Hey team,
Hit the ground running in 2026 with the following “End of the Year Checklist:”
- File WC-104
- If a claimant is out of work, receiving TTD benefits, and has been released to light duty by the ATP within the past 60 days, file the WC-104!
- Filing the WC-104 reduces both the lifetime of the claim from 400 weeks to 350 weeks AND the Claimant’s TTD benefits to TPD benefits after 52 consecutive weeks or 78 aggregate weeks of light duty.
- Return the Claimant to work via the WC-240 Process if the Employer Can Accommodate
- If a claimant is out of work and receiving TTD benefits because the Employer cannot accommodate light duty work restrictions, check with the Employer to see if anything has changed.
- If so, we can return the Claimant to work via the WC-240 process and suspend benefits!
- Pursue Settlement
- Generally, December = holiday season = “settlement season.”
- If applicable, reach out to opposing counsel to see if the Claimant is interested in settlement before the new year.
- Claim Inventory Decrease Your Caseload
- Reduce the size of your caseload by administratively closing any NON-LITIGATED claims: (1) that are controverted, or (2) in which the Claimant has been released to full duty and is no longer receiving authorized medical treatment (but will not settle the claim).
- We can always re-open if/when the Claimant requests additional treatment or litigates our denial.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year! As always, feel free to reach out if you run into any Georgia questions/concerns.
Sincerely,
John Fennelly | Junior Partner