Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits in Georgia

Understand Your Rights and How a Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefit Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been hurt on the job in Georgia, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation medical benefits. These benefits help cover the cost of medical treatment so you can recover without worrying about how to pay for it. This page explains how medical benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation work, what types of treatment are covered, and why working with a workers’ compensation medical benefit lawyer can protect your rights.

What Are Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefits?

Workers’ compensation medical benefits are payments made by your employer’s insurance company to cover the cost of treating a work-related injury or illness. These benefits are available to employees who suffer injuries while performing their job duties. You don’t have to prove your employer was at fault, but you must show that your injury was related to your job.

In Georgia, workers’ compensation medical benefits are provided under state law. Your employer is required to carry workers’ compensation insurance and report workplace injuries. Once a claim is accepted, the insurance company will pay for approved medical care.

What Medical Treatments Are Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?

Georgia workers’ compensation law covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your injury. This includes:

• Doctor visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic tests (like MRIs or X-rays)
• Chiropractic care (if authorized)
• Medical equipment (like braces or wheelchairs)
• Travel expenses for medical treatment

To receive coverage, you must use an authorized medical provider from your employer’s posted panel of physicians. This is a list of doctors approved by the insurance company. If you need emergency care, you can go to the nearest hospital. After the emergency, you must return to using an authorized doctor.

How Long Do Medical Benefits Last?

Under Georgia law, if your injury occurred on or after July 1, 2013, you are eligible to receive medical treatment for up to 400 weeks from the date of your injury. This equals a little over 7.5 years. If your injury is classified as catastrophic, you may receive medical benefits for life.

Catastrophic injuries include:

• Spinal cord injuries
• Amputations
• Severe brain injuries
• Burns over a large part of the body
• Blindness
• Any injury that prevents you from doing any work

Your treating physician will determine how long you need medical care and whether your condition is catastrophic.

What If You Need a Second Opinion?

If you are unhappy with the treatment you’re receiving, Georgia law allows you to make one change to another doctor on the posted panel of physicians without permission. If your employer only has a conformed panel, you may also request a second opinion or an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This can help if there are disagreements about your treatment plan, your work restrictions, or your ability to return to work.

You can also request an IME from a doctor of your choice, paid for by the insurance company, once per claim. You must do this within 120 days of receiving any medical treatment.

Your Right to Reimbursement for Mileage

If you have to travel to see a doctor, go to therapy, or get testing done, you may be entitled to mileage reimbursement. This includes trips to the pharmacy as well. The reimbursement rate is based on the standard set by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and changes periodically.

You must keep a detailed log of your travel, including dates, distances, and locations. Submit these records to the insurer promptly to receive reimbursement.

What Can Go Wrong with Medical Benefits?

Although the law gives you the right to medical treatment, insurance companies sometimes delay or deny care. Common problems include:

• Denial of medical procedures or tests
• Delay in authorizing treatment
• Forced return to work before you’re ready
• Refusal to pay for prescriptions
• Disputes over the cause of your injury

These issues can interfere with your recovery and leave you in pain or unable to work. That’s why many injured workers choose to hire a workers’ compensation medical benefit lawyer to help them fight for their rights.

How a Workers’ Compensation Medical Benefit Lawyer Can Help

A workers’ compensation medical benefit lawyer can guide you through every step of the process and make sure you receive the treatment you deserve. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

• File your claim’ properly and meet all deadlines
• Challenge denials of medical treatment or prescriptions
• Demand approval for necessary surgeries, therapy, or tests
• Protect you from being forced back to work too soon
• Appeal decisions made by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation
• Negotiate a fair settlement if you’re offered one
• Represent you at hearings if needed

Having a lawyer on your side levels the playing field between you and the insurance company. If your employer or insurer is not cooperating, an experienced attorney can take legal action to enforce your rights.

What to Do If You’ve Been Injured at Work

If you’ve been hurt at work in Georgia, take these steps right away:

• Report your injury to your supervisor as soon as possible.
• Get medical attention from a doctor on the employer’s panel.
• Follow all medical advice and attend appointments.
• Keep records of treatment, expenses, and time off work.
• Contact a workers’ compensation medical benefit lawyer if you face delays or denials.

Call The Workers’ Compensation Attorneys At The Mann Firm Today for a Free Consultation

If you’re struggling to get the medical benefits you deserve, we’re here to help. Our experienced legal team at the Mann law firm has helped many injured workers in Georgia get the care and compensation they need. David Mann used to work as in-house defense counsel for a large insurance company, so he knows the tactics they use to settle claims for less than they are worth. Contact us now at (478) 742-3381 for a free consultation and let us help you take the next step toward recovery.  At the Mann law firm, you always come first.