See Articles Written by the Ramos Law Team About Benefits
Rehabilitation benefits are services that the State Board determines are “reasonably required and appear likely to restore an injured employee to (a) maximum physical condition and (b) suitable employment. These goals may be attained through medical care, treatment, counseling, vocational assistance, job planning, or additional training. See, O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.1; Pringle v. Mayor of Savannah,…
A well-funded special interest lobbying coalition is pushing to eliminate the Georgia Workers’ Compensation System. As I wrote about a couple of months ago, the “Association of Responsible Alternatives to Workers’ Compensation” (ARAWC), funded by approximately two dozen national corporations is at the helm of this effort. In its drive to squash workers’ comp, the…
Remember the old frog in boiling water analogy? It’s meant to underline the danger of slow erosion. If a frog jumps in a pot of boiling water, it notices the heat immediately, and jumps out. However if a frog jumps into a pot of lukewarm water that heats up to boiling, it won’t notice the…
Many injured workers in Georgia ask us if their workers’ compensation benefits are taxable. Fortunately, they are not normally considered taxable income at the state or federal level. Workers’ Compensation and Taxes IRS Code 26 U.S. Code § 104 states that amounts received under workers’ compensation acts in recompense for injuries or sickness are…
Getting injured on the job has long-term ramifications for many workers. In addition to loss of income, workers feel entitled to compensation for “pain and suffering” to make up for the emotional and physical toll and injury can take on them. So- is pain and suffering compensable in workers’ comp? The truth is, the Georgia Workers’…
An independent contractor is not considered to be an employee; and as a rule, is not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. However, there are factors to be considered in assessing workers’ comp for independent contractors. The definition of employee versus independent contractor has been the focus of a significant amount of litigation. The Court will…
We’re gearing up for icy weather again here in the metropolitan Atlanta area. And while school systems may close when the weather gets dicey, most of us have to brave the road conditions to get into work. But the roads are not the only hazards of winter weather. The company parking lot can also pose…
An injured worker who has suffered a back injury often undergoes a series of frustrating events before receiving the help they need. After experiencing pain, workers may be directed to a Concentra, Urgent Care, or Choice Care in Atlanta or DeKalb County, and the practitioner may dismiss the worker with a “back strain or sprain.” Hopefully, an…
Ramos & Law wishes everyone a Happy 2015! We know that the holidays are a busy time for Georgia’s workforce- especially retail workers. The uptick in sales during the Christmas season prompted many Atlanta employers to plan ahead and hire seasonal employees to help with retail sales, temporary merchandise set-up, inventory stocking and other jobs. Heavy…
Under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act, accidental injuries occurring while the employee is participating in a company sponsored event, such as the company Christmas party, is compensable under one of the following conditions: (1) The injury occurred on the premises as a regular incident of employment; (2) The event is required by the employer: either expressly or implicitly; or…