- August 30, 2023
- Workers' Compensation
Imagine this: you’re at work, doing your usual job duties. But in an instant, everything changes. You get crushed under heavy machinery or fall from a height, leaving you with a catastrophic injury. In this difficult situation, it’s crucial to understand your rights under workers compensation.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the specifics of workers comp for catastrophic injuries and why it is essential to talk to an experienced Atlanta workers compensation lawyer.
What Is Considered a Catastrophic Injury Under Workers Compensation Law in Georgia?
The workers’ compensation law in Georgia lists specific injuries that are considered catastrophic. These include:
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis of an arm, a leg, or the trunk
- Severe traumatic brain injuries causing cognitive impairments,
- Amputation of a hand, arm, foot, or leg
- Second or third-degree burns over 25 percent of the body
- Third-degree burns to at least five percent of the hands or face
- Industrial or total blindness
Other injuries may be considered catastrophic if you are unable to work at any job as a result.
What Workers Comp Benefits Are Available for a Catastrophic Injury?
Workers comp in Georgia provides a range of benefits to help injured workers cope with the physical, emotional, and financial challenges they may face. One important benefit is medical treatment coverage.
This means that all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your catastrophic injury will be covered. From surgeries and hospital stays to rehabilitation therapies and prescription medications, you can focus on your recovery without worrying about the cost of care.
In addition to medical treatment coverage, workers comp also includes disability benefits. If your injury prevents you from returning to work or limits your ability to perform certain tasks, you may be entitled to temporary total disability (TTD) or permanent partial disability (PPD) payments. These benefits replace a portion of lost wages while you recover or adjust to any permanent impairment caused by the injury.
Furthermore, vocational rehabilitation services may be available if you are unable to return to your previous job due to the severity of your injury. A qualified vocational counselor can assist in identifying suitable alternative employment options based on your skills and abilities.
Death benefits are provided if an employee tragically loses their life as a result of a workplace accident or occupational disease. These benefits aim to provide financial support for dependents left behind, such as surviving spouses and children.
An experienced workers compensation attorney in Atlanta will help you understand your rights. Thus, you can take advantage of these resources and ensure you receive the support you need throughout your recovery journey.
How Long Do Benefits for a Catastrophic Injury Last?
Typically there are limits on how long you can receive workers comp benefits in Georgia. You may receive temporary total disability benefits for a maximum of 400 weeks and temporary partial disability benefits for a maximum of 350 weeks.
However, Georgia workers compensation allows people with catastrophic injuries to receive medical treatment and weekly income benefits for life.
Rehabilitation Services
In some cases, your catastrophic injury will leave you with a permanent impairment or disability, preventing you from returning to your job. In situations like these, Georgia law stipulates that injured workers should benefit from vocational rehabilitation services.
These services include:
- Educational programs and tuition payment to retrain in a new job
- Career counseling
- Vocational evaluation to identify the types of job you are best suited for after the injury
- Refresher courses
- Resume assistance, interview coaching
- Workplace modifications, ergonomics, accessibility.
Your workers comp lawyer will assist you in accessing these services and making sure that you benefit for all the assistance you are entitled to in order to retrain for a new type of gainful employment.
Can You Collect Both Workers Comp Benefits and SSDI Benefits?
When you suffer a catastrophic injury on the job in Atlanta, it can have long-lasting effects on your life. In such cases, you may be entitled to workers compensation benefits to help cover medical expenses and lost wages. But what if your injury is so severe that it also qualifies you for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Can you collect both at the same time?
The answer is yes, it is possible to receive both workers comp benefits and SSDI benefits simultaneously. However, there are certain limitations and rules that apply. It’s important to work with a skilled Atlanta workers compensation attorney who understands these guidelines so that you maximize your benefits.
Let an Experienced Atlanta Workers Compensation Lawyer Handle Your Case!
When it comes to catastrophic injuries and workers compensation, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s crucial to have a skilled and experienced Atlanta workers compensation lawyer by your side.
An attorney specializing in workers comp cases will understand the complexities of Georgia law and how it applies to your specific situation. They will guide you through every step of the process, ensuring that you receive all the benefits you are entitled to.
From gathering evidence to filing paperwork and negotiating with insurance companies, a skilled attorney will handle all aspects of your case. We will fight for your rights and work tirelessly to secure the benefits you deserve.
Don’t let a catastrophic injury derail your future. Contact us today at 470-518-5026 to discuss your case during a free consultation!
