What is an 'award' in workers' comp?
Last Updated: 11/15/2025
Understanding workers' compensation awards: what they are, how they work, and your rights to appeal in Georgia. Learn about the award process and important deadlines.
Award Quick Facts
An “award” is the official decision issued by an Administrative Law Judge in a Georgia workers’ compensation case:
- Binding decision: Resolves disputes about benefits, medical treatment, and other contested issues
- Electronic signature: Officially signed and approved by the ALJ
- Appeal rights: You have 20 days to file an appeal to the Appellate Division
- Still an “award” if denied: Even unfavorable decisions are called “awards”
- Final unless appealed: Becomes final and enforceable if not challenged within 20 days
- Covers all disputed issues: May address multiple aspects of your claim in one decision
Awards are the primary mechanism by which disputed workers’ compensation issues are resolved in Georgia.
What is a Workers’ Compensation Award?
An “award” in the context of workers’ compensation cases refers to the official decision or ruling issued by an administrative law judge (ALJ) or appellate division regarding the claims presented in the case.
Think of an award as the judge’s final verdict on the disputed issues in your workers’ compensation case. It’s the legal document that determines who was right and what happens next.
What Does an Award Include?
A workers’ compensation award typically addresses:
Disputed Benefits
- Whether you’re entitled to weekly income benefits (TTD, TPD, or PPD)
- The amount of benefits you should receive
- The duration of benefit payments
- Whether benefits should be suspended or terminated
Medical Treatment Issues
- Whether specific medical treatment is authorized
- Disputes over medical panel selection
- Authorization for specialists or procedures
- Whether medical bills should be paid
Claim Acceptance or Denial
- Whether your injury is compensable under workers’ comp law
- Whether the injury arose out of and in the course of employment
- Causation disputes (did work cause your injury?)
- Pre-existing condition arguments
Other Directives
- Attorney’s fees and penalties
- Reimbursement for unauthorized but necessary treatment
- Change of physician requests
- Statute of limitations issues
The term “award” can be confusing because it’s used for both favorable and unfavorable decisions. Even if the judge rules against you and denies your benefits, that decision is still called an “award.” The term simply refers to the official ruling, not whether you won or lost.
The Award Process
From Hearing to Award
Hearing Held
Both sides present evidence and testimony before an Administrative Law Judge
Post-Hearing Briefs
Attorneys may submit written legal arguments (typically within 30 days)
Judge Deliberates
ALJ reviews evidence, testimony, and legal arguments to reach a decision
Award Issued
Judge electronically signs and files the official award with the State Board
Notice Sent
All parties receive notice of the award—20-day appeal period begins
Understanding the Award Document
When you receive an award, it will contain several key sections:
Findings of Fact
The judge’s determination of what actually happened based on the evidence:
- Details of your injury
- Employment status
- Medical treatment received
- Witness credibility assessments
- Timeline of events
Conclusions of Law
The judge’s application of Georgia workers’ compensation law to the facts:
- Legal standards applied
- Statutory citations (e.g., O.C.G.A. § 34-9-261)
- Case law precedents
- Legal reasoning for the decision
The Order
The specific directives and rulings:
- What benefits are awarded or denied
- Payment amounts and schedules
- Medical treatment authorizations
- Attorney’s fees if applicable
- Any other relief granted or denied
Electronic Signature
The award is electronically signed by the presiding ALJ, making it official and binding.
Appealing an Award
If you’re dissatisfied with an award, you have the right to appeal—but you must act quickly.
Appeal Deadline: 20 Days
Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-103(a), you must file an application for review with the Appellate Division within 20 days of receiving notice of the award. Missing this deadline means the award becomes final and cannot be challenged.
When Awards Become Final
An award becomes final and enforceable when:
- No appeal is filed within 20 days: The award stands as issued
- Appellate Division affirms: The appeal upholds the original award
- Appeal period expires after Appellate decision: No further appeal to superior court
Once final, the award is binding on both parties and can be enforced through the courts if necessary.
Appeals involve complex procedural rules and legal arguments. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can evaluate whether your award has grounds for appeal and handle the technical requirements.
Types of Awards You Might Encounter
Full Award
The judge rules in your favor on all disputed issues. You receive the benefits and treatment you requested.
Partial Award
The judge rules in your favor on some issues but not others. For example, approving TTD benefits but denying a specific medical procedure.
Denial Award
The judge rules against you on all disputed issues. Your claim for benefits is denied, but you still have appeal rights.
Consent Award
Both parties agree to resolve the case, and the judge approves the settlement. This becomes a binding award without a contested hearing.
What Happens After an Award?
If You Win
- The employer/insurer must comply with the award
- Benefits begin or resume as ordered
- Medical treatment is authorized as directed
- If they don’t comply, enforcement proceedings can be initiated
If You Lose
- Benefits may be denied or terminated
- You must decide within 20 days whether to appeal
- Consider consulting with an attorney about appeal prospects
If It’s Mixed
- Comply with the parts that went against you
- Receive the benefits that were awarded
- Consider whether to appeal the unfavorable portions
If an employer or insurance company refuses to comply with an award, you can seek enforcement through the State Board or file a petition in superior court. Willful non-compliance can result in penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive an award after a hearing?
Can I get a copy of the award?
What if I miss the 20-day appeal deadline?
Does the insurance company have to pay benefits while I appeal?
Can both sides appeal the same award?
What's the difference between an award and a settlement?
Are awards published publicly?
Questions About Workers’ Compensation Awards?
Understanding the award process and your appeal rights is crucial for protecting your interests in a workers’ compensation case.
Call Bourne Law Firm at (770) 886-3030 for a free consultation about your case.
Related Articles
- Administrative Law Judges (ALJ) - Who decides your case
- Workers’ Comp Hearings - What to expect at your hearing
- Appellate Division (AD) - The appeal process explained
- How Workers’ Compensation Works - System overview
This article provides general information about workers’ compensation awards in Georgia. It does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about an award in your case, consult with a qualified attorney who can evaluate your unique circumstances.
