If you recently settled a workers’ compensation case, you may be wondering how long it takes to get a workers’ comp settlement check in Georgia. Typically, you can expect to receive your check within 20 days of approval by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Delays are unfortunately common in workers’ comp cases. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can handle your case and help make sure you receive your benefits as soon as possible.
How Long It Takes to Get a Workers’ Compensation Settlement in Georgia
In most Georgia workers’ compensation cases, you can expect to receive your settlement check within 20 days of the settlement’s approval by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. In a clean, uncontested case, the full timeline usually looks like this:
- The settlement agreement is finalized and submitted to the Board.
- The State Board reviews and approves the settlement.
- The insurer issues payment within the required time frame.
Ultimately, most workers receive their checks within 30 to 60 days after reaching a final agreement.
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Why the State Board’s Approval Matters
Georgia workers’ comp settlements don’t become enforceable until the State Board approves them. This step exists to protect injured workers, but it also adds time to the process.
The Board typically reviews settlements to confirm that:
- The settlement amount is reasonable.
- The injured worker understands what rights are being waived.
- The agreement complies with Georgia’s workers’ compensation law.
If anything is missing, unclear, or improperly drafted, the Board can reject the settlement and send it back for corrections, which can delay your payment for weeks.
What Georgia Law Requires After Approval
Once the State Board approves the settlement, Georgia law gives the insurer 20 days to issue payment. That deadline is not optional. If the insurer fails to pay on time, consequences may apply, including penalties and interest.
However, those penalties don’t automatically put money in your pocket—you may have to take action to enforce them.
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Lump Sum Settlements vs. Structured Payments
The way your settlement is paid affects how long it takes to receive benefits. Here are your two options:
- Lump sum settlements: These are the most common and usually the fastest. Once the settlement is approved, the insurer must issue the full payment within the statutory deadline.
- Structured settlements: These involve scheduled payments over time. The first payment may arrive quickly, but the full value is spread out according to the agreed-upon schedule.
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Common Reasons Settlement Checks Are Delayed
Insurance companies don’t always move quickly, even when the law is clear. Some delays are administrative, while others are strategic. Some of the most common ones include:
- Incomplete settlement paperwork: Missing signatures, incorrect dates, or vague terms can trigger rejection by the Board.
- Disputes over medical liens: If doctors or health insurers claim a right to part of the settlement, payment may be delayed until liens are resolved.
- Insurance carrier processing delays: Some insurers simply drag their feet unless pressured.
- Mailing issues: Checks sent to the wrong address or law office can stall delivery.
- Approval backlog at the Board: While not common, high caseloads can slow review times.
What to Do If Your Settlement Check Is Late
If the deadline has passed and your check hasn’t arrived, don’t assume it’s “on the way.” Silence usually means nothing is happening.
Here are the steps you can take:
- Confirm approval date: The 20-day clock starts on the approval date—not the signing date.
- Contact the insurer in writing: Verbal calls are easy to ignore.
- Document every delay: Dates, names, and responses matter if enforcement becomes necessary.
- Request penalties (if applicable): Late payment can trigger statutory consequences.
How Medical Liens Can Affect Timing
Medical providers may have liens against your settlement for unpaid treatment related to your work injury. If those liens aren’t resolved before approval, insurers sometimes delay issuing payment.
This is especially common when:
- Treatment was provided outside the workers’ comp network.
- Health insurance paid bills conditionally.
- Multiple providers claim reimbursement.
Sorting this out before submission can significantly reduce delays in your case.
Can a Settlement Be Paid Faster?
There’s no legal shortcut that forces immediate payment of a workers’ compensation settlement, but these steps can reduce the risk of delays:
- Clean paperwork: Correct forms, clear terms, and proper signatures prevent Board rejection.
- Lien resolution upfront: Settlements move faster when financial disputes are already settled.
- Clear payment instructions: Specify where and to whom the check should be sent.
- Active follow–up: Insurers move faster when they know someone is paying attention.
Get Help from a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If your settlement check has been delayed, don’t assume the situation will resolve itself. You may have to take legal action against the insurer.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney from Bader Law Injury Lawyers can handle conversations with them and help you obtain your money as soon as possible.
Schedule a free consultation to discuss your case with an attorney.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
