- August 13, 2024
Georgia workers’ compensation can be tough on both employers and employees. Whether you’re an employer trying to comply with state laws or an employee trying to understand your rights and benefits after a work injury, you need a clear and concise guide. If you hit a snag with workmen’s compensation, an experienced Atlanta workers’ comp lawyer is here for you.
This blog will break down the basics of Georgia’s workmen’s compensation, from eligibility and filing claims to benefits and disputes.
What is Workmen’s Compensation?
Georgia workmen’s compensation provides financial and medical benefits for work injuries. Georgia workers’ compensation law outlines the legal framework surrounding these benefits, detailing eligibility criteria, business obligations for insurance coverage, and provisions for medical and wage-related assistance due to job-related injuries or illnesses. This program is run by the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) and a third-party administrator. Its purpose is to get injured workers workmen’s compensation benefits as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Medical Expenses and Income Benefits
The program covers all medical expenses and income benefits for workers who are temporarily or permanently unable to go back to work. Medical care includes visits to authorized doctors, physical therapy, and prescription medications. Income benefits are temporary total disability, temporary partial disability, temporary partial disability benefits, and permanent partial disability.
Employer and Workforce
Employers with 3 or more employees, including part-time and seasonal workers, must have workmen’s compensation insurance. This requirement is part of Georgia workers’ compensation laws, which cover a large portion of the workforce under Georgia’s workmen’s compensation laws.
Filing a Claim
If you’re injured on the job, you must report the incident to your employer immediately to initiate a workers’ compensation claim. Filing a claim involves submitting Form WC-14 to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation within 1 year of the accident. Timely reporting and filing is key to getting the injured worker the medical treatment and income benefits they need.
Dispute Resolution
If disputes arise, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation holds hearings to settle issues. A workers’ compensation attorney can be a big help in this process, making sure claims and settlements are fair.
Worker Support
The program is designed to support injured workers so they get the care and benefits they need to heal and get back to work.
Benefits
When you’re injured on the job, you need to know what workers’ compensation benefits Georgia workmen’s compensation offers. These benefits are for injured employees.
Medical Care and Rehabilitation Services
Injured workers are entitled to medical treatment from authorized doctors. This includes physical therapy, prescription medications, and any necessary surgery. The goal is to cover all medical expenses related to the injury so the worker can heal fully.
Income Benefits
Income benefits are for employees who can’t work due to their injury and need to receive workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits fall into three categories:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If an injured worker can’t work at all for a temporary period, they get TTD benefits. This is two-thirds of their average weekly wage up to a maximum.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If an injured worker can go back to work but at a reduced capacity, TPD benefits are available. These benefits make up the difference between the worker’s pre-injury and post-injury wages.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If the injury results in a permanent impairment but the worker can still work, PPD benefits are provided. The amount is based on the severity of the impairment and the worker’s average weekly wage.
Death Benefits
If a worker dies from a job-related injury, death benefits are paid to the dependents. These benefits are two-thirds of the deceased worker’s average weekly wage up to $800 per week. Funeral expenses may also be covered.
You need to know these benefits if you’re an injured worker or a family member so you get the support you need when you need it.
Filing a Claim
Filing workers’ compensation claims timely is key. An injured worker must report their work-related injury to their employer immediately. Delay can mean loss of benefits.
Reporting the Injury
After reporting the injury to the employer, file Form WC-14 with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This must be done within one year of the accident. The form asks for details about the injury, the employer, and the circumstances of the accident. Timely filing is key to getting medical treatment and income benefits.
Notify the Insurance Carrier
The employer should also notify their workers’ compensation insurance carrier of the injury. Once the form is filed, the injured employee can start getting workers’ comp benefits which cover medical expenses and wage replacement.
Claim Review and Denial
The insurance company will review the claim and may request more information or medical records. If the insurance company denies the claim, the injured worker can request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
What is the State Board of Workers’ Compensation?
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation is the backbone of the Georgia workers’ compensation system. It oversees workmen’s compensation claims and makes sure employers and employees follow Georgia workers’ comp laws.
Resources for Injured Workers
The board offers resources such as medical fee schedules and a list of authorized physicians to help injured workers get medical treatment.
Disputes and Appeals
The board handles disputes and appeals of workmen’s compensation claims. If an injured worker has issues getting benefits, the board holds hearings to resolve those disputes fairly. This process keeps things transparent and fair in the workers’ comp system.
Employer Compliance
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation makes sure employers meet the mandatory insurance requirements. Employers with three or more employees must have workmen’s compensation insurance. Failure to comply can mean big civil and criminal penalties.
Employee Resources
For employees, the board offers resources on filing claims and understanding Georgia workmen’s compensation laws. This includes info on the types of benefits available such as medical treatment, income benefits, and death benefits for dependents of deceased workers.
Dispute Resolution
If disputes or benefits aren’t received, the State Board of Workers’ Compensation holds hearings to address those issues.
The State Board of Workers’ Compensation is responsible for workmen’s compensation disputes. When conflicts happen, you must follow the process. If an injured employee feels their claim isn’t being handled right, they can request a hearing before the board.
Hearings
The board holds hearings to resolve issues and reviews the evidence presented by the employee and the employer. Their job is to make sure all claims are fair and make decisions to resolve disputes fairly.
Fair Outcomes
The dispute resolution process makes sure workmen’s compensation benefits are distributed fairly and according to Georgia law. The board makes decisions with care to resolve the dispute and get justice for all parties.
Speak With An Experienced Atlanta Workers’ Comp Attorney Today!
If you or someone you know has been injured on the job in Georgia, it’s crucial to consult an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer to understand your rights and the benefits available to you. Don’t navigate the complexities of workmen’s compensation alone—reach out for expert guidance today.
Contact us at 470-518-5026 for a free case consultation today!
