We live in a fast-paced society, and given the many industries, workplace injuries and occupational illnesses are inevitable. In fact, they are so common that the government had to pass a law that makes it mandatory for companies or businesses to have workers’ compensation insurance. When business owners or employers do not take the right measures to guarantee the safety of their workers, they put lives at risk, often leading to severe injuries that come with long-term consequences.
If you are hurt while doing your job, you can claim workers’ compensation benefits in Woodstock, GA. In Georgia, any business with three or more workers is supposed to have workers’ compensation coverage. This government-mandated policy offers monetary benefits for medical bills, lost wages, disability benefits as well as death benefits. Unfortunately, not every business owner and their insurance provider, are willing to fairly pay out benefits.
This is why it’s important to get the services of a competent and experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Woodstock. Our team at the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition will fight aggressively and use available resources to ensure you get the settlement you deserve. To initiate the claims process and learn about the benefits you might qualify for, reach out by calling 470-518-5026 !
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Workers’ Compensation Limits in Georgia
The workers’ compensation benefit amount is 2/3 of an employee’s average weekly amount. However, the actual amount mainly depends on the actual salary amount and the date of the accident.
Regardless, there are limits on the pay you are subject to receive. For instance, you can only get a maximum of $675 per week for temporary total disability benefits. If the calculations give an amount higher than this, you will still get $675.
What Are the Types of Workers’ Comp Benefits in Georgia?
Georgia workers’ compensation provides different types of disability benefits depending on how an injury impacts your ability to work.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits
If you are injured at the workplace, you qualify for TTD benefits if your physician establishes that you are incapable of working or recommend that you be assigned to a light-duty position, but this role is not available in the organization.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to wait for seven days for the TTD benefits. If you are unable to work for this period, you automatically qualify for temporary total disability benefits.
TTD benefits awarded are usually calculated as 2/3 of the employee’s average weekly pay. For workers injured on or after 1st July 2019, there is a cap of $675. Note that you are eligible for TTD benefits for a maximum of 400 weeks following the date of the accident.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefit
TPD benefits are typically awarded when the injuries sustained do not entirely disable you. In such a case, you are given partial disability status and can continue with your work, but in a limited capacity.
Simply put, you’ll be reinstated back to your work responsibilities, but you will be making less compared to your salary before the injury. TPF benefits are designed to offer coverage that offsets the salary difference that spruces up from the work-related injury.
Temporary partial disability benefits are calculated at the rate of 2/3 of your average weekly wage. They also have a limit of $450 per week and do not exceed a period of 350 weeks following the date of the accident.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
According to Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation Act, when an employee reaches maximum medical improvement after sustaining an injury while performing their duties at work, they qualify for PPD benefits. Max medical improvement or MMI is a term used to refer to a situation where an individual’s condition cannot improve further.
Keep in mind that if you get permanent partial disability benefits, you can’t get either TPD or TTD benefits. Also, rather than getting these benefits on a weekly basis, you can choose to get them in one lump sum.
When it comes to calculating PPD benefits, a multiplication of the number of permissible weeks for the injury by the impairment rating assigned by an authorized doctor will be done. Basically, this means that you qualify for benefits for the injury afflicted to a particular body part.
Permanent Total Disability Benefits
In Georgia, permanent total disability benefits under the Workers’ Compensation policy do not apply.
How Are Workers’ Comp Benefits Calculated in Woodstock, Georgia?
There are three primary methods used to determine the average weekly wage for an injured employee in Woodstock, GA:
Actual Earnings for 13 Weeks
This is the most commonly used method for determining the average weekly wage of an employee who suffered a work-related injury. It is done by computing the average amount you earned in the 13 weeks before the accident.
Co-Workers Average Earnings
If you did not put substantial work in the preceding 13 weeks of the accident, the earnings of co-workers in your department will be factored in, to come up with a figure for average weekly earnings.
Contracted Rate of Hire
If the above methods do not work, a multiplication of the hourly wage by the number of hours contracted is done to determine the amount of the benefits.
Are Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Woodstock, GA Taxed?
According to the Workers’ Compensation Act in Georgia, benefits received from workers’ compensation coverage are not subject to tax.
Hire a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Woodstock, GA!
Ensuring that you get full and fair workers’ comp benefits in Georgia is not as simple and straightforward as it may seem. This is where availing the services of a seasoned attorney is essential. A competent WC lawyer can help you file a claim properly and within the set deadlines so that you receive the settlement amount. Insurance companies always put their business interests in mind and so, they will always try to deny or dispute WC claims.
To protect your rights, consider working with the Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Coalition in Woodstock, GA. With our experienced team of lawyers, you can be certain that you will get ideal legal advice and representation. Reach out by calling our offices at 470-518-5026 today!