When Will I Get My Money for My Georgia Workers Compensation Settlement?

Whenever I settle one of my client's cases, I normally am asked "how long will it take before I get my money?".

Well, my experience is this: After we agree on a settlement amount a lawyer for the employer/insurance company will propose a settlement draft and sent it to me (either email or snail-mail). I will look it over, make changes if necessary and go over it with my client. This process normally takes 7 to 10 days.

After the client signs the paperwork it is remitted back to opposing counsel who forwards it to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for review. At that point, the stipulated settlement agreement is reviewed by the board and signed by an administrative law judge. I would estimate that about 99% of the stipulations that come through my office get approved without any further intervention from the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation.

The Keener Law Firm has been specializing in Georgia Workers Compensation cases in the state for nearly 20 years and is proud to have developed a fantastic reputation with the Georgia Board of Workers Compensation. Virtually all of the stipulated settlements that go through my office are approved without comment.

The approval process at the GA Board of Workers Comp takes approximately 10 to 14 days. You are entitled to continue to receive your TTD or TPD benefits up until the time the Administrative Law Judge signs your Georgia Workers Comp settlement documents. After that, your income benefits will stop.

After the judge signs your settlement agreement the employer/insurer has 21 days to get you the money or incur a 20% penalty. But, because of the penalty, most employer/insurers will pay the claim promptly. The entire process normally takes 4 to 6 weeks from signature for you to get your money.

Sometimes the Georgia Workers Compensation judge will approve the settlement in the middle of a pay period. Since the employer/insurer's exposure stops when the judge signs the settlement documents, your weekly income check will be adjusted up or down to make up for the judge signing in the middle of the week. This is normal and nothing to get upset about. If you have any more questions about your Georgia Workers Compensation Settlement, call a lawyer who knows about such things. I do not charge for an initial consultation. KeenerLaw.com 770-955-3000.