Types of Workers' Compensation Benefits in Georgia

If you’ve been injured on the job in Georgia, you may be wondering what kind of help is available. Workers’ compensation is a system that helps employees get support after a work-related injury or illness. In Georgia, this system provides several types of benefits to make sure you get the care and money you need to recover from your injuries.

In this article, we’ll break down the different types of workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia. Whether you’re hurt on a construction site, in an office, or on the road, knowing your rights can help you protect you and your family.

What Is Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance your employer must provide by law. If you’re hurt at work or get sick from your job, this insurance helps pay for your medical bills and lost wages. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation oversees the system and ensures injured workers are treated fairly.

You don’t have to prove anyone was at fault to get benefits—if the injury happened because of your job, you are most likely covered.

Who Qualifies for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?

Most full-time and part-time employees in Georgia are covered by workers’ compensation. That includes factory workers, nurses, truck drivers, teachers, and more. Some independent contractors and gig workers might not qualify, but there are exceptions.

To qualify for workers’ compensation, you must:

• Be injured or become ill while doing your job
• Report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident
• File a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, if needed

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia

There are four types of workers’ compensation benefits available in Georgia:

Medical Benefits

If you’re injured at work, your employer’s insurance will cover your medical treatments. This includes:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Prescription medications
• Physical therapy
• Necessary travel expenses to and from the doctor.

You must go to an approved doctor from your employer’s list. If you don’t follow this rule, your bills may not be covered.

Income Benefits (Lost Wages)

If your injury keeps you from working, you may receive weekly payments to replace part of your income. These are called temporary disability benefits, and there are two kinds:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – If your doctor says you can’t work at all for a while, you may get two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum amount set by Georgia law. You can receive TTD benefits for up to 400 weeks from the date of your injury.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – If you can return to work but earn less money because of your injury, you may get two-thirds of the difference between what you made before and what you make now. These benefits also last up to 350 weeks from the date of your injury.

Permanent Disability Benefits

After you recover as much as possible, your doctor may decide you have a permanent disability. This could be a loss of a body part or a condition that limits your ability to work forever.

There are two types of permanent disability benefits:

• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – If you lose a finger, have long-term back issues, or suffer another lasting injury, you may qualify for PPD. Your doctor will give you a disability rating, and that rating helps determine how many weeks of benefits you’ll receive. Each body part has a set number of weeks for compensation under Georgia law. For example, an arm is equal to 225 weeks.
• Permanent Total Disability (PTD) – This is rare and applies only if you can never work again due to your injury. PTD is usually paid if you suffer the loss of both arms, both legs, or total blindness. In this case, you may get benefits for life.

Death Benefits

If a worker dies because of a job-related injury or illness, their dependents—such as a spouse or children—may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits include weekly payments equal to two-thirds of the deceased worker’s average wage (up to the legal maximum) and coverage for funeral expenses (up to $7,500)

Spouses can receive benefits until they remarry or after a certain number of years, while children typically receive payments until they turn 18 (or 22 if they’re in college).

What Workers’ Comp Does Not Cover in Georgia

While workers’ comp covers many things, it does not include:

• Pain and suffering
• Injuries caused by drug or alcohol use
• Self-inflicted injuries
• Injuries that happen while committing a crime
• Independent contractor injuries (in most cases)

How to File a Workers’ Comp Claim in Georgia

Here are the basic steps to take in order to follow a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia.

• Tell your employer about your injury right away. You must report it within 30 days.
• Get medical treatment from an approved doctor.
• If needed, file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation using Form WC-14.
• Speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer if your claim is denied or delayed.

Why You Should Talk to a Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Insurance companies, like most businesses, are in the business of making money.  Insurance companies report to their board members and shareholders. Sometimes insurance companies try to delay or deny claims. You might also be offered less money than you deserve. A good workers’ comp attorney can help:

• Protect your rights
• Get you the full benefits you’re owed
• Appeal a denied workers compensation claim
• Ensure your medical treatment continues
• Handle paperwork and deadlines

Having a lawyer on your side can make a big difference in how much you receive and how quickly you get it.

Call The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at The Mann Law Firm Today

At the Mann law firm, we know how to deal with the dreaded insurance companies.  David Mann used to work as in-house defense counsel at a large insurance company, so he knows the tactics they use to deny claims or pay out less than they are worth.  Give us a call today at  (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation.