Quick Summary: Georgia Form WC-14 is the official Notice of Claim used to formally open or protect a workers’ compensation claim with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. An injured worker may also use it to request a hearing or mediation when benefits are denied, delayed, stopped, or disputed. Filing errors—such as missing party information, an incorrect injury date, or failing to provide copies to the required parties—can slow down an already stressful claim.

At Figueredo Law Offices, LLC, we help injured workers understand the Georgia workers’ compensation process in plain English and Spanish. From our office in Roswell, GA, we represent workers throughout Georgia who need help pursuing benefits after a workplace injury.

What Is a WC-14 Form?

The WC-14 is the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation form titled Notice of Claim/Request for Hearing/Request for Mediation. In simple terms, it puts the State Board, your employer, and the employer’s insurance company on notice that you are making a workers’ compensation claim.

The form can serve more than one purpose. Depending on the box selected and the information provided, a WC-14 may be used to:

• Give formal notice of a workers’ compensation claim;
• Request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge;
• Request mediation to address a dispute; or
• Identify the benefits and issues you believe are at stake.

The form asks for important details, including your employer’s name, the insurance carrier, the date and county of injury, the body parts injured, and a description of how the accident happened. It can also identify disputed issues involving medical treatment, income benefits, penalties, or other requested relief. ([sbwc.georgia.gov](https://sbwc.georgia.gov/sites/sbwc.georgia.gov/files/board_forms/wc014.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Why Filing a WC-14 Matters

Reporting an injury to a supervisor is important, but it is not always the same as formally filing a claim with the State Board. A WC-14 helps create a formal record that you are seeking benefits for an on-the-job injury. The State Board explains that a claimant must file the WC-14 with the Board and send a copy to the employer and the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. ([sbwc.georgia.gov](https://sbwc.georgia.gov/file-claim?utm_source=openai))

In many cases, timing matters greatly. The State Board’s worker FAQ states that a claim generally must be filed within one year of the accident to protect the worker’s rights. However, workers’ compensation deadlines can depend on the facts, including prior medical treatment, payments, and the type of benefit at issue. Waiting to get legal guidance can make a claim harder to pursue.

If you have been hurt at work, review our overview of Georgia workers’ compensation claims to learn more about the benefits that may be available.

When an Injured Worker May Need to File a WC-14

Not every workplace injury immediately turns into a dispute. Sometimes the employer and insurance carrier accept the claim, authorize medical care, and pay benefits without major problems. But filing a WC-14 may be especially important when the claim is not moving forward as it should.

You may need to consider a WC-14 if:

• Your employer or insurer says the injury was not work-related;
• Your medical treatment is not being authorized or paid for;
• You are unable to work and income benefits have not started;
• Your weekly checks have been reduced, suspended, or terminated;
• The insurer disputes the severity of your injury or your need for treatment;
• You need to request a hearing or mediation to resolve a dispute; or
• You are concerned about an approaching filing deadline.

A denied or delayed claim does not necessarily mean you have no case. It means the facts, medical evidence, insurance position, and applicable Georgia law may need to be examined carefully. Our page on workers’ compensation claim denials explains common issues that can arise after benefits are challenged.

Common WC-14 Errors That Can Delay a Claim

The WC-14 is a legal filing, not just routine paperwork. Seemingly small omissions can cause problems. The State Board lists incomplete addresses, missing insurer information, illegible forms, outdated forms, altered forms, and multiple injury dates on one form among common reasons forms may be rejected or require correction. ([sbwc.georgia.gov](https://sbwc.georgia.gov/reasons-forms-are-rejected?utm_source=openai))

Common mistakes include using the wrong injury date, failing to list all relevant body parts, naming the wrong employer, leaving out the insurer’s information, or checking the wrong option for a claim, hearing, or mediation request. A worker may also fail to clearly identify the benefits being requested. For example, medical benefits and income benefits can involve different facts and documentation.

Another frequent problem is assuming that filing with the Board is enough. The WC-14 includes a certificate of service because copies must be provided to the other parties. Keeping proof of filing and delivery is a practical step that can help avoid future disputes about whether notice was given.

How the WC-14 Relates to Denied Benefits and Hearings

If benefits are denied, delayed, or stopped, a WC-14 can be used to request a hearing and identify the issues to be decided. A hearing is a formal proceeding before an Administrative Law Judge, who considers the evidence and determines whether benefits are owed. The State Board describes a workers’ compensation hearing as similar to a trial, with the decision based on the facts and the law. ([sbwc.georgia.gov](https://sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-law-faqs?utm_source=openai))

The form may also be used to request mediation in appropriate cases. Mediation can provide an opportunity for both sides to discuss a resolution, but it is not a substitute for preparing your evidence or understanding the value of your claim. The issues listed on the WC-14 matter because they help define what is being disputed.

For answers to common questions about treatment, benefits, and claim disputes, visit our Georgia workers’ compensation FAQ.

When Should a Lawyer Step In?

It is wise to speak with a lawyer as soon as a claim becomes complicated—not only after a final denial. Legal help may be valuable when you have serious injuries, surgery recommendations, missed work, a preexisting condition, a disputed accident, a denied treatment request, or pressure to return to work before you are ready.

An attorney can review whether the WC-14 is complete, identify the proper parties, assess potential deadlines, gather supporting records, and help present the issues correctly if a hearing or mediation is needed. At Figueredo Law Offices, LLC, our bilingual team assists injured workers in Roswell and statewide Georgia representation, including Spanish-speaking workers who need clear answers about their rights.

FAQ

Is the WC-14 the same as reporting my injury to my employer?

No. Reporting an injury to your employer is an important first step, but the WC-14 is the Board form used to formally file a claim, request a hearing, or request mediation.

Can I file a WC-14 if my employer says my injury is not work-related?

Yes. A dispute over whether an injury happened at work is one reason a worker may need to formally file a claim and, if necessary, request a hearing.

Do I need a separate WC-14 for more than one injury date?

Generally, yes. The State Board directs parties to complete a separate WC-14 for each date of accident. ([sbwc.georgia.gov](https://sbwc.georgia.gov/sites/sbwc.georgia.gov/files/board_forms/wc014.pdf?utm_source=openai))

Can a WC-14 be used to request mediation?

Yes. The form includes a Request for Mediation/Notice of Claim option. The specific issues to be mediated should be identified clearly.

Where can I get help with a disputed Georgia workers’ compensation claim?

Speak with a bilingual Georgia workers’ compensation attorney at Figueredo Law Offices, LLC. Contact us for a free consultation and clear guidance about your workplace injury claim.