108B Georgia Workers Compensation Form: What You Need to Know

What Is the 108B Georgia Workers Compensation Form?

The 108B Georgia workers compensation form is the employer's official notice of a workplace injury or illness in Georgia. It is the counterpart to the employee-filed Form 50 and triggers the employer's obligation to investigate, report to the insurance carrier, and begin the claims process under the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation.

Who Files the 108B and When

Employers with three or more regular employees must carry workers' compensation insurance in Georgia and are responsible for completing the 108B. The form should be filed as soon as the employer learns of the injury, though the statutory deadline is within 30 days of receiving the employee's written notice or the employer's first knowledge of the incident. Failure to file promptly can jeopardize the employer's ability to contest the claim and may affect the employee's benefits.

Key Information Required on the 108B

The 108B collects specific details to identify the claim and the parties involved. The form typically requires:

• Employer name, address, and insurance carrier information
• Employee name, date of birth, and social security number
• Date, time, and location of the injury or onset of illness
• Description of the body part(s) injured and the nature of the injury
• Whether the employee missed work and the dates of disability
• Wage information at the time of injury

What Happens After the 108B Is Filed

Once the 108B is submitted, the employer's insurance carrier opens a claim file. The carrier will investigate the circumstances, review medical records, and determine whether to accept or deny the claim. The employee can track the claim status through the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation case management system. If the claim is accepted, the employee may be eligible for medical treatment, wage replacement benefits, and permanent disability ratings depending on the injury.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Delays in completing the 108B are the most common issue in Georgia claims. Employers sometimes treat the form as low priority, which creates gaps in the record. Another frequent problem is incomplete injury descriptions, which can lead to disputes about compensability. Employees should ensure they receive a copy of the filed 108B for their records. If the employer fails to file, the employee or the employee's authorized treating physician can file Form 50 directly with the board.

Electronic Filing and Recordkeeping

The Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation accepts electronic filing for many forms, including the 108B. Employers should retain copies of all filed forms, correspondence, and medical reports for at least the duration of the claim plus the applicable statute of limitations. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for filing a workers' compensation claim is generally one year from the date of injury or the last payment of temporary disability benefits, whichever is later.

When to Seek Legal Guidance

Disputes over how an injury is described on the 108B, delays in processing, or a denied claim are common reasons to consult a workers' compensation attorney in Georgia. An attorney can help ensure the form is completed accurately, protect the employee's rights, and navigate the appeals process if the board or the insurance carrier issues an unfavorable decision.