Rules of Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Georgia law sets the rules for workers’ compensation claims and benefits within the state. Any worker who is hurt while performing job duties needs to understand the rules of workers’ comp in order to ensure he or she receives full and fair compensation under the law.

Parsons Law Group can provide you with comprehensive and personalized legal assistance after your work injury. We know the rules of workers’ compensation cases inside and out and will do everything we can to get you the benefits you deserve. Call today to schedule a free consultation and to get answers to questions about the rules of workers’ compensation including:

• What income benefits am I entitled to after a Georgia work injury?
• What medical benefits can I receive after I get hurt at work in Georgia?
• How long can benefits last for a work injury?
• What other types of benefits can I expect to receive?
• Will my case settle?
• How can a Savannah work injury lawyer help me?

What Income Benefits am I Entitled to After a Georgia Work Injury?

Disability benefits are available to provide you with a portion of income lost due to your workplace injury. The benefits you receive vary depending on your situation:

• Total disability benefits are available if you cannot work at all. You will receive 2/3 of your pay up to a weekly maximum of $525.00 if your injuries occurred on or after July 1, 2013. If your injuries occurred prior to July 2013, your weekly benefits have a lower maximum limit depending on the date of injury. Benefits are tax-free.
• Partial disability benefits are available if you are working but earning less because you are on restricted duty. You are entitled to 2/3 of the difference between your pre-injury wages and your wages on restricted duty, up to weekly maximums.

There is a seven-day waiting period after you get hurt in which you typically do not receive benefits for wage loss/ lost income. However, if your condition causes you to miss more than 21 days of work, then you will also be paid for the waiting period.

What Medical Benefits can I Receive After I get Hurt at Work in Georgia?

If you go to a doctor on your company’s Panel of Physicians, you should receive coverage for 100 percent of medical bills for the rest of your life. There are no co-pays or deductibles for treatments you need due to your work injury. You have the right to a choice of at least two doctors and, if the State Board approves your request, you have the right to be treated by a doctor of your choice.

Transportation costs to the doctor are also covered. You must submit mileage for reimbursement.

How Long Can Benefits Last for a Work Injury?

While medical benefits last a lifetime, temporary or permanent disability benefits are limited.

• If your injury occurred after July 1, 1992, then you may receive temporary total disability benefits for up to 400 weeks.
• If you are released from total disability to light duty and begin receiving partial benefits, then you can receive benefits for 52 consecutive weeks or for 78 weeks total from the time you resume working.
• Temporary partial benefits that begin immediately after an injury are available for 350 weeks from the date of the accident
• If you have a catastrophic claim, then you may be entitled to lifetime benefits.

Your Marietta work injury lawyer or Atlanta work injury lawyer can help you to determine how long your benefits should last.

What Other Types of Benefits Can I Expect to Receive?

You may not recover compensation for pain and suffering by making a work injury claim. However, you can receive medical and vocational rehabilitation benefits if your work injury was catastrophic. In some rare cases, retraining may also be provided so you can work in a new job or different field if your injury prevents you from returning to the work you did previously.

Will my Case Settle?

Many workers’ compensation cases are settled. A settlement occurs when there is a dispute over coverage and you and the insurer come to an agreement on what should be paid.

When a case settles, the insurer will not necessarily pay all of the benefits required by law but will instead make you an offer to pay a set lump sum of money. In addition, the insurer may agree to pay medical treatment costs for a set period of time as part of the settlement. It is up to you whether to accept a settlement or not and an insurer cannot force you to settle. Before you agree to any offer made by an insurer, be sure to talk to a Savannah workers’ compensation lawyer.

How Can an Atlanta Work Injury Lawyer Help Me?

Parsons Law Group represents clients at every step of an injury claim. We have helped injured workers to recover more than $5 million in benefits. Call today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about the legal assistance we can offer.