If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia. This program provides medical treatment, lost wage replacement, and other benefits to employees hurt on the job. Understanding how the system works is crucial to getting the support you need.
Who is Eligible for Workers’ Comp in Georgia?
Most employees in Georgia are covered by workers’ compensation if they sustain an injury while performing job duties. This includes full-time, part-time, seasonal, and temporary workers. Independent contractors may also opt for coverage.
To receive benefits, you must demonstrate your injury occurred because of and within the scope of your employment. Accidents that happen traveling to or from work may not qualify.
Types of Benefits Available
If your claim is accepted, workers’ compensation in Georgia provides several forms of support:
Medical Benefits
This covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your workplace injury. This may include:
- Doctor visits
- Hospitalization
- Surgery
- Physical therapy
- Prescription drugs
- Medical devices
There are no copays or deductibles. Treatment is covered for as long as your work-related condition requires care.
Income Benefits
If you miss more than 7 days of work, you may receive wage replacement benefits. The amount is calculated based on your average weekly wages.
There is a maximum weekly payout that is adjusted annually.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
If your injury causes permanent impairment, you may get additional income benefits once you reach maximum medical improvement. The payout depends on your level of impairment.
Death Benefits
If a work injury or illness results in death, the employee’s dependents may receive wage replacement. A one-time payment may also be available for funeral expenses.
Rehabilitation Benefits
Vocational rehabilitation services are offered to help you return to work after an injury. This may include job placement assistance, training, and workplace accommodations.
Reporting a Workplace Injury
Notify your employer immediately when you suffer a work-related injury or illness. Provide details in writing within 30 days. Prompt reporting is key to accessing benefits.
Your employer must notify their insurer within 7 days of learning about the incident. Do not delay seeking medical attention even if your employer seems resistant. Get evaluated right away and inform your doctor it is a work-related condition.
Georgia Workers’ Comp Claims Process
To start your claim, your employer will file a first report of injury with their insurer. You will need to provide details about how, when and where your accident occurred.
Cooperate fully during the investigation. You may be asked to do recorded interviews. Support your claim by submitting medical records showing a connection between the injury and your employment.
The insurer must accept or deny your claim within 21 days. If approved, your benefits will begin and you’ll start treatment. Your case may involve hearings if any disputes arise.
Working with an experienced Macon workers’ comp attorney can be extremely helpful during this complex process. They will protect your rights and maximize the benefits you are entitled to.
Your Rights and Protections
Georgia law provides important rights and protections for injured employees on workers’ comp:
- You cannot be fired for filing a claim. Employers cannot retaliate.
- Weekly benefits cannot be lowered if you receive Social Security.
- You have the right to choose your treating physician.
- Missed time for medical appointments must be excused and paid.
- Reasonable travel costs to treatment must be covered.
- Your healthcare provider decides when you can return to work and if restrictions are necessary.
Understanding your rights ensures you are treated fairly throughout your claim. Discuss any concerns with your workers’ comp lawyer today.
Conclusion
The workers’ compensation system in Georgia can provide essential support so you can focus on your recovery after a workplace injury. But the process involves many complex steps. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can make all the difference.
They will handle the claims process from start to finish while protecting your rights. If you were injured on the job in Georgia, contact a dedicated workers’ comp lawyer today to discuss your situation and legal options.
Call Westmoreland, Patterson, Moseley & Hinson, L.L.P. at +1 800-688-1651 or email info@wpmhlegal.com for experienced legal representation with your Georgia workers’ comp claim.
Contact us today for your free initial consultation.