GA Workers Comp

Workers comp in GA protects employees—but not independent contractors—from injuries on the job.  GA worker comp law requires employers who have three or more employees either to purchase workers compensation insurance or to be qualified by the State Board of Workers Compensation as a self-insurer.  Employees are covered for injuries which occur in a specific accident as well as those that develop over time.

Workers compensation is a no-fault system.  It covers most injuries regardless of who caused the injury.

Timing is crucial in workers comp claims

GA workers comp law places time limits on the injured worker to pursue a claim. Depending on the circumstances, the time limits can be complex. As a general rule—

• The employer must be notified of an on-the-job injury within 30 days
• A claim should be filed with the State Board of Workers Compensation within—
  • One year of the date of the accident
  • One year of the last provision of medical benefits
  • Two years of the last payment of income benefits
• A claim for permanent partial disability must be made within four year of the last payment of income benefits

These time limits can be somewhat difficult to apply to specific situations, so care should be exercised to pursue a workers compensation claim in GA.

Types of workers comp benefits in Georgia

The Georgia workers comp law provides for four main types of benefits—

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits provide weekly benefits to injured workers who are disabled from work.  Benefits are paid at the rate of two-thirds of the employee's average weekly wage prior to the injury up to a maximum rate, which varies according to the date of the accident.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits provide weekly benefits to injured workers who return to work after an injury but receive less gross pay per week because of the injury on the job.  Benefits are paid at the rate of two-thirds of the difference between the employee's average weekly wage prior to the injury and the gross pay each week after returning to work. 
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) benefits provide pay for permanent damage as a result of an injury on the job.  Pay is usually for a specified number of weeks at the same weekly rate as temporary total disability benefits, though it can sometimes be paid in a lump sum.  The amount of pay is based upon a rating assigned by the authorized treating physician.  This rating is assigned as a percentage and is applied using guidelines from the American Medical Association and the Official Code of Georgia.
• Medical benefits are paid to doctors, hospitals, and other medical providers.  There are no co-pays or deductibles so the injured worker is not supposed to pay anything.  However, there are complicated rules regulating which medical providers the injured worker is permitted to go to for treatment and how additional referrals can be made.  The injured worker may also be allowed to obtain reimbursement for prescriptions and for roundtrip mileage to obtain medical care.  The injured worker must properly request payment or reimbursement of medical expenses within one year.

GA Workers Comp Lawyer

Let me fight for you

Cases dealing with workers comp in GA are often more difficult and complicated than can be explained in an overview such as this.  The information contained in this summary should not be considered as legal advice and is best to consult with an experienced worker comp lawyer in GA.  My legal practice is dedicated to fighting on behalf of injured workers.  If you have been injured on the job, contact us today for assistance and speak to a GA workers comp attorney.  We look forward to discussing your case with you and helping you obtain the compensation you deserve.