When you get hurt on the job, it can turn your life upside down. If your injury prevents you from doing the same type of work you did before, you might find yourself earning less money while you recover. This is where temporary partial disability benefits (TPD) come in.
Temporary partial disability benefits in Georgia help workers who cannot earn as much after a work accident. TPD benefits provide partial wage replacement so injured employees can support themselves and their families while recovering.
If you are dealing with a workplace injury, hiring an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial. The workers’ compensation system can be confusing, and insurance companies may not always offer you the benefits you deserve.
Our experienced Georgia workers’ comp law firm is dedicated to helping workers in Atlanta and across the Peach State. Contact us today for a free consultation.
What Are Temporary Partial Disability Benefits?
Temporary partial disability benefits are a type of workers’ compensation that helps employees who are still able to work but cannot earn as much money as they did before their injury. These benefits are different from temporary total disability (TTD) benefits, which are for workers who cannot work at all due to their injury. TPD benefits apply to injured employees who can work with restrictions, often in a lower-paying or part-time position.
To qualify for TPD benefits in Georgia, you must have medical restrictions from your workers’ compensation doctor that prevent you from performing your regular job duties. Additionally, you must be earning less than your average weekly wage before your injury. Many workers qualify for TPD benefits because they have to take a reduced schedule, accept a lower-paying job, or perform modified tasks that pay less than their previous role.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for TPD benefits, a skilled Atlanta workers’ compensation attorney can review your case and help determine the benefits available to you.
How Much Are Temporary Partial Disability Benefits in Georgia?
In Georgia, temporary partial disability benefits are designed to cover part of the wages you lose while working with restrictions. The amount you receive is calculated based on the difference between your earnings before and after your injury. Specifically, TPD benefits pay two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage before the injury and your current earnings.
For example, if you earned $900 per week before your injury but can now only earn $600 per week due to work restrictions, your wage loss is $300 per week. TPD benefits would cover two-thirds of that difference, meaning you would receive $200 per week in benefits. However, Georgia law sets a maximum limit on how much you can receive in TPD benefits. This cap is adjusted periodically, so it is important to check the current maximum amount or consult with a workers’ compensation attorney for the latest figures.
Insurance companies often try to minimize the benefits they pay by disputing the calculation of lost wages or arguing that injured workers can earn more than they actually can. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help ensure you get the full amount of benefits you are owed.
How Long Do TPD Benefits Last in Georgia?
Temporary partial disability benefits are not meant to last forever. Instead, they provide support while you recover and work toward returning to your previous level of employment. In Georgia, you can continue receiving TPD benefits until your doctor determines that you can work without restrictions or until you reach the legal limit on benefit payments.
The maximum duration for TPD benefits in Georgia is 350 weeks from the date of your injury. This means that if you still have work restrictions and continue earning less than before, you may be eligible for benefits for nearly seven years. However, if your doctor determines that you have fully recovered and can return to work without restrictions before reaching this limit, your benefits will end.
Understanding how long you can receive benefits and what to expect as you recover can be challenging. If you believe your benefits are being cut off unfairly or you are not receiving the payments you deserve, speaking with an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help protect your rights.
Applying for Temporary Partial Disability in Georgia
Applying for Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia involves several steps.
Report the Work Accident
If you’ve been injured on the job, report the accident to your employer immediately. Your workers’ compensation claim may be denied if you don’t report the injury within 30 days. You should tell your supervisor or boss about a work-related accident right away. Follow up with a written report as soon as possible.
Seek Medical Treatment
You should seek medical care from an approved workers’ compensation doctor. The workers’ compensation insurance company or the employer can select doctors for work injury treatment. However, you may see any doctor in an emergency.
The approved treating physician will assess your condition and determine any work restrictions, such as limits on lifting or prolonged standing.
File a Workers’ Comp Claim
You’ll need to complete Form WC-14 within one year of your accident or within one year of the last time your employer provided you with medical treatment. This form should be filled out carefully with your personal information, employment details, and information about your injury. Once completed, you must file this form with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation and send copies to your employer and their workers’ compensation insurer.
If you return to your job with work restrictions and are earning less than before the accident, you may qualify for TPD workers’ comp benefits in Georgia.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Navigating the Georgia workers’ compensation system can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may try to reduce or deny your benefits. Temporary partial disability benefits are crucial for injured workers who are still able to work but earning less than before. If you are in this situation, you need a knowledgeable attorney to ensure you receive the benefits you are entitled to under Georgia law.
At Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Atlanta, we are dedicated to helping injured workers get the compensation they need to recover and move forward. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve.
