Workers’ Comp Timeline in Georgia: How Long Does a Case Take?

Most injured workers in Georgia wonder how long their workers' comp case will actually take. The reality? Simple cases typically resolve in 1-2 months, but complex claims involving denials or appeals can stretch 6 months to 2 years. Understanding Georgia's workers' comp timeline helps you plan financially and medically while your case progresses through the system.

The best thing you can do is get a free case evaluation from an experienced attorney in Georgia. John Edmonson has successfully secured financial compensation for injured workers in Georgia for many years. Our legal team can guide you through the entirety of the workers’ compensation process here in our beloved Georgia.

TLDR; 

Initial filing: Few days to 2 weeks for acknowledgment

Medical records/requests: 2-4 weeks

IME scheduling: 2-4 weeks, with reports in 1-3 weeks

Appeals process: 1-2 months for hearing dates

Total potential duration: 1-2 months for simple cases, up to 6 months or 2 years for complex ones

Breaking Down the Georgia Workers’ Comp Timeline

Many workers’ compensation timelines in Georgia are only one or two months. Factors like the complexity of the case and the availability of evidence influence how long the process will actually take. 

Injured workers in Georgia must report their injury to their employer within 30 days, seek medical attention, file the claim, and communicate with their health insurance provider. 

Additionally, you need to keep excellent records, stay on top of the progress of your claim, you might even have to go to physical therapy and, if necessary, file an appeal. All these steps can take time.

Meanwhile, your medical bills will continue to stack up. Depending on the severity of your injuries and your doctor’s after-care orders, you will be missing much-needed paychecks during your recovery.

Here’s What a Workers’ Comp Timeline in Georgia Might Look Like

1. Filing the Claim

What happens: The Edmonson Law Firm files your claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and notifies your employer’s insurance company.

Timeline: Filing is immediate once the paperwork is prepared, but it usually takes the insurer a few days to two weeks to acknowledge the claim.

2. Sending Records & Responding to Requests

What happens: We help gather and submit your medical records, respond to the insurer’s requests, and mediate where needed.

Timeline: This step can take 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly doctors release records and how many requests the insurer makes.

3. Independent Medical Exam (IME)

What happens: The insurer may require an IME with their doctor.

Timeline: IMEs are usually scheduled within 2–4 weeks of the request. The doctor’s report typically arrives in 1–3 weeks after the exam.

4. Mediation or Hearing Request

What happens: If your claim is denied or delayed, we request mediation or a hearing.

Timeline: Hearings are typically set 1–2 months after the request, though court backlogs can push this longer.

How Does a Claim Denial Impact Your Georgia Workers’ Comp Timeline?

In Georgia, claim denials are far more common than most workers expect. Recent reports show that over 40% of workers’ compensation claims in Georgia are initially denied, compared to a national average of just 6–7%. In some cases, the denial rate has been reported as high as 67% at the first filing stage.

If you hire us after a denial, The Edmonson Law Firm immediately files an appeal and requests a hearing. We usually receive a hearing date the same day we submit the request, and that hearing is scheduled about one to two months out. However, due to court backlogs, your hearing may be rescheduled once or even multiple times.

Once your hearing is scheduled, your employer’s insurance company will likely arrange a deposition to take your sworn testimony and review your medical records. They may also require you to attend an Independent Medical Exam (IME) with a doctor of their choosing.

Understanding Independent Medical Exams

For many injured workers, the independent medical exam (IME) can feel like a turning point in the workers’ comp timeline in Georgia. The insurance company may use the doctor’s findings to reduce or deny your benefits. Therefore, having an experienced work injury lawyer on your side is very important. Let's dig deeper.

An independence medical exam is a doctor’s visit scheduled by your employer’s insurance company. Unlike your own doctor, this physician is chosen and paid by the insurer.

This particular medical exam is not meant to treat your injury. Instead, it’s designed to give the insurance company an opinion on whether your injury is work-related, how serious your injury is, and whether you can return to work.

Once the insurance company requests an IME, the appointment is often scheduled within a few weeks to a month. The exact timing depends on how quickly the insurer moves and the availability of the chosen doctor.

After the exam, the IME doctor typically sends a written report back to the insurance company within 7–14 days. In some cases it can take up to 30 days, especially if multiple medical records are being reviewed.

The insurance company receives the results first, and then your attorney can request a copy. Those findings often determine whether your benefits continue, get reduced, or are denied.

This could all take 5 to 6 months to complete, after however many months you’ve already endured following the initial filing of your claim.

Albeit rare, we’ve even heard of workers’ comp cases that took as long as two years before a decision was reached and benefits were received. 

A Free Workers’ Compensation Case Assessment with Georgia’s Hometown Law Firm Can Change Everything

Getting checked out by a doctor is your best first step after being involved in an on-the-job accident. Your next step should be placing a call to The Edmonson Law Firm to schedule a free case evaluation. Our team will listen to the details of your case and advise what your next step should be.

Our focus on workers’ compensation cases in Georgia means we know how to guide you through a complicated process with clarity and confidence. 

If you’re ready to pursue the benefits you deserve, schedule your FREE consultation today by calling us at (678) 271-911 or book a free case assessment right here on our website. 

You can also start by filling out our easy, no-hassle workers’ compensation questionnaire and we will reach out to you within 24 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions: Georgia Workers' Comp Timeline

When should I report my work injury in Georgia?

You should report any accident occurring on the job to your employer (boss, foreman, or supervisor) immediately. If you wait longer than 30 days, you may lose your benefits. This 30-day deadline is critical to protecting your workers' comp claim.

How long do I have to work before I'm covered by workers' compensation?

You are covered from the first day on your job. There's no waiting period or minimum employment duration required in Georgia.

When will I receive my first workers' comp check?

You are entitled to weekly income benefits if you are unable to work for more than 7 days. Your first check should be mailed to you within 21 days after the first day you missed work. If you miss more than 21 consecutive days, you will be paid for the first week as well.

How much will my weekly workers' comp benefits be in Georgia?

You will receive two-thirds of your average weekly wage, but not more than $800.00 per week for an accident which occurred on or after July 1, 2023.

How long will I receive weekly benefits?

If your accident occurred on or after July 1, 1992, you are entitled to benefits for up to 400 weeks (approximately 7.5 years). If your injury is catastrophic in nature, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits.

How long will I receive medical benefits?

If your accident occurred on or after July 1, 2013, you are entitled to medical treatment for up to 400 weeks. All injuries occurring on or before June 30, 2013, shall be entitled to lifetime medical benefits. If your injury is catastrophic in nature, you may be entitled to lifetime medical benefits.

What if I don't receive my workers' compensation benefits?

You must file a claim to protect your rights within one year from the date of your accident. This is accomplished by filing Form WC-14 with the State Board of Workers' Compensation.

When will my hearing take place if I need to file a claim?

The hearing generally will be scheduled within 60 days from the time the judge receives the Form WC-14.

What if I can return to work but only get a lower-paying job due to my injury?

You will receive a reduced benefit based upon your earnings for a maximum of 350 weeks from the date of injury. This benefit will not exceed $533.00 per week if your accident occurred on or after July 1, 2023.

How do I know if my employer has workers' compensation coverage?

The law requires any business with three or more workers, including regular part-time workers, to have workers' compensation insurance. Coverage can be verified by visiting www.sbwc.georgia.gov and clicking on "verify workers' compensation insurance coverage" in the Popular Topics box.

What benefits will I receive for permanent disabilities like losing a limb?

You will receive benefits based upon an amount set by law. For example, if you lost an arm or leg, you will receive benefits for 225 weeks (over 4 years).

Who pays for my medical treatment?

Your company's workers' compensation insurance carrier will pay for your authorized medical treatment if the treatment was for an on-the-job injury. This includes all authorized doctor bills, hospital bills, physical therapy, prescriptions, and necessary travel expenses.

Source: Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation - Official FAQ

For more information, call (404) 656-3818 in the Atlanta area or 1-800-533-0682 outside the Atlanta area.