If you have sustained an injury or fallen ill while at work, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Fairburn, GA. However, it is imperative to understand the aspects that come into play as well as how this coverage scheme works when it’s time to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ compensation is an insurance policy purchased by employers to provide Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fairburn, GA who sustain injuries while on the job. You can claim medical expenses, lost wages, disability benefits, and death benefits, depending on the extent of your injury and if it’s compensable. However, your boss and the insurance provider may stand in the way and prevent you from getting the settlement you deserve.
That is why it is important to hire the best workers’ compensation attorney in Fairburn, Georgia to help you with your claim. The city has its fair share of workers’ comp lawyers, but not all are the same. It’s important to do your homework before choosing a lawyer to represent your claim and help you get maximum benefits for your injuries or illness.
The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition is your trusted partner when it comes to these cases. We are well-versed in this field of law and have secured millions of dollars on behalf of our clients. We will handle all the legal aspects of your claim, as you recover and recuperate from the accident. Call us today at [PHONE] for a free, initial consultation.
Georgia Workers’ Comp Income Limits
In the state of Georgia, the workers’ comp pay is generally 2/3 of the average weekly pay. However, a lot depends on the time of the accident as well as the actual salary. Also, there are maximum limits on the compensation pay. For example, the maximum weekly pay for temporary total disability is $675.
Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Fairburn, GA
There are four kinds of benefits paid under the workers’ comp coverage in Georgia. They include:
1. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
Temporary Total Disability benefits are paid after the accident or occupational illness during the healing process. If you can’t work in any capacity, you qualify for TTD. However, you should wait for 7 days in order to get TTD in Georgia.
If the disability goes beyond 21 days, you will be paid for the 7-day waiting period as well. These benefits can last up to 400 weeks, with a weekly payment of two-thirds of your average weekly pay. The maximum weekly pay for TTD is $675.
2. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
Temporary Partial Disability benefits are paid when you return to work during the healing phase. The seven-day period also applies to TPD.
In this case, you have gone back to work, but make less money compared to what you made before the accident. As such, these benefits are meant to cover part of your wage difference as a result of the injuries sustained. These benefits last for up to 350 weeks and have an upper limit of $450 per week.
3. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
Permanent Partial Disability benefits are paid when you reach the end of your healing period. This period is known as Maximum Medical Improvement. This means that your injury or condition is unlikely to improve further.
When you get these benefits, you no longer qualify for TTD or TPD benefits. As with the other types of benefits, you get paid 2/3 of your average weekly pay, with an upper limit of $675.
An important thing to note is that you have the option to ask for these benefits in one lump sum, rather than a weekly payment.
4.Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
In the state of Georgia, employees qualify for workers’ comp benefits for total disability on a permanent basis if the injury was deemed catastrophic. If you lose both your feet, legs, arms, hands, or a combination of two body parts, then you qualify for PTD benefits.
These benefits last for a lifetime.
How are Workers’ Comp Benefits in Fairburn Calculated?
Usually, there are three ways to determine the average weekly pay in the state of Georgia:
The first is the actual earning for thirteen weeks. This period is the preferred way to determine the average weekly pay of an injured employee. This period is 13 weeks before the date of the injury.
So, if you earned $26K during the 13-week period before your injury or condition, your average weekly pay would be $2k.
The second method is referred to as similar employee earnings. In case you have not worked substantially for the past 13 weeks before the incident, the wages of another worker in a similar job position might be used to calculate your average weekly pay.
The third method is the contracted rate of hire. If the above two ways can’t be used to calculate your average weekly pay, then the contracted rate of hire can be used to make a determination. In this method, your hourly contracted wage is taken and multiplied by the number of hours you’re contracted to work. So, for example, if you used to make $30 per hour and were contracted to work 40 hours per week, then your average weekly payment would be $1200.
Calculating the average weekly pay is important as the workers’ comp benefits calculation is based on this figure.
Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Fairburn Undergo Taxation?
Under Georgia law, workers’ comp benefits aren’t considered income and so, they are not taxed. However, you might need to report the settlement amount in some situations. If you return to work on modified or light duty, then the wages you get will be taxed.
Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Fairburn, GA Today!
The laws surrounding workers’ compensation are complex and that’s why you need a seasoned lawyer by your side. Our team will help protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition have years of experience in workers’ compensation and employment law and have helped numerous employees fight for their rights. Get in touch today by calling [PHONE] for the best legal representation.
