A denial is not the end of your claim. Insurance companies and employers deny valid Georgia workers’ compensation claims every day, hoping you will give up. You do not have to. At The Delashmit Firm, we help injured workers across Cartersville and North Georgia appeal denials and fight for the medical care and wage benefits they are owed. Attorney Hunter Delashmit’s background defending insurers means he knows exactly why claims get denied, and how to overturn those denials. Call (770) 341-0559 for a free consultation.
Why was my workers’ comp claim denied?
Georgia work-injury claims are commonly denied for reasons like: the insurer says your injury is not work-related, you missed the deadline to report, there is a dispute about whether you were in the course of your employment, missing or incomplete paperwork, or a claim that a pre-existing condition caused your injury. Many of these denials are wrong or fixable, which is why having a lawyer review your denial matters.
How do I appeal a denied workers’ comp claim in Georgia?
In Georgia, disputes are handled through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. If your claim is denied, you generally file a hearing request (Form WC-14) and present evidence before an administrative law judge. Strict deadlines apply, and the process involves medical evidence, depositions, and legal argument. We handle the entire appeal so you can focus on recovering.
Critical Georgia workers’ comp deadlines
- Report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, and within 30 days (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80).
- File your claim with the State Board generally within one year of the injury (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-82).
- Act quickly after a denial: appeal deadlines are short and unforgiving.
What benefits can I recover?
- Medical treatment for your work injury (doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions)
- Weekly income benefits while you cannot work (a portion of your average weekly wage, up to the state maximum)
- Benefits for permanent partial or total disability
- Vocational rehabilitation and, in some cases, mileage and travel reimbursement
- Death benefits for surviving dependents
Can I be fired for filing a workers’ comp claim?
You should never be punished for exercising your right to file a workers’ compensation claim. If your employer retaliates or pressures you after an injury, talk to us. We can advise you on your rights and protect your claim.
Frequently asked questions
Georgia workers’ comp attorney fees are contingency-based and capped by law: you pay no upfront fee, and we are only paid if we recover benefits for you. Consultations are free.
Generally your employer or insurer provides a panel of physicians you must choose from, but there are important exceptions. We help you navigate the panel and protect your right to proper care.
Whether you are truly an employee or a contractor is a legal question, and employers sometimes get it wrong or use it to avoid paying. We can evaluate your status.
Deadlines are short and strict. Contact us as soon as you receive a denial so we can protect your appeal rights.
Talk to a Georgia workers’ comp lawyer for free
If your Georgia workers’ compensation claim was denied, do not give up. Call The Delashmit Firm at (770) 341-0559 or contact us online. We will review your denial for free and tell you honestly what your options are.