Stephen Hasner | Workers' Compensation | June 22, 2025
Injured workers in Georgia often find themselves in unfamiliar territory after filing a workers’ compensation claim. The process can feel slow, and delays may add financial strain to a difficult recovery. One of the most common concerns is not knowing what is happening with a claim or how to find out where it stands.
In Georgia, injured workers have the right to know the status of their workers’ compensation claims. Claim status affects the timing of medical treatment, benefit payments, and access to dispute resolution if a claim is denied.
Fortunately, the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation provides several claim tracking tools; however, those tools may not always be intuitive or complete. Frequently, a worker may not receive timely updates or know how to interpret the language used to describe a claim’s progress.
This blog by Hasner Law, PC explains how to check the status of a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia, what each claim status means, and how to take the next step if delays or denials interfere with your benefits. It also addresses situations where legal guidance can improve outcomes or prevent further delay.
Step-by-Step Guide to Checking Your Claim Status Online in Georgia
The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) maintains an online portal that allows injured workers, employers, insurers, and attorneys to review claim information. This portal is available through the Board’s website and is the primary tool for checking the status of a claim.
Accessing the Board’s Online Claim Portal
To access your workers’ compensation claim information online, visit the SBWC website. From there, navigate to the “Claims” section and select “Claimant/Employee Access.” This section allows injured workers to log in to the Integrated Claims Management System (ICMS).
You will need the following information to access your claim:
- Your legal name (as it appears on employment or insurance records)
- Your Social Security number or assigned claim number
- Your date of injury
If you do not have your claim number, you may request it from your employer, the insurer, or the Board. Some law firms also assist in retrieving this information if you have legal representation.
What You Will See in the Portal
Once you log in, the portal will display basic information about your claim, including:
- Claim number
- Date of injury
- Assigned insurer or third-party administrator
- Claim status (e.g., pending, accepted, denied)
- Scheduled hearings or mediation dates (if applicable)
The system may also include copies of filed forms, hearing notices, or Board orders. However, this system will not make all communication or insurer responses visible to the worker. If key information is missing or appears outdated, it is advisable to contact the insurer directly or request assistance from the Board.
Common Workers’ Comp Claim Statuses and What They Mean
Once you have accessed your claim, you may encounter status updates that use administrative or insurance terms. Understanding these terms can help you determine what is happening with your case and whether you need further action.
Pending Review
This status generally means that the claim has been submitted but is still under evaluation by the insurer. The insurer may be waiting on additional documents, such as medical records or employer reports. This is a normal status during the early stages of a claim.
Accepted by Insurer
If your claim status indicates acceptance, it means the insurer has approved it for payment of medical or wage-replacement benefits. You should begin receiving treatment and payments shortly, assuming no further issues arise.
Workers’ Compensation Claim Denial
A denial means the insurer has formally rejected your claim. This should be accompanied by a written notice explaining the reasons. You may appeal the denial by filing Form WC-14 with the State Board and requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge.
Appealed
This status appears when the worker or insurer files a formal request for a hearing after a claim has been denied or disputed. The Board schedules the case for a hearing, and both parties may present evidence.
Scheduled for Hearing
This status confirms that a hearing date has been set. Injured workers should prepare by gathering medical records, employment documents, and witness information. Legal representation is strongly recommended during this phase.
Closed
This status typically appears after a claim has been resolved by payment, settlement, or denial without further appeal. A closed claim may be reopened in some limited situations, particularly if a medical condition worsens or new evidence supports increased benefits.
What to Do if Your Workers Compensation Claim Is Delayed or Denied
A delay in the claims process can occur at any stage, from initial reporting to benefit disbursement. While some delays are procedural, others signal larger problems that may need formal resolution.
Recognizing Unreasonable Delays
In Georgia, insurers must decide to accept or deny a claim within 21 days of receiving notice of the injury. If your claim remains in a “pending” status for over three weeks, and you have not received any updates, it may be time to follow up with the insurer or the Board.
Common reasons for delay include:
- Missing medical documentation
- Disputes over whether the injury occurred at work
- The employer denies the injury report
- Lack of communication between the insurer and the healthcare provider
Responding to a Denied Claim
The insurer must provide a written explanation if your claim has been denied. At that point, you may file Form WC-14 to request a hearing. This form allows you to name the parties involved and describe the issues you want to resolve. Hearings are conducted by administrative law judges employed by the SBWC.
Appealing a denied claim can involve several steps, including:
- Gathering additional medical documentation
- Interviewing witnesses
- Preparing testimony
- Filing discovery requests with the insurer
An experienced Georgia workers’ compensation lawyer can handle these procedures and communicate directly with the insurer and the State Board on your behalf.
How Long Do Georgia Workers’ Compensation Claims Take?
Processing times for workers’ compensation claims in Georgia can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injury, whether the claim is contested, and how quickly the employer and insurer respond.
Although the State Board of Workers’ Compensation requires insurers to make an initial decision within 21 days of receiving notice of the injury, this does not always guarantee a fast resolution.
Benefits may begin shortly after the acceptance notice if the claim is uncontested and includes all required documentation. However, if disputes or incomplete records exist, resolution may be delayed until the missing information is provided or a hearing is conducted.
Timelines also differ depending on whether the claim proceeds through informal resolution, mediation, or a full hearing.
Claims resolved through mediation generally move faster than those that require formal testimony before an administrative law judge. Appeals, if necessary, can extend the process significantly.
Checking Status When Settlements Are in Progress
Once an insurer agrees to settle a claim, the status may shift to “pending settlement approval” or “under negotiation.”
In Georgia, all workers’ compensation settlements must be submitted to and approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation before any payment can be issued. Even if both parties agree to the settlement terms, this approval process is required.
The settlement process typically involves the following steps:
- The insurer drafts a settlement agreement outlining the terms, benefit amounts, and waiver language.
- The injured worker or their legal representative reviews and signs the agreement.
- The agreement is submitted to the State Board for approval. This includes relevant medical records, wage data, and a breakdown of how the payment will be distributed.
- A judge reviews the settlement to ensure it is fair and consistent with Georgia law. If approved, the Board will issue an order authorizing the payment.
Usually, once the Board approves the settlement, the insurer has 20 days to issue payment. A late penalty may apply if the payment is delayed beyond that period.
Some workers’ compensation settlements involve structured payment plans or medical set-aside arrangements. These may require additional review, particularly if Medicare interests are implicated.
A delay in settlement status may be related to compliance with federal reporting requirements or the need for clarification from medical providers.
Legal Help When You Cannot Check Your Status or Need Updates
There are situations where a worker may be unable to verify the status of their claim using the online portal or by contacting the insurer directly. These issues can prevent timely access to benefits and increase frustration, especially if no explanation is provided.
Common barriers include:
- The insurer has not yet reported the claim to the Board.
- The worker’s name or Social Security number is entered incorrectly in the system.
- The employer has failed to submit the initial injury report.
- The insurer refuses to respond to inquiries.
Legal intervention may help move the process forward. Worker’s compensation attorneys can:
- Contact the insurer directly and demand a formal response.
- Request documentation from employers and medical providers to complete the record.
- File a formal request with the State Board to compel compliance.
- Initiate hearings if the insurer fails to process the claim within the required timeframe.
Legal assistance may also be necessary if an injured worker receives inconsistent or unclear information from the claims administrator. Formal representation is often more effective in addressing delays in benefit payments or unauthorized changes in treating physicians.
In Georgia, most attorneys who handle workers’ compensation claims work on a contingency basis. They do not charge hourly fees and only receive a portion of the settlement or benefits awarded. Their fee is limited by Georgia law and must be approved by the Board.
Your Rights Under Georgia Workers’ Compensation Law
Workers in Georgia are entitled to certain benefits if they are injured in the course of employment. These benefits include:
- Payment for authorized medical treatment
- Temporary total disability (TTD) payments if the worker is unable to return to work
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) if the worker returns to work at reduced capacity
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) if there is a lasting impairment
Employers and insurers must follow specific timelines when processing claims and issuing payments. If benefits are late, the insurer may be required to add a penalty. If an insurer refuses to authorize necessary medical care, the worker may request a hearing to resolve the issue.
Additionally, workers have the right to:
- Choose a doctor from a panel of physicians provided by the employer
- Receive compensation for travel to and from medical appointments
- Reopen claims under certain conditions if the injury worsens
If the insurer denies benefits or delays payment without justification, the worker may file Form WC-14 and request a hearing before an administrative law judge. During the hearing, the judge may review medical records, hear testimony, and issue an order that binds the insurer.
When to Consider Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Although many claims are resolved without legal involvement, there are several situations where representation can improve both the outcome and the efficiency of the process.
Consider contacting a workers’ compensation attorney if:
- Your claim has been denied, and you are preparing to file an appeal
- The insurer has delayed benefit payments without explanation
- You are asked to attend a hearing without legal guidance
- The settlement offer appears low or does not reflect your long-term medical needs
- Your employer disputes that the injury occurred on the job
Legal representation can assist with document collection, witness interviews, deposition preparation, and settlement negotiation. They also appear before administrative law judges, challenge unfair denials, and push for full payment of benefits owed.
In some cases, legal involvement early in the process can prevent disputes from escalating. This includes cases involving repetitive stress injuries, occupational illnesses, or workplace injuries where third-party liability may exist.
Even if your claim appears to be progressing without dispute, legal advice may help confirm that your rights are being honored and that no deadlines are being missed.
Contact a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
Keeping track of a workers’ compensation claim is not always simple, especially when communication is limited or delays occur. Georgia workers can monitor the status of their claims through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation portal, but that access may not always provide the whole picture.
Knowing what each claim status means—and recognizing when something is wrong—can help you take the appropriate next step.
Assistance is available if your claim is delayed, denied, or difficult to access. Legal representation may improve communication, increase transparency, and provide options for moving your claim forward.
You have the right to medical care, wage replacement, and fair treatment under Georgia law. If those rights are limited, it may be time to seek legal help.
If you are unsure where your claim stands or believe your benefits have been delayed unfairly, consider speaking with a Georgia workers’ compensation attorney for guidance and support. Contact Hasner Law to speak with an experienced workers comp lawyer today.
