How Long Does Workers Comp Last in Atlanta?

When someone gets hurt at work in Georgia, they’re usually entitled to workers comp benefits. Your employer pays for insurance in case their employees get hurt. This way, they can make sure their workers have access to medical care for their injuries. Their insurance also covers weekly replacement wages until you return to work. Because your employer pays for this insurance, they review each case to make sure the employee is eligible for benefits. If they think you’ve done something against policy, they’re going to deny your claim. The same is true if they think your claim is fraudulent. If you get hurt at work and believe you’re entitled to workers comp benefits, you need to contact an experienced workers comp lawyer in Atlanta right away.

The other thing about workers comp is that it only last for a certain time. They’re not going to pay your benefits indefinitely. Generally speaking, your workers comp benefits last for 400 weeks. That’s about eight (8) years. If you haven’t gotten better in 8 years, you’re probably not going to get better.

Very few people actually collect workers comp for that long. It’s in the best interests of everyone involved to settle your case long before 8 years is up.

What Benefits are You Entitled to Anyway?

If your workers comp claim is approved, you’ll receive two main types of benefits. First, you’ll get the medical care you need to treat the injuries caused by your work accident. Second, you’ll receive replacement wages while you recover from your injuries.

The benefits available to employees in Atlanta include the following:

Your Atlanta workers comp lawyer knows what benefits you’re entitled to. In Georgia, if you get hurt at work, you’re entitled to certain benefits. These include the following:

  • Medical Benefits – Your employer’s insurance will cover any medical care you need in relation to your work injury. This coverage starts on the day you get injured and will continue until your case closes or settles. This includes your hospital care, physical therapy, prescriptions and durable medical equipment.
  • Temporary Total Disability – If you’re unable to work, you’re entitled to receive these benefits. In Georgia, you’ll receive 2/3 of your average weekly wages. These benefits last for either 400 weeks or until you’re ready to return to work – whichever comes first.
  • Temporary Partial Disability Benefits – If you’re unable to earn as much as you did before your injury, you may be eligible for these benefits. This is for people who end up on light duty, part-time hours, or a lower-paying position as a result of their work injury. You’ll receive 2/3 of the wages that you’re losing. These benefits will last for up to 350 weeks or until you return to your prior position and pay.
  • Permanent Partial Disability Benefits – If you end up having a certain part of your body totally and permanently injured, you may get these benefits. You’ll receive a certain number of weeks depending on the body part you injured.

Most Cases Settle Long Before the 400 Weeks is Up

Technically, you can receive workers comp benefits for 400 weeks. However, very few cases ever drag out that long. Most workers want to move on at some point in 8 years. So does your employer.

Your Atlanta workers comp lawyer will try to settle your case at some point. Usually, they’ll wait until you’ve reached something called maximum medical improvement. This means you aren’t going to get any better. At this point, they determine how much or your body is damaged for good. This will determine how much your settlement is. Your workers comp attorney in Atlanta will negotiate back and forth with your employer’s lawyer to agree on an amount.

Once your workers comp case is settled and closed, you can’t go back for more money. However, you will be able to move on and find a new career.

Contact a Workers Comp Lawyer in Atlanta Today

If you get hurt at work, you need to contact an experienced workers comp lawyer in Atlanta. They can make sure your case is handled properly from the start. They can also make sure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.

Call today and schedule your free initial consultation. Your employer will have lawyers working for them. And you should too. You work hard for your money. Your employer should protect you if you get hurt on the job.