How Long Can You Stay On Workers’ Comp In Georgia?
When you are injured on the job in Georgia, you can apply for workers’ compensation benefits. Benefits pay your medical bills and a portion of your loss of income. You can receive disability benefits until you return to work. However, Georgia workers’ compensation laws limit the number of weeks you can receive disability benefits. Our Savannah and Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney explains the time limits for benefits below.
Receiving Weekly Wage Benefits After a Workplace Accident in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation provides temporary total disability (TTD) benefits if your work injury prevents you from returning to work during recovery. You can receive TTD benefits after being out for seven days. If you are out for over 21 days, you are paid for the first seven missed work days.
The amount of TTD benefits equals two-thirds of your average weekly wages before your injury. You can receive TTD benefits for a maximum of 400 weeks.
If your doctor releases you to light-duty work, you may qualify for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits. The amount you receive depends on your earnings on light duty. Your TPD benefits equal 2/3 of the difference between your light duty and pre-injury wages. You can receive TPD benefits for up to 350 weeks.
How Long Will I Receive Weekly Wage Benefits for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
The duration of your disability benefits is based on the factors in your case. The severity of your injury and the duration of your recovery are significant factors. How your injury impacts your ability to work and whether you have a permanent disability are also factors. If you sustain a catastrophic injury that results in permanent disability, you may receive weekly wages for the rest of your life.
What Happens When Weekly Wages Run Out for Workers’ Compensation Claims in Georgia?
You can receive temporary disability benefits for workers’ compensation until:
- You reach 400 weeks of temporary total disability or 350 weeks of temporary partial disability
- You return to work earning the same income you did before the injury
- Your doctor releases you to return to work without restrictions
- You have reached maximum medical improvement
Maximum medical improvement (MMI) is when your doctor states no further treatment or time is expected to improve your condition. MMI may mean a full recovery with no lasting impairments. It can also mean you are totally or partially disabled.
If you reach the maximum number of weeks for disability benefits and cannot return to work, your doctor must evaluate you for permanent disability benefits. The length of time you receive permanent disability benefits depends on whether you have a partial or total impairment.
Total impairment generally qualifies for lifetime weekly benefits. The duration of benefits for a partial impairment depends on the body part and the percentage of the impairment.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation With Our Savannah Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
If you are nearing the end of your time to stay on workers’ compensation in Georgia, the insurance company might offer you a settlement. Before you accept a workers’ compensation settlement, talk with our attorneys to ensure the settlement is fair. Call us to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Savannah and Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney.
