- August 20, 2024
If you get injured at work, you’re probably asking “Will I get paid while I recover?” Navigating the workers’ comp system can be tough, especially when you’re trying to heal. In Georgia workers’ comp laws protect injured workers but navigating those laws can be tricky without expert help. That’s where working with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney makes all the difference.
In this post, we’ll cover the different types of compensation if you get injured at work, what to do to file a claim, and what you need to know to get the benefits you’re owed.
Workers Compensation Benefits Eligibility
Workers’ comp is a system that pays employees who get injured at work. It covers medical bills and lost wages. Workers need to have this protection so they get the help they need after a work injury.
Eligibility Requirements
To get workers’ comp benefits you must meet certain requirements. First, the injury must be work-related. This means it happened on the job. Second, you must be an employee, not an independent contractor. Third you must report the injury to your employer right away. Failure to report quickly can cause delays in getting benefits and may affect your workers’ compensation claim.
Why Report Injuries Right After Being Injured At Work
Reporting right after you get injured at work is key. Timely reporting helps to establish a connection between your injury and your job. It also gets you medical treatment faster. Delays in reporting can mean denied claims or reduced benefits. Notify your supervisor or HR department immediately after an injury occurs. This is crucial to get the right workers’ comp benefits.
Types of Compensation
When an employee gets injured at work, there are several types of compensation to help with medical bills, lost wages, and other costs of the injury.
Medical
When you get injured at work, your medical care is usually covered by workers’ comp. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, and any other treatments. You won’t have to pay these medical bills out of pocket. Your employer’s insurance company pays for these expenses.
Transportation Costs and Medical Bills
In addition to medical treatment, you may also get compensation for transportation costs related to your medical appointments. This can include mileage reimbursement for trips to and from healthcare providers. Be sure to keep records of these trips so you get all the benefits you’re owed.
Wage Benefits
If you can’t work because you get injured, you may get wage benefits. This is to replace a portion of your income while you recover.
Partial Wage Replacement During Recovery
You can usually get partial wage replacement during your recovery from getting injured at work through temporary partial disability benefits. This helps with living expenses while you heal.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working at all you may get temporary total disability benefits. These benefits pay you until you can return to work or until you reach maximum medical improvement. In contrast, temporary partial disability benefits are available to employees who can return to work in a limited capacity and earn less than their pre-injury wages.
Partial Disability Payments
Partial disability payments help employees who can return to work in a limited capacity while recovering from getting injured at work.
Light Duty Work
If you get injured at work and your doctor allows you to return to work with restrictions you may be eligible for light duty work. Light-duty jobs are tasks you can do within your physical limitations. This keeps you active while you recover.
How Benefits Are Calculated for Light Duty Work
When you do light-duty work your benefits may change. The compensation you get can be based on your average weekly wage (AWW) before your injury. If you earn less in light duty than your previous job you may get partial disability benefits. This benefit is usually 2/3 of the difference between your former wage and your current earnings.
Light Duty Work Implications
Employers must follow your doctor’s restrictions. If they can’t provide suitable light-duty work you may have a claim for additional compensation. Be sure to keep open communication with your employer and document any changes in your work status.
Other Benefits and Resources
In addition to medical and wage replacement benefits, workers’ comp also provides other support to help injured workers and their families recover and get back on their feet.
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation offers additional resources and regulatory oversight to ensure that claims are processed fairly and efficiently.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you can’t return to your previous job because of getting injured at work, vocational rehabilitation can be a big help. This program helps injured workers get back in the job market. Services may include job training, resume help, and interview preparation. The goal is to help you find alternative work that fits your skills and abilities.
Death Benefits
In the unfortunate event of a workplace injury resulting in death dependents may be eligible for death benefits. These benefits pay surviving family members. The amount varies by state and the deceased worker’s earnings. Dependents can get compensation for lost wages, funeral expenses, and other related costs.
Common Problems and Issues
Workers’ comp claims can be complicated and involve many challenges and issues such as disputes over treatment and denied claims.
Treatment Disputes
When you get injured at work, you may have issues with your medical treatment. Sometimes, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier won’t cover necessary care. This can be frustrating and stressful for injured workers. You need to know your rights in these situations.
If your insurance company denies treatment you can act. First, gather all your medical records and documents. This information is key to your case. You may also want to talk to your authorized treating doctor. They can tell you if your treatment is necessary.
Denied Claims Appeal
If your claim is denied don’t give up. You have the right to appeal. The appeals process varies by state but it usually involves submitting a formal request for reconsideration. Be sure to include any documents that support your case.
In Georgia, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation plays a crucial role in reviewing and approving benefit claims during the appeals process.
Disputes over treatment and denied claims can be tough. But knowing your rights and having the right support can make a big difference in your recovery.
Georgia Specifics
Georgia’s workers’ comp laws are designed to provide specific protections and benefits to employees who get injured at work. Knowing these state-specific rules is key for injured workers to navigate the claims process and get the right benefits. In Georgia, the laws outline benefits, eligibility, and the process to file a claim.
Georgia Workers’ Comp Law Details
- Medical Benefits: In Georgia workers’ comp covers all medical treatment related to work injuries. This includes doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation services. Injured workers don’t pay for these medical expenses as they are covered by the employer’s insurance.
- Weekly Benefits: Injured employees in Georgia can get weekly benefits to replace a portion of their lost wages. The state pays two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage up to $575 per week. This benefit is to help with recovery.
- Temporary and Permanent Disability: Georgia’s workers’ comp system has a temporary total disability (TTD) and permanent partial disability (PPD). TTD benefits are for employees who can’t work at all due to their injury. PPD benefits are for workers who have a permanent impairment but can still work in a limited capacity. The amount and duration of benefits depend on the degree of disability.
- Light Duty Work: If a worker can return to work with restrictions they may be offered light duty work. In Georgia, employers must follow the medical restrictions of the treating doctor. If the light-duty job pays less than the worker’s pre-injury wage partial disability benefits may be paid to make up the difference.
Contact an Experienced Atlanta Workers Comp Lawyer Today!
When you get injured at work, a loss of financial income can be a huge concern on your mind. However, workers compensation laws are set in place to make sure you can get back on your feet and return to the workplace when you’re able to. If you want the best compensation possible, our team can help you through the process.
Contact us at 470-518-5026 for a free consultation ASAP!
