Alternative Dispute Resolution
The ADR Division's goal is to provide the workers' compensation system with an expeditious and efficient alternative to litigation for the resolution of disputes. By filing a Form WC-100 (for settlement) or Form WC-14 (for any issue other than settlement), any party to a claim may request a mediation. Most mediations conducted at the Board involve settlement.
Settlement of workers’ compensation claims in Georgia is voluntary. Settlement mediations require the consent (agreement) of both the employee and the employer/insurer for scheduling and must only be filed on Form WC-100 Request for Settlement Mediation. Issues other than settlement can be set for mediation at the request of one party by filing a Form WC-14 Request for Mediation and listing the specific issues to be mediated.
The ADR Division is staffed with dedicated staff attorney / mediators, who conduct mediations daily, and administrative law judges (ALJs), who also are available to conduct mediations by special request. Most mediations are conducted by Zoom videoconference. However, by advance request and agreement of the parties (or by order of the State Board), in-person mediations are available at State Board offices and attorneys’ offices throughout the state. Additional information is available under the Contact Our Mediators link below.
When a hearing has not been requested and when the claim is not assigned to an ALJ in the Trial Division, the ADR Division handles motions and change of physician requests, attorney fee approvals pursuant to Form WC-108(a) filings, and other requests.
For more information, please contact us at (404) 656-2939.
