Detailed Answer
In Georgia, an employer must report your workplace injury to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation within five business days of receiving notice of the accident. O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80 requires this timely notice to open a claim officially. If your employer or their insurer files this report, they will submit Form WC-14 (Employer’s First Report of Injury) to the Board. You can verify the filing in several ways.
1. Contact Your Employer and Insurance Carrier
Start by asking your human resources department or supervisor whether they submitted the WC-14 report. If they have an in-house claims coordinator, request the claim number, filing date and the insurance carrier name. Insurance carriers often send you a claim acknowledgment letter.
2. Use the Georgia State Board Online Case Search
The Georgia State Board offers an online case file inquiry system. Go to State Board Online Services. Under “Case File Inquiry,” enter your name, your employer’s name or the WC-14 claim number. The system will show you whether a claim exists, its status and related documents.
3. Review Correspondence and Medical Billing
After filing, your insurer should issue an authorization letter for medical treatment and direct medical providers to bill them. If you receive medical bills marked “send to employer/insurer,” that indicates an active claim. Save all letters and billing statements for your records.
4. Request a Copy of the WC-14 Report
You have a right to see your WC-14 filing. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80, request a copy from your employer or the insurer. If they decline, note the date and method of your request. This written log may help if you need to prove your employer failed to file.
5. Contact the State Board Directly
If online searches and employer contacts fail, call the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation at (800) 533-0682 or (404) 656-3818. Provide your name, Social Security number (last four digits) and injury date. The Board can confirm whether they received a WC-14 for you.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not serve as legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney.
Helpful Hints
- Keep all injury-related notices in writing, including emails and letters.
- Follow up in writing if your employer verbally confirms the claim filing.
- Save any medical provider statements that reference workers’ compensation billing.
- Note deadlines: You must file your own claim within one year under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80 if your employer does not.
- Ask for a Board hearing (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-103) if your employer refuses to file or delays beyond five days.
- Consider consulting a workers’ compensation attorney if you struggle to verify your filing.