How long does workers compensation take with representation?

Attorney answers (4)

1. Licensed in GA

   

   Thomas L. Holder

   Atlanta Workers' Compensation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 9

   Best Answer

   chosen by asker

   Answered April 13, 2010 12:10. Benefits are owed 21 days from the date of injury. Of course, if the claim is denied it can be held up for quite some time. I would recommend that you speak to your attorney.

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
2. Licensed in GA

   

   Michael MoebesPro

   Atlanta Workers' Compensation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 8

   

   EmailVisit website

   Answered April 11, 2010 10:36. It varies. I would call your attorney first and give him/her a chance to update you on the status of your case.

   • Atlanta workers' comp lawyer

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
3. Licensed in GA

   

   W. Hendon

   Marietta Workers' Compensation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 10

   Answered April 11, 2010 14:08. If the claim has been "controverted" or denied, it could take several months for your benefits to be started. A hearing request would have to be filed and then a hearing would be scheduled about 2 months away. Then the hearing would likely be continued at least one time to add another 2 mnths before you get to a hearing. Then the judge could take up to another 2 months to rule. You should have a dialog with your attorney about these issues.

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag
4. Licensed in GA

   

   Clifford Perkins

   Carrollton Workers' Compensation Lawyer

   Contributor Level 6

   Answered April 13, 2010 10:49. OCGA 34-9-221 requires the insurer to pay weekly benefits within 21 days of disability. Since your injury was immediately disabling, benefits should be paid within 21 days of your accident. The only reasons for not paying would be (1) the insurer does not have the necessary information such as doctor’s disability statement or (2) the insurer is denying or questioning your claim. Insurers are supposed to file a denial (controvert) within 21 days also but often do not bother because the penalties for failing to do so are not severe enough. The only way to force the insurer to either pay or deny is to file a form WC-14 request for hearing. There may be reasons your attorney is delaying filing a WC-14. For example, he may hope he can get the insurer to voluntarily start your check and may believe that if a 14 is filed the claim will be denied and have the delay of going to court. That can take a year or longer. Have a detailed conversation with your attorney since he is the one who has all the details of your case and those details can make all the difference in what the correct answer is.- and don't be afraid to ask questions.

   • Georgia workers' compensation lawyer

   • Mark as helpful
   • Flag