First steps to take after a workplace injury in Georgia

When you get hurt at work, the first few days matter. What you do now can protect your health, your job, and your right to workers’ compensation benefits. At Bourne Law Firm, we help injured workers across Georgia. Here is a clear, step‑by‑step guide written for Georgia employees, so you know exactly what to do next.

Put your health first

If it’s an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Tell the medical staff that your injury happened at work. As soon as you are stable, keep a simple record of what happened. Write down the date, time, place, what you were doing, and who saw it. Save photos of the area and your injuries if you can. These notes will help your claim later. In non-emergencies, go to an approved workers’ compensation doctor. (More on that below.)

Report the injury to your employer right away

Tell a supervisor as soon as possible—ideally the same day. In Georgia, if you wait more than 30 days to report your work injury, you could lose your benefits. Report it in writing, keep a copy, and note who received it and when.

See an approved workers’ compensation doctor

Georgia law requires most employers to post a Panel of Physicians or to use a certified managed care organization (WC/MCO). If your employer posts a panel, it must list at least six doctors, include an orthopedic surgeon, and have no more than two industrial clinics. You may choose any one doctor from that panel for treatment. If your employer uses a WC/MCO, they must give you the provider list and a 24‑hour number to schedule care.

If you picked a panel doctor and are not satisfied, you are allowed to make one change to another doctor on the posted list without needing your employer’s permission. Keep following your doctor’s orders and ask for a written note describing any work limits or restrictions.

Keep everything organized

Create a simple folder—paper or digital. Save medical records, work status notes, prescriptions, mileage for medical trips, and any letters from the insurance company. Write down every call, email, or conversation about your claim with the date and the person’s name. Good records make problems easier to fix. Understanding strict deadlines in Georgia workers’ compensation is crucial to protecting your rights.

File your claim with the State Board (protect your rights)

Reporting your injury to your employer is not the same as filing a legal claim. To protect your rights, you must file a Form WC‑14 with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. In many cases, you must do this within one year of the date of injury. The employer and insurance company will not do this for you. Filing the WC‑14 also requires sending copies to your employer and its insurer. The form and filing instructions are on the State Board’s website. Unfortunately, this process can be complicated, and mistakes can lead to denied claims. Be mindful of strict deadlines throughout your claim. If you need help, contact a workers’ compensation lawyer.

Know what benefits look like

Workers’ compensation should cover authorized medical care related to your work injury. If your injury keeps you out of work for more than seven days, you may receive weekly income benefits. Your first check is generally mailed within 21 days after your first missed day of work. If you return to work but earn less because of your injury, partial benefits may be available. Georgia law sets the maximum weekly amount; your benefits are usually two‑thirds of your average weekly wage, up to that cap.

Watch for common problems—and avoid them

Insurance adjusters sometimes ask for recorded statements or broad medical releases. You do not have to give a recorded statement before talking to a lawyer. Be careful about social media—simple posts can be taken out of context. Insurance companies may also use video surveillance to monitor your daily activities, so follow your doctor’s restrictions at all times. Do not miss doctor’s appointments, and do not “tough it out” by doing heavy work against medical advice. If your employer posts a valid panel, do not switch to an off‑panel doctor without legal advice, or your bills may not be covered.

What if your employer didn’t post a valid panel?

Sometimes the posted list is missing, outdated, or does not meet Georgia’s legal requirements. In those situations, your rights can change, including your ability to choose your own doctor. This is fact‑specific. If you’re unsure whether your employer’s panel is valid, get legal help quickly so you do not risk unpaid treatment or a denied claim. The choice of doctor is one of the most important decisions you will make in your workers’ compensation case. Beware of “company doctors” who may be more loyal to insurance companies than to their patients – they can cost you your benefits and wreck your case.

When to call a Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer

You should reach out to a lawyer if your benefits are delayed, your doctor won’t approve needed care, your employer disputes the injury, you are being pushed back to work before you’re ready, or you believe the posted panel is invalid. An attorney can file the proper forms, request a hearing, and gather evidence so the State Board sees your full story. If you are already dealing with deadlines or a denied claim, do not wait—deadlines in Georgia are strict.

How Bourne Law Firm helps injured workers

Bourne Law Firm represents injured workers across Georgia. We explain each step in plain language, keep your claim on track, and deal with the insurer so you can focus on healing. If you need help filing your WC‑14 or choosing a doctor, we’re ready to step in. We make sure you are getting the medical care and benefits you deserve. We also protect your rights if your claim is denied or disputed.

What to do today

Get the care you need, report the injury, choose an approved doctor, and file your WC‑14 before the deadline. Then talk with a lawyer who handles Georgia workers’ compensation cases every day. We’re here to help.

Call or contact Bourne Law Firm for a straightforward case review. We serve injured workers throughout Georgia and are ready to talk when you are.