Georgia Workers’ Compensation Benefits Explained
What Compensation Are You Entitled to After a Work Injury?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Georgia,
workers’ compensation benefits can help cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability. However, many injured workers struggle to understand what benefits they qualify for and how to ensure they receive full compensation.
At Garner Law Office, P.C., we help workers in Carrollton, Dallas, Hiram, and across Georgia navigate the workers’ compensation process and fight for the benefits they deserve.
What Benefits Does Georgia Workers’ Compensation Provide?
If your workers’ comp claim is approved, you may be entitled to the following benefits:
Medical Benefits
Covers all necessary medical treatment, including doctor visits, hospital care, physical therapy, prescriptions, and surgery.
Treatment must be provided by an authorized physician from your employer’s Panel of Physicians list.
Covers travel expenses for medical appointments.
Wage Replacement Benefits
If you are unable to work, you may receive Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits.
Payments equal two-thirds of your average weekly wages, up to a maximum of $800 per week (as of 2024).
Benefits begin after missing more than seven days of work.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits
If you can return to work but at reduced hours or lower pay, you may receive benefits to cover the wage difference.
TPD benefits equal two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury earnings, up to $533 per week.
Permanent Disability Benefits
If you suffer a permanent injury, you may receive Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) or Permanent Total Disability (PTD) benefits.
The amount and duration of benefits depend on your level of impairment as determined by a doctor.
Death Benefits for Families
If a worker dies due to a job-related injury, surviving family members may receive:
- Up to $7,500 in funeral and burial expenses.
- Weekly wage replacement benefits for dependents, such as a spouse and children.
How to Ensure You Receive Full Benefits
To protect your right to full benefits, follow these steps:
01
Report Your Injury Immediately
You must notify your employer within 30 days to avoid delays or denials.
02
Seek Treatment from an Approved Doctor
Your employer must provide a list of authorized physicians.
03
Follow All Medical Instructions
Attend all medical appointments and follow doctor recommendations.
04
Document Everything
Keep records of lost wages, medical bills, and correspondence with your employer or insurer.
05
Consult an Attorney
If your claim is delayed, denied, or underpaid, an experienced lawyer can fight for your full benefits.
How Long Can You Receive Workers’ Comp Benefits?
The length of time you can receive workers’ compensation benefits depends on the severity of your injury:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) Benefits – Paid for up to 400 weeks, unless the injury is catastrophic (e.g., paralysis, amputation, brain injury), in which case benefits may continue for life.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) Benefits – Paid for up to 350 weeks, depending on how long you remain on light-duty work.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) Benefits – The duration is based on your doctor’s impairment rating and the affected body part (e.g., 225 weeks for a leg injury, 75 weeks for a hand injury).
- Permanent Total Disability (PTD) Benefits
– Workers with catastrophic injuries may receive benefits for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Choose My Own Doctor for Workers’ Compensation Treatment?
No. In Georgia, you must see a doctor from your employer’s approved Panel of Physicians. However, if your employer fails to provide a list, you may have the right to choose your own doctor.
What Happens If I Return to Work but Can’t Perform My Job?
If your injury prevents you from doing your previous job, you may qualify for light-duty work or Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits to compensate for reduced earnings.
Can I Receive Workers’ Comp If I Have a Pre-Existing Condition?
Yes. If your job aggravates a pre-existing injury, you may still qualify for benefits. However, insurance companies often use pre-existing conditions to deny claims, so it’s important to have strong medical evidence.
What If My Employer Pressures Me to Return to Work Too Soon?
Your employer cannot force you to return before you’re medically cleared. If they do, you should consult a workers’ comp attorney immediately.
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on My Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
No. Workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable under federal or Georgia law.
No. Workers’ compensation benefits are not taxable under federal or Georgia law.