Workers’ compensation provides financial benefits to cover the cost of medical care and lost income resulting from an on-the-job injury. As noted by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, you should notify your employer of an accident as soon as it occurs. If circumstances do not permit an immediate notification, you or someone acting on your behalf must inform your employer within 30 days.
As described by Georgia.gov, filing a claim requires submitting form WC-14. In some cases, your employer may submit the claim for you. To protect your right to obtain benefits, however, the Georgia SBWC must receive your claim within one year from the date your injury or accident occurred.
When do I need to submit a claim for a work-related medical condition?
You may have not had an accident, but instead developed a work-related medical condition. In this case, you must submit your claim within one year from the date you last received medical treatment or a diagnosis concerning a condition related to your employment. A physician authorized by the Georgia SBWC, however, must have provided the medical treatment or diagnosis.
How much time do I have to file a change in my condition?
In some cases, your condition may worsen after you begin receiving workers’ comp temporary disability payments. You might find that you have a permanent disability. A worsened condition could also prevent you from earning a living at another type of work.
As noted in the RMI CWCP Reference Manual, in certain cases you may qualify for an increase or extension of the benefits originally approved. You may request a benefits modification by filing a change in condition claim. You can file this claim up until two years after you received your last temporary disability benefit payment.
