- January 21, 2025
If you’ve been injured on the job in Georgia, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are designed to cover medical expenses and lost wages while you recover from your work-related injury or illness. However, in some cases, you may be offered a lump sum settlement instead of ongoing benefits.
The average workers’ comp settlement in Georgia usually ranges from $20,000 and $40,000. Each case is different, and various factors influence how much compensation you could recover. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you negotiate a fair settlement amount for your workplace injury.
Our law firm is here to help with your workers’ compensation claim. Contact our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system provides several types of benefits. Understanding workers’ comp benefits is crucial when considering a settlement offer.
A workers’ compensation claim should cover necessary medical bills, doctor visits, and rehabilitation costs. Workers’ comp payments also replace a portion of lost income. Georgia workers’ compensation law sets maximum benefit limits based on when a work injury occurred.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
Temporary total disability benefits help employees who cannot work due to a work-related injury or illness. In Georgia, TTD benefits begin after a seven-day waiting period. If the worker remains disabled for more than 21 days, the first week is paid retroactively. TTD benefits pay two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a maximum payment set by Georgia law.
An injured worker can receive benefits for up to 400 weeks or until reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI).
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
Temporary Partial Disability benefits come into play when an injured worker can return to work on light duty earning reduced income. TPD benefits aim to bridge the gap between the worker’s pre-injury and post-injury wages. The benefit amount is calculated as two-thirds of the difference between the pre-injury average weekly wage and the current earnings.
TPD benefits can be paid for up to 350 weeks from the date of injury.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
Permanent Partial Disability benefits are awarded when a work-related injury results in a permanent impairment, but the worker is still able to perform some type of work. The amount of PPD benefits depends on the body part affected and the impairment rating determined by the authorized treating physician.
Total Permanent Total Disability Benefits
Permanent total disability benefits may be awarded when catastrophic injuries leave an employee permanently unable to work. These benefits are similar to TTD benefits but may continue beyond the 400-week limit in certain circumstances.
Death Benefits
Workers’ compensation death benefits provide financial assistance to the dependents if a worker dies due to a workplace injury or illness. Eligible dependents include the worker’s spouse, children, or other dependent stepchildren.
Death benefits compensation for funeral and burial expenses up to $7,500. Dependents receive two-thirds of the deceased’s average weekly wage or a maximum of $800.00 per week for a death on or after July 1, 2023.
The Workers’ Compensation Settlement Process
Workers’ compensation settlements in Georgia are voluntary. An employer, insurance adjuster, or workers’ compensation judge cannot force an injured worker to settle their claim.
The workers’ compensation settlement process in Georgia typically involves several steps.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Settlements are usually not considered until the injured worker has reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This means their condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve significantly with ongoing care.
Negotiation
Once MMI is reached, the injured employee (often represented by an attorney) and the insurance company begin negotiations. These negotiations consider ongoing medical needs, the worker’s ability to return to his/her job, and other factors.
Settlement Agreement
If both parties reach an agreement, a settlement offer is drafted. This document outlines the settlement amount, payment terms, and any provisions regarding future medical care.
Review by the Board of Workers’ Compensation
The settlement agreement must be submitted to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation for approval. This process typically takes 30 to 45 days.
A claims examiner or administrative law judge from the Board reviews the settlement to ensure it is fair and adequately covers the worker’s injuries and disabilities. In most cases, if both parties agree, the settlement is approved without a hearing.
Once approved, the insurance company must issue the payment within the timeframe stipulated in the settlement agreement, typically within 14-20 days of approval.
What is the Average Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia?
An average workers’ comp settlement in Georgia usually ranges from $20,000 and $40,000. However, workers’ compensation settlement amounts can vary significantly based on the medical treatment, the employee’s lost income, and if the injury causes a permanent disability.
Settlements can range from as low as $5,000 for minor injuries to over $200,000 for severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord injuries. The workers’ compensation can be even higher for fatal workplace accidents.
Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart Georgia
In Georgia, workers who lose a body part or lose function in a body part can receive a certain number of weeks of permanent partial disability benefits.
Permanent partial disability benefits are calculated based on the affected body part and your disability rating. For example, workers can receive up to 160 weeks of PPD if their hand is amputated or completely non-functional. If a hand injury causes only 50% impairment, the workers could receive 80 weeks of PPD.
This workers’ compensation settlement chart shows the maximum number of weeks for different body parts:
- Arm: 225 weeks
- Leg: 225 weeks
- Hand: 160 weeks
- Foot: 135 weeks
- Eye: 150 weeks
- Thumb: 60 weeks
- Index finger: 40 weeks
- Middle finger: 35 weeks
- Ring finger: 30 weeks
- Little finger: 25 weeks
- Big toe: 30 weeks
- Any other toe: 20 weeks
- Hearing (one ear): 75 weeks
- Hearing (both ears): 150 weeks
These figures represent the maximum number of weeks for which benefits can be paid for the total loss of use of the specified body part. Partial loss of use would result in a lower number of weeks.
Contact Our Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
While understanding the average workers’ compensation settlement in Georgia can be helpful, each workers’ compensation case is unique. The value of your settlement will depend on the specific circumstances of your injury, its impact on your ability to work, and your ongoing medical needs.
At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta, we’re committed to helping you navigate the complexities of your workers’ comp claim and fight for the maximum compensation. If you’ve been injured on the job, contact us today for a free consultation.
