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About the Author:
This research report on Opportunities in the ADR Field in Georgia was compiled by Jennifer Matte. Ms. Matte is Vermont Law School graduate. During law school, she completed an externship with the Consortium for Negotiation and Conflict Resolution. Her work with The Center for Legal Solutions, Inc. has primarily focused on the emergence of specializations within the ADR community.
Questions and comments regarding this research may be directed to jmatte@vermontlaw.edu. |
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See State and Local Requirements for:
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Opportunities with the State Board of Workers Compensation
Claimants and an insurance company representative can be called by the board to appear for mediation
Insurance representative must have full authority to resolve the issues at hand
In cases involving suitable employment, a representative for the employer should attend
Mediation can be requested by claimants and will be scheduled within 30 days of a request
The obligation to mediate is fulfilled by showing up and acting in good faith to try and mediate the dispute.
There is no requirement to reach an agreement, and the claimant will still retain the right to a judicial determination if no agreement is reached in mediation
Issues that can be mediated:
- Settlement conferences where all parties are agreeable to Board assistance with settlement negotiations;
- Medical issues including change of physician and payment of bills which involve a compensable medical condition;
- Suitable light-duty employment issues and suspension of benefits;
- Rehabilitation issues and disputes in compensable cases which have been designated catastrophic;
- After a case has been settled, attorney fee liens and disputes involving the reasonable value of services rendered; and
- Determination of the correct average weekly wage.
Who administers the program?
Who is the director and what is their title?
Contact: ADR Unit (404) 656-2939
www.sbwc.georgia.gov
Who performs the mediation?
How is this determined?
Cases are mediated by a state board of workers compensation administrative law judge or a staff attorney.
The judges and attorneys are certified mediators with experience in workers compensation law
Where is this type of mediation performed?
Mediation takes place at the State Board of Workers compensation.
Board uses 17 mediation sites across the state, and determines the location of a
session with regard to where the accident occurred or where the parties to the claim are located
Additional Information on State Requirements:
Additional Information on Local Requirements:
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