Hurt on the job in Snellville or elsewhere in Georgia? You have the right to file for no-fault workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer is supposed to report the accident to help ensure that the process is initiated properly. Unfortunately, that does not always happen. This raises an important question: What happens if an employer does not report an accident to workers’ comp? The short answer is that the employer has violated their obligations under the law. As an injured worker, you can still report the accident, and you can still file for workers’ comp benefits. Here, our Snellville workers’ compensation attorney explains your rights, your options, and what you need to do if your employer failed to properly report your accident in Georgia.
Employers in Georgia Should Report a Workplace Accident to Their Insurer
Workers’ compensation in Georgia is a no-fault system. A worker hurt within the course and scope of their employment has the right to file a claim for benefits regardless of whether or not his or her employer “caused” that accident through negligence. As explained by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, employers must report workplace accidents to their workers’ comp insurer as soon as they become aware of the injury.
It is a responsibility that matters. Prompt reporting protects the employer’s compliance obligations under Georgia law and ensures that the claim is processed without delay. Insurers need immediate notice to investigate the accident, confirm coverage, and authorize medical treatment. Late or incomplete reporting can create disputes that slow the employee’s access to benefits. An employer could be subject to sanctions for failure to properly report an accident.
Employees Must Report Their Accidents to Their Employers: It is important to emphasize that you have responsibilities as an employee as well. Georgia law requires an injured employee to notify their employer of a workplace accident within 30 days (O.C.G.A. § 34-9-80). Timely notice protects the worker’s right to claim benefits and allows the employer to take immediate steps to document the injury. Delayed reporting of an accident could undermine your workers’ comp claim.
Steps to Take If Your Employer Did Not Report Your Workplace Accident
What if your employer did not report your accident? It might be because they were careless, negligent, or because they outright refused to do so. If you find yourself in this frustrating situation, it is imperative that you take a proactive approach. Here are key steps to take:
- Confirm that Your Employer is Aware of Your Accident: As a starting point, you should confirm that your employer actually received notice of your injury. A simple follow-up with a supervisor or HR can clarify whether the report was misplaced or overlooked. In doing so, you should keep your own written record of when and how you reported the accident.
- Step Forward and Report the Incident Yourself: If your employer refuses to report the injury, you can file Form WC-14 on your own. The form opens a claim directly with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. By filing it yourself, you can preserve your right to benefits.
- Seek Authorized Medical Treatment: You still need proper medical care even if your employer delays reporting. Ask for the panel of physicians that Georgia law requires most employers to maintain. If your employer refuses to provide it, document the refusal and seek treatment anyway.
- Consult with a Snellville Workers’ Comp Lawyer: If your employer did not (or will not) report your accident as is required by Georgia law, that suggests you may have some issues getting your full and fair benefits. Do not take on the process alone. A top-rated Snellville, GA workers’ compensation attorney can protect your rights and your interests.
What if My Employer is Trying to Get Me Not to Report My Accident?
You have the right to file for workers’ compensation benefits if you were hurt on the job in Snellville or elsewhere in Georgia. If your employer pressures you not to report a workplace accident, you should document the injury and make a formal report anyway. Georgia law requires employees to give notice within 30 days, and an employer cannot legally prevent you from exercising that right.
Any attempts to discourage reporting often occur because the employer fears increased insurance costs or administrative scrutiny, but those concerns do not override your protections under the workers’ compensation system. You should write notes of any conversations where you were told not to report. If the pressure continues, you should contact an attorney right away.
Note: Georgia’s workers’ compensation law prohibits retaliation. If you are punished for filing for workers’ compensation benefits, your rights have been violated. You need a lawyer. You may have an additional legal claim on the grounds of retaliation.
We Fight for Justice for Injured Workers in Snellville, Georgia
Workers’ compensation claims are complicated, especially so if your employer failed to report the accident in a timely manner. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we fight tirelessly to fight for justice for injured workers. Even if your employer failed to report the accident as they are required to do by law, you still have options available. With a long record of testimonials from former clients and case results, we are always ready to go the extra mile. With an office in the 30078 zip code of Snellville, we represent injured workers in the full range of industries and occupations in Gwinnett County.
Contact Our Snellville, GA Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville workers’ compensation lawyer is a passionate, experienced advocate for injured workers. If you have any questions about the workers’ comp claims process, we are here to help. Contact us right away for a free consultation. With an office in the 30078 zip code of Snellville, we handle workers’ compensation claims in Gwinnett County and throughout the wider region, including in the 30017 zip code and the 30039 zip code.