If you have been injured or suffered an occupational disease while performing your work duties, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Suwanee, GA. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that provides monetary benefits to workers. These benefits are designed to cover lost wages, medical bills, disability as well as death.
If you are in the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim, you’re certainly curious about the benefits you can recover, how they are calculated, and the maximum amount you can get in a successful claim. Well, this read will answer all these questions with the aim of helping you navigate the process.
When seeking workers’ benefits, it is advisable to have the right Suwanee workers’ compensation lawyer by your side. Our skilled attorneys at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition are ready to provide the necessary assistance to ensure you are fully and fairly compensated. We have been in the industry for years, successfully securing millions in monetary benefits for our clients. We can do the same for you, and all you have to do is reach out by calling our office at 470-518-5026 .
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What Are the Workers’ Compensation Limits in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, workers’ compensation pay is usually 2/3 of the individuals’ average weekly salary. However, it all boils down to the time of the accident as well as the actual salary. Keep in mind that there are upper limits on WC pay. Using temporary total disability as an example, the maximum weekly payment is $675. So, even if your average weekly wage is over this amount, you still get a max of $675. Fortunately, these benefits aren’t taxed.
What Are the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Suwanee, GA?
There are generally four types of disability benefits paid under workers’ compensation coverage in Georgia. The type of benefit you qualify for depends on the extent of your disability and the time it’s expected to last.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
These types of benefits are awarded to people who are able to go back to work without limitations but are earning less than they did, prior to the injury. Temporary partial disability benefits are designed to partially cover the wage difference that comes up due to the injuries and the amount is 2/3 of the worker’s average weekly pay. In Georgia, TPD benefits are capped at $450 per week and have a maximum period of 350 weeks.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits
These are awarded to workers who are considered unfit to resume work because of their injuries or disease. They are also available to those recommended for light-duty by an authorized practitioner, but light-duty work is not available.
An injured worker becomes legally eligible for temporary total disability benefits if they stay out of work for seven days (the waiting period). After this period, the benefits for lost wages kick in. If you stay out of work for 21 days, you’ll be entitled to temporary total benefits, in addition to the pay for the waiting period.
Similar to temporary partial disability benefits, you qualify for 2/3 of your average weekly pay. The period, however, is a maximum of 400 weeks, but if you suffered catastrophic disability, the payments will go on for a lifetime.
It is important to note that even if you’re given a light-duty work release by an authorized practitioner, you will only get these benefits for a maximum of 52 consecutive weeks, after which they are reduced to TPD benefits.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits
PPD benefits are available for those determined to have reached maximum medical improvement. This basically means that their injury or condition is not expected to improve further. These benefits are calculated similarly to those above- two-thirds of the average weekly pay. Also, they are capped at $675 per week and are determined by multiplying the impairment rating after an MMI by an authorized practitioner by the number of weeks allowed by the law for a certain injury.
Also, note that permanent partial disability benefits can be paid on a weekly basis or in a lump sum.
How are Workers’ Compensation Benefits Calculated in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, employee’s average weekly wages are calculated based on the following:
Actual Earnings in 13 Weeks
This is the primary method used to determine the average weekly pay of an injured employee. This entails calculating the average salary earned by the individual over the course of 13 weeks, prior to the date of injury.
Similar Employee Earnings
In situations where the person has not worked substantially or consistently in the past 13 weeks, leading to the injury date. As such, their average weekly pay is based on the wages of another employee in a similar position.
Contracted Rate of Hire
This method is used to calculate the average weekly pay of contracted people who operate on an hourly basis. The wage is determined by multiplying the number of hours they are contracted to work per week by the rate per hour.
Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Suwanee, Georgia Taxed?
According to IRS codes and Georgia law, workers’ compensation benefits aren’t considered a part of an individual’s income. As such, they are not taxable.
Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today!
Even with the law in place, handling a workers’ comp claim in the state of Georgia is not always straightforward. There are numerous aspects that come into play and making mistakes could see you lose your right to benefits, even if you were injured while at work. Pain and suffering, not to mention unexpected disputes from the employer or insurance company can make the whole experience overwhelming.
Fortunately, the team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition in Suwanee can help you seek the benefits you deserve. We know what it takes to file a workers’ compensation claim, and thanks to our industry experience, we can help through the claims process. No employer or insurance company will get away with lowballing when you put us in the equation. For more information, do not hesitate to reach out by calling 470-518-5026 !
