- December 24, 2021
If you’re a worker in Atlanta, you’ll know a thing or two about the workers’ comp benefits. First, you know that you’ll need a workers’ compensation attorney to help you get your benefits as and when due. You’ll also know that the compensation system caters to a variety of work-related diseases and illnesses. However, there may be some confusion about workers’ compensation benefits for injuries that are not so serious.
Under the workers’ compensation law, we can classify injuries as catastrophic and non-catastrophic. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) defines catastrophic injuries in its bill of rights for the injured worker. They’re injuries that involve amputations, severe paralysis, severe head injuries, severe burns, and blindness. They also include injuries that prevent the employees from performing their previous work or other available work.
While it is glaring that catastrophic injuries deserve compensation, you may be unsure of the status of your non-catastrophic injury. So, in this article, we’ll discuss all you need to know about workers’ compensation benefits for non-catastrophic injuries.
What’s a Non-Catastrophic Injury?
While Georgia’s bill of rights for the injured worker specifically defines catastrophic injuries, there’s no similar definition for non-catastrophic injuries. The bill only mentions that non-catastrophic injuries are all other cases that don’t fall under catastrophic injuries.
To that end, we can define non-catastrophic injuries as those that you can fully recover from. With a non-catastrophic injury, you don’t result in long-term debilitating health challenges. They wouldn’t significantly impair your ability to live a normal life in the long run.
Non-catastrophic injuries include:
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Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures mean the same thing. They happen when your bones crack or break in parts. They can happen when you fall from a significant height at your workplace or when you slip and fall.
Common fracture symptoms include excruciating pain in the affected area, bleeding, numbness, and swelling. In some persons, the bone protrudes through their skin.
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Cuts and Lacerations
You’ll likely end up with cuts and lacerations when a sharp object pierces through your skin. Cuts are one of the most easily diagnosable medical conditions and are detectable upon physical examination. Bleeding is the major symptom of cuts and lacerations. The major approach to treatment is to stop the bleeding and prevent infections from the open wound.
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Non-Severe Burns
There are various degrees of burns. While severe burns are catastrophic, non-severe ones are non-catastrophic. For example, first and second-degree burns are superficial and may only cause blisters, skin redness, and thick skin. They usually heal after a few days to several weeks.
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Concussions
A concussion is a type of mild head injury that may affect your brain’s functioning. Even though they can cause serious effects, they’re generally not life-threatening. However, concussion symptoms are usually temporary and heal after a few days or weeks.
Can I Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits for a Non-Catastrophic Injury?
According to Georgia’s bill of rights for the injured worker, non-catastrophic injuries are compensable. You can receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to $675 per week. As long as you’re “totally disabled,” you’ll continue to receive your benefits for up to 400 weeks.
If your doctor certifies that you can resume work with some restrictions, you’ll continue to receive your benefits. However, the amount will reduce to two-thirds of your average weekly wage up to $450 per week. These compensation benefits will not exceed 350 weeks. It’s the same for when you resume work but get a lower-paying position due to your injury.
How Can an Atlanta Workers’ Comp Attorney Help My Workers’ Comp Claim?
You may not know about all the time restrictions you must follow in filing your claims, but your lawyers do. So, having an attorney by your side means that you don’t disqualify from compensation due to late filings and reporting. Your lawyers will also ensure that you don’t become a victim of workers’ compensation fraud in your claims process.
Talk to Us About Your Work-Related Injuries Now!
You can get compensation for your work-related injuries, whether they are catastrophic or non-catastrophic. Once we verify that you’re eligible for compensation, we’ll help you fight for the benefits you deserve. Atlanta’s workers’ compensation process is complex, but with us, you can be sure your case is in the best hands.
Our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers are dedicated and competent and will handle your case with tact. With our top-notch legal services, we are sure to meet and even exceed your greatest expectations. Enjoy a free case review with our lawyers when you give us a call today.
