Filing for workers’ compensation benefits in Peachtree City after an injury may seem like a simple process, but workers often face challenges when they try to collect the compensation they’re owed. There are many obstacles that need to be navigated, and there are important questions that workers may not have answers to.
If you’ve been injured at work, you should know that you don’t have to do any of this on your own. Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Coalition exclusively handles workers’ comp cases and can help you get through the claim process with minimal hassle.
Whether you’re preparing to file or are trying to decide on your next step, a free consultation with one of our Peachtree City workers’ compensation attorneys will give you the guidance that you need.
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Georgia Workers’ Compensation Income Limits
Workers’ compensation benefits fall into two primary categories: medical benefits and wage loss benefits. Injured workers are entitled to have the full cost of their treatment covered regardless of their income. While all eligible workers can also collect wage loss benefits, there are caps on how much a person can be paid.
The maximum amount a worker can receive will vary based on the type of benefits being collected. For example, while Temporary Total Disability benefits are intended to cover two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly salary, weekly payments are capped at $675. The cap for Temporary Partial Disability benefits is $450.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Peachtree City, GA
Any worker in Georgia that has suffered an illness or injury that has left them unable to work at the same level that they did prior to their injury may be able to receive benefits. However, the benefits that a worker can collect may vary based on the injury sustained, level of impairment, and a range of other factories. You can find an overview of the different types of benefits below.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits in GA Workers’ Comp (TTD)
If a person suffers a work-related illness or injury that renders them unable to work, and that person is out of work for at least seven days, they are eligible for TTD benefits. TTD coverage lasts for up to 400 weeks.
These benefits will cease if a worker returns to work or when they reach Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). This is the point at which an injured patient is no longer expected to see an improvement in their condition. After an MMI diagnosis, workers may be eligible to collect other types of benefits.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefits in GA Workers’ Comp (TPD)
These short-term benefits apply to workers that are able to work reduced hours or return to light-duty work after an injury. Many workers see reduced earnings because of these restrictions, and TPD benefits are designed to bridge that gap.
TTD benefits are calculated by subtracting a workers’ current weekly earnings from their average weekly earnings prior to the injury. Coverage is equivalent to two-thirds of the difference between those two numbers. Workers can collect TPD benefits for up to 350 weeks or until they reach MMI.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits in GA Workers’ Comp (PPD)
If a worker is no longer eligible to collect temporary benefits, and they have sustained a work-related injury that has left them permanently impaired, they may be able to receive PPD benefits. These benefits are targeted towards workers that still have the capacity to work, but may not be able to earn as much as they did before their injury.
There are two types of PPD benefits: scheduled and unscheduled awards. Scheduled awards refer to injuries that have a specific payment category under Georgia law, such as injuries to limbs. Unscheduled awards describe injuries that do not have an assigned payment category, such as brain or organ injuries. Workers in Georgia can collect PPD payments for up to 300 weeks.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits in GA Workers’ Comp (PTD)
PTD benefits may be awarded to workers that have lost the capacity to work because of their injuries. Examples of injuries that may qualify a worker for PTD include spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and injuries that result in blindness.
Once a patient has achieved MMI, they will be assigned an impairment rating. This rating is designed to reflect the extent of a workers’ impairment and will determine what they are able to receive. There is no benefit duration limit for workers that have suffered catastrophic, permanently disabling injuries.
How Are Peachtree City Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculated?
Benefits are calculated by looking at a workers’ average wage during the 13 weeks before their injury. Bonuses, overtime pay, and other additional earnings are taken into account when determining a workers’ average pay. Workers can then receive up to two-thirds of their pre-injury wages.
Permanent disability benefits are calculated based on the type of injury sustained and an impairment rating assigned by a physician. In Georgia, there are benefit caps assigned to certain types of injuries. As an example, the cap for loss of use of a hand is 160 weeks. If a worker with a hand injury is given a 50% impairment rating by a doctor, a worker would be eligible for 80 weeks for benefits.
Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Georgia Taxed?
There is no state or federal tax on workers’ compensation benefits. However, workers that collect benefits after returning to work will still have their earned wages taxed at the normal rate. Workers that choose to retire will still be required to pay taxes on retirement benefits.
Contact Our Peachtree City Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
Insurance providers know that the average worker doesn’t have a strong understanding of Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws, and unfortunately, there are some companies that will try to take advantage of that. When you have competent legal representation, you’ll be able to avoid disputes and delays and get the benefits that you need.
Our team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition can make sure that your employer respects your rights through this process. We’ll work alongside you to make sure you receive the appropriate benefits and that you’re able to collect those benefits as quickly as possible. Call 470-518-5026 and set up a free case review today!
