Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers | October 16, 2024 | Personal Injury
All Georgia employers with more than three employees are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. Therefore, if you are injured on the job in Georgia, you will likely be covered by workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation pays benefits for injured workers while they are recovering from injuries. This blog discusses how workers’ compensation payments work in Georgia.
Types of Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefits
If you are injured on the job or develop an occupational illness, workers’ compensation should cover the following:
Medical Expenses
Workers’ comp pays for necessary and reasonable medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medications. However, to receive medical benefits, you must choose a doctor from a panel of physicians chosen by your employer. You can visit the nearest hospital or urgent care facility if you need emergency care after an injury.
Loss of Income
If you are out of work because of your injury, you can receive supplemental income benefits for a portion of your loss of income. The amount is based on two-thirds of your average weekly wages. However, the amount is subject to the maximum amount set by the state.
Rehabilitation Support
If your work injury prevents you from returning to your previous work or you have restrictions because of a permanent injury, you may qualify for rehabilitation support. This benefit helps workers with a catastrophic injury find new employment.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation also provides death benefits to dependents when their loved one dies from a work-related injury or illness. The amount is based on two-thirds of your average weekly wages, subject to a cap set by the state.
How Do I Receive Payments for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
Workers’ comp pays medical bills directly to the providers. However, if you are out of work for more than seven days, you are eligible to receive weekly supplemental income payments. If you are out of work for more than 21 days, you will receive payment for the first seven days you miss work.
Supplemental income benefits begin about three weeks after you report your injury to your employer. The workers’ compensation insurance company pays weekly benefits unless the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation authorizes a different payment schedule.
Benefits are generally paid by electronic funds transfer, so the amount is deposited directly to your bank account. However, you may receive supplement income payments by check or another method you and the insurance company agreed upon. Contact your employer immediately if you do not receive your first payment on time.
The amount of your weekly payments equals two-thirds of your average weekly wages. The state sets a cap which is adjusted for inflation. The current cap for supplemental income payments is $800 for accidents occurring on or after July 1, 2023.
Your doctor may allow you to work while recovering from an injury. However, they may restrict your work duties. You can receive partial supplemental income benefits if your employer pays you less than your regular wages. The amount is based on two-thirds of the difference between your regular wages and what you can earn while your doctor restricts your duties.
Permanent Disability Payments for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia
Permanent partial disability is a “disability partial in character but permanent in quality resulting from loss or loss of use of body members or from the partial loss of use of the employee’s body.” If you are found to be permanently disabled, you are paid two-thirds of your average weekly wages for a set number of weeks.
The number of weeks is set by law based on the body part and your impairment rating. If your doctor states you have a partial impairment, the percentage of the impairment is multiplied by the total number of weeks to determine how long you receive payments. You may be eligible for total disability payments if you lose more than one major body part or vision in both eyes. Total disability payments are payable for life.
Permanent disability payments can be difficult to negotiate. The insurance company’s doctor might argue that you are not disabled or disagree with the degree of disability stated by your doctor. If you sustain a catastrophic work injury or disability, it is best to speak with a Sandy Springs workers’ compensation lawyer before accepting a workers’ compensation settlement.
Contact the Sandy Springs Personal Injury Lawyers Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers Today
You have the right to seek legal counsel for a workers’ compensation claim. Even though workers’ compensation is governed by state law, it does not guarantee you are treated fairly or receive all benefits you are entitled to receive. An attorney can review your case during a free consultation and explain your legal rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Contact Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers today to ensure you get fairly compensated.
For more information, please get in touch with an experienced personal injury lawyer at Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today.
We proudly serve Fulton County and Clayton County, GA, and its surrounding areas:
Guardian Accident & Injury Lawyers – Sandy Springs
200 Sandy Springs Place NE, Atlanta, GA 30328
(404) 255-9000