Georgia Workers Comp Forms Guide: Every Form Explained

Form WC-1 is the first official document in any workers comp case. It is filed by the employer or their insurance company, not by the injured worker. The insurer must file it with the State Board of Workers Compensation (SBWC) within 21 days of learning about the injury.

The WC-1 has four sections. Section A covers employer information. Section B covers the injured worker and details of the injury. Section C is the controversion section, where the insurer states whether they are accepting or denying the claim and the reasons why. Section D covers the initial payment of benefits.

Pay close attention to Section C. If the insurer checks the box indicating they are controverting (denying) the claim, the reasons listed there are what you and your attorney will need to challenge. The insurer is required to provide specific grounds for the denial.

You should always obtain a copy of the WC-1 filed in your case. If you have not received one, your attorney can request it from the SBWC. Errors on this form are common and can affect your benefits.

Form WC-14 is the form that YOU file. It is your formal claim for workers comp benefits with the SBWC. This is the most important form from the injured worker perspective.

You must file the WC-14 within one year of your date of injury. This is the statute of limitations. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to pursue benefits in most situations. There are very few exceptions.

The form asks for your personal information, employer information, details about the injury (date, location, how it happened, body parts affected), and what benefits you are seeking.

Filing the WC-14 does two critical things. First, it protects your legal rights by meeting the statute of limitations. Second, it formally puts the SBWC on notice that you are pursuing a claim, which can trigger a hearing if the insurer is refusing to pay.

Even if the insurer is currently paying your benefits, filing a WC-14 is often a good idea as a protective measure. Benefits can be suspended at any time, and having the WC-14 on file ensures your rights are preserved.

Form WC-240 is an agreement between the injured worker and the employer regarding a return to work. It outlines the terms under which you will go back to your job, including any restrictions, modified duties, or reduced hours.

This form is significant because signing it affects your benefits. If you agree to return to work at reduced wages, your Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits will change to Temporary Partial Disability (TPD). If you return at full wages, your income benefits may stop entirely.

Do not sign a WC-240 without understanding the full implications. If the employer is offering a job that does not match your medical restrictions, or if the offered wages are significantly lower than your pre-injury earnings, you need legal advice before agreeing.

An attorney can review the WC-240 to make sure the terms are fair and that your rights are protected. In some cases, the offered position may not be a legitimate accommodation, and challenging it may be appropriate.

Form WC-2 is filed by the insurer to notify the SBWC and the injured worker about the status of benefit payments. There are two versions you need to know about.

WC-2 (Payment) confirms that the insurer is accepting the claim and beginning to pay benefits. It lists your compensation rate and the date payments start.

WC-2 (Suspension) notifies you that the insurer is stopping or reducing your benefits. The form must state the specific reason. Common reasons include the insurer claiming you have returned to work, that you have reached maximum medical improvement, or that you refused a valid job offer.

If you receive a WC-2 suspension notice and believe it is wrong, you have the right to challenge it by requesting a hearing. Time is critical here. Contact an attorney immediately.

Form WC-4 is the settlement agreement. When both sides agree to resolve the case, the terms are documented on this form and submitted to the SBWC for approval.

A WC-4 settlement is typically a lump sum payment that closes your case permanently. Once you sign it and the SBWC approves it, you generally cannot reopen the claim even if your condition worsens.

The SBWC reviews every WC-4 to make sure the settlement is fair and in the best interest of the injured worker. An administrative law judge must approve the agreement.

Never sign a WC-4 without having an experienced attorney review it first. Once the settlement is approved, there is almost no going back. You need to be certain that the amount accounts for future medical needs, lost earning capacity, and your full impairment.

Form WC-6 is the wage statement used to calculate your Average Weekly Wage (AWW). The employer or insurer fills it out using payroll records from the 13 weeks before your injury.

Your AWW determines your weekly compensation rate, which in turn affects the value of every benefit you receive: TTD, TPD, PPD, and even death benefits. Getting the AWW right is essential.

Common errors on the WC-6 include failing to include overtime pay, bonuses, or the value of benefits like employer-provided housing or meals. If you worked concurrent employment (more than one job), wages from all covered employers may need to be included.

If you believe the WC-6 underestimates your wages, an attorney can challenge it and request a corrected calculation. Even a small error in the AWW can translate to thousands of dollars in lost benefits over the life of the claim.

WC-P1 is the Panel of Physicians form. This is the list of at least six doctors that your employer is required to post at the workplace. You choose your treating physician from this list.

WC-14A is a request for a hearing before an administrative law judge. If your claim is denied or your benefits are suspended, this form initiates the formal hearing process.

WC-R1 is a request for rehabilitation services. If your injury is catastrophic, you may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation including job retraining, career counseling, and placement assistance.

WC-20A and WC-20B are medical report forms used by physicians to document your condition, treatment, and work status. These forms are critical because the medical opinions documented here drive the direction of your case.

If any of these forms come up in your case and you are unsure what they mean or what to do, call (770) 351-0801 for a free consultation.