, your employer, and the description of the accident, how it occurred, and the details of your injuries.  This is the beginning of the claims process.
• File the claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation – You can file the WC-14 form by mail or in person.  You should also send a copy of your completed form to your employer and the workers’ comp insurance company.  As always, keep a separate copy of this form and any other documents in a safe place.  The notice of claim needs to be filed within one year from the date of the accident.

Potential Challenges in the Claims Process

You should not assume you will get benefits if you file a claim. It is important to remember that insurance companies are in the business of making a profit and will do anything they can to challenge your claims or pay out less than what is warranted. Some of the possible challenges in the claims process include:

• Denied claims – Some of the reasons your workers’ compensation claim could be denied include:  the injury was reported too late; the application was not filed in a timely manner; your injury did not happen while on the job; or there is a question as to the cause of your injury.
• Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs): IMEs provide a neutral evaluation of the medical evidence when there is a dispute over the workers’ comp claim filed by the injured worker.  You should be wary of IMEs because insurance companies are notable for finding IME providers who lean toward siding with them instead of the injured worker.
• Disputes over benefits – Your employer’s insurance company (and their lawyers) may disagree with the extent of your injuries or how long your financial benefits should last before they stop.
• Returning to work – There may be a dispute about your ability to go back to the same job you had before the accident.  The insurance company may claim that you can return to work performing light duties, which may reduce the amount of your benefits.

How a Macon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help

There are many ways a Macon workers’ compensation lawyer can help you with your claim.  These include:

• Navigating the complex system – An experienced Macon workers’ compensation lawyer understands the claims process and will make sure all documentation is filed on time.
• Gathering and submitting evidence – An attorney will collect and organize all evidence for your claim and use the most important pieces to support your receiving benefits.
• Negotiating with the insurer – Your lawyer will handle any settlement negotiations with the insurer.  You should never speak to an insurance company without consulting a lawyer first.
• Filing an appeal – If your workers’ comp claim is denied, your lawyer can file an appeal and represent you at any hearings related to your claim.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand the steps needed in filing a workers’ compensation claim in Macon after a work injury.

Contact The Mann Law Firm Today To Discuss Your Workers’ Compensation Claim After An Injury

The lawyers at The Mann law firm have been helping clients with workers’ compensation claims for over 30 years.  We know the steps needed in order to increase your chances of obtaining the right benefits.  David Mann once worked as defense counsel at a large insurance company, so he knows the tactics they use to limit or even deny claims.  Call us today at (478) 742-3381 to make an appointment.