How Much Does Workers' Comp Pay In Georgia?
Falling on the job doesn’t sound like something you should be rewarded for, but that is exactly what workers' compensation is—financial assistance for a worker should they be injured on the job. In the state of Georgia, laws have been established by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation to ensure workers are properly compensated if they should be injured while doing their job.
How Much Does Workers' Comp Pay in Georgia?
In Georgia, how much you’ll receive in workers' comp payments depends on the type of injury. Generally, if you experience a temporary disability, you’ll receive 2/3 of your normal income, and if you experience a permanent disability, you’ll get 2/3 of your post-injury income. Most workers' comp payments are limited to either 400 weeks or 500 weeks—depending on the type of disability—with medical benefits and the two-thirds wages being paid throughout the duration of the disability.
Should a worker in Georgia die due to a workplace injury, their dependents may be eligible to receive death benefits similar to the aforementioned wages and medical benefits, but for a limited duration of 400 weeks.
Are There Any Other Benefits I Can Receive?
In addition to the standard payments, you may be eligible to receive vocational rehabilitation benefits. This means that if a qualified doctor has determined that your disabilities prevent you from returning to your previous job, you have access to services that aim to help you find a job that suits your disabilities. The services cover expenses related to your job search, such as medical examinations, job skills training, other related job skills, and transportation.
Who Will Pay For My Medical Expenses?
In Georgia, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation requires that employers provide workers' compensation insurance that covers medical expenses associated with a workplace injury. If necessary, the employer must cover the cost of reasonable and necessary medical services, including hospital visits, physical therapy, surgeries, and medications. The employer must also cover the cost of medical equipment to assist in your recovery.
In the event that your medical expenses exceed a certain amount, your employer may dispute some of the charges. Should this happen, you may want to get in touch with a qualified workers' comp lawyer to make sure your rights are protected.
What If My Employer Refuses to Pay?
Unfortunately, there are employers out there who refuse to pay workers' compensation benefits. They may try to evade their responsibility by claiming the injury wasn’t related to the workplace or that the injury occurred outside of working hours. Whatever the case may be, the best way to handle these situations is to contact a workers' compensation lawyer who can help you understand the laws in your state and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Does Everyone Qualify For Workers' Comp?
No matter the state you work in, not everyone qualifies for workers' compensation benefits. In Georgia, the laws make it clear that only people who were injured while doing their job are eligible for these benefits. This means that if you were injured while playing a sport or were involved in an incident involving drugs or alcohol, you won’t be able to file for workers' comp.
How Long Do I Have To File A Claim?
In Georgia, you only have a limited amount of time to file for workers' comp. For instance, if you’ve suffered from a workplace injury, you must file a claim within one year of the date of injury. If you have a death claim, you must file within two years of the date of death. Should you fail to meet these deadlines, you might lose your right to receive these benefits.
Who Can Help Me File for Workers' Comp?
In a situation such as this, it's important to seek the help of a professional who can provide you with assistance. Local workers' compensation lawyers can provide you with the knowledge and guidance needed to ensure you get the compensation you deserve. They can provide legal advice and representation in court, and they understand the laws associated with workers' comp in your state.
What Should I Not Do After Suffering A Workplace Injury?
It’s important to remember that if you’ve suffered from a workplace injury, there are a few steps you should avoid taking. Specifically, you should not handle the situation on your own—instead, let a lawyer handle your case. Additionally, never sign a release without consulting a lawyer first and never speak to your employer’s insurance adjuster without legal representation.
Conclusion
Suffering from a workplace injury can be a traumatic experience, but luckily, there are several organizations in place that are designed to provide you with the financial assistance you need. In Georgia, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation provides a system of workers' compensation laws that ensure workers are properly compensated for their workplace injuries. The laws establish the amount of compensation for various types of injuries, as well as determine who is eligible. Should you have any questions about your workers' compensation benefits, don't hesitate to contact a qualified workers' comp lawyer who can help ensure your rights are protected.
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