A Simple Mistake Can Cost You Thousands
Filing for workers’ comp might seem straightforward — report the injury, get medical care, and wait for benefits to begin. In reality, though, the process is full of technical requirements, strict deadlines, and procedures that can easily trip you up if you’re not careful. Unfortunately, there are some pretty common mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim, and many injured employees here in Cumming don’t find out that they’ve done them until it’s too late: when they see that their benefits are delayed, denied, or reduced. Whether it’s a missed deadline, the wrong form, or a misstep in medical treatment, these errors can have a serious impact on a person’s physical and financial recovery. At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we work every day with clients who simply didn’t know the rules and now need help fixing what went wrong.
Let’s talk about the most common mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim, and how to protect yourself from the start.
Top 7 Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
1. Waiting Too Long to Report the Injury
Under Georgia law, you must report your workplace injury to your employer within 30 days. Many workers put this off because they either think the pain will go away, or because they fear retaliation. However, failure to notify your employer on time is one of the most common (and most devastating) mistakes that we see. Even if you think it’s minor, report your injury immediately and in writing. Your credibility — and your claim — depends on it.
2. Not Filing Form WC-14 Properly
Filing a Form WC-14 with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation is the official way to begin your claim, yet many injured workers either:
- Don’t file at all.
- Submit the form late.
- Send it to the wrong parties.
- Fill it out incorrectly.
To be valid, Form WC-14 must be sent to three places: the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your employer, and your employer’s insurance company.
Our firm will verify that your WC-14 is filed correctly and on time, so your benefits don’t get delayed or denied due to paperwork errors.
3. Failing to See an Approved Doctor
Here’s a mistake many people don’t realize: you can’t just go to your family doctor after a work injury. In Georgia, your employer must post a list of approved medical providers or offer a managed care organization (MCO). If you don’t get an appointment with a doctor from that list, your medical bills may not be covered.
If your employer hasn’t provided a panel or you’re unsure about where to go, please call us. We’ll help you find a covered provider and protect your right to medical care.
4. Giving Inconsistent or Incomplete Statements
This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Insurance adjusters and employers are trained to look for inconsistencies in your story — even small ones. If you tell your supervisor the injury happened one way but describe it differently to the doctor, your claim can be challenged.
Be honest, detailed, and consistent in every interaction. Write down what happened, when, and who was there. The more accurate your documentation, the stronger your case.
5. Accepting the First Settlement Offer Without Legal Advice
After you file a workers’ compensation claim, the insurance company may offer you a quick settlement. It may seem generous, especially if you’re out of work and bills are beginning to stack up, but it’s almost always less than what your case is worth.
By accepting early, you may also give up your rights to future medical care or wage benefits.
Before you agree to anything, talk to the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC. We’ll evaluate your case and help you understand the true value of your claim at no up-front cost to you.
6. Missing Appointments or Ignoring Your Treatment Plan
Once you start medical care, it’s critical to attend every appointment and follow your doctor’s instructions. Missing visits, skipping therapy, or returning to work too soon can be used as evidence that you’re not really injured.
We work with your medical providers to make sure that your treatment is documented and that your compliance is clear. This protects your right to ongoing benefits, particularly in more complex or long-term injury cases.
7. Not Consulting a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Many injured workers try to navigate the system alone — at least, until they realize that simple mistakes can lead to delays, denials, or lost benefits.
By working with an experienced Cumming workers’ compensation attorney, you’ll have someone to:
- Help you file your claim correctly.
- Ensure that all deadlines are met.
- Communicate with the insurance company.
- Represent you at hearings or appeals.
- Fight for maximum compensation.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you pay nothing unless we win your case.
FAQs About Mistakes to Avoid When Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Q: What if I already missed the 30-day deadline?
A: In some cases, there are exceptions. Contact our office immediately — we may still be able to help you.
Q: Can I fix mistakes on Form WC-14 after filing?
A: Possibly. But time is critical. We can help amend or refile if needed.
Q: What if I saw the wrong doctor?
A: You may still be eligible for coverage. Let us review your case and guide your next steps.
Q: Is it too late to hire a lawyer if I already started the process?
A: No. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect your claim — but we can step in at any stage.
Protect Your Rights and Avoid Filing Mistakes
Injuries are stressful. Paperwork, phone calls, and legal jargon don’t make it any easier. Plus, one small mistake can delay your benefits — or worse, deny them altogether.
You don’t have to go through it alone. First, you know the common mistakes to avoid when filing a workers’ compensation claim. Second, you have a valuable advocate waiting to serve you.
At the Law Offices of Humberto Izquierdo, Jr., PC, we help injured workers in Cumming, GA, fight for the compensation that they deserve. We’ll walk you through the entire process, from the moment you’re hurt to the moment your case is resolved.
Contact us online or call (770) 888-8901 to schedule your free consultation today!
This blog is intended for informational purposes only. For legal advice specific to your case, please contact our office directly.
