Workers’ compensation insurance exists to provide injured workers with a reprieve after getting hurt while on the clock. No matter the industry you’re in, it’s important to get the money you deserve after sustaining injuries. But how do workers’ compensation payments work in Georgia, how do you start filing a claim, and what are the deadlines? Here at Ramos & Law, we’ll answer all of your questions and help you get started with your claim.
Types of Workers’ Compensation Payments
There are multiple types of workers’ compensation payments you may be eligible to receive depending on the injuries you’ve sustained. These include:
Medical Benefits
Workplace accidents will often result in steep medical expenses. Workers’ compensation can cover your medical-related costs such as:
- Ambulance costs;
- Hospital stays;
- Urgent Care visits;
- Specialists care;
- Psychiatric or psychological counseling;
- Prescription medications;
- Surgery, physical therapy, and general medical treatment; and
- Durable medical equipment, including, but not limited to crutches and wheelchairs
Provided you are receiving care through an authorized physician or organization, you should not be billed for these services. You may also receive reimbursement for any travel costs associated with medical appointments.
Disability Benefits
If your injury results in a disability that prevents you from performing your job duties at the same level as before, or causes you to be unable to work at all, workers’ compensation will provide financial support. In these cases, you will typically receive a portion of the weekly wages you would have earned had you not suffered from an injury. The amount of benefits you receive and for how long is dependent on the classification of disability. This includes:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): When injuries temporarily prevent the employee from returning to work in any capacity.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): When the employee can still perform some work but less than he or she could prior to the injury.
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): When an employee has suffered an injury that results in permanent residual impairment.
Lifetime Claims
Workers who suffer from catastrophic injuries, such as significant burns, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis, can potentially receive lifetime benefits that would include long-term medical care, assisted living, nursing services, and indemnity payments for the rest of the employee’s life.
Vocational Rehabilitation
If you cannot return to your original occupation due to your injuries, workers’ compensation may provide financial assistance for school tuition, job retraining programs, career counseling, or job replacement services. The goal of vocational rehab is to ensure that you can obtain a job that aligns with your physical capabilities after your injury.
Death Benefits
Tragically, workplace accidents can sometimes lead to the untimely death of a worker. If you lost a loved one to an accident in the workplace, workers’ compensation can provide death benefits that cover funeral and burial expenses and medical bills your loved one may have due to his or her fatal injury. Additionally, the deceased worker’s dependents will be eligible to receive indemnity benefits.
How Are Workers’ Comp Payments Calculated in Georgia?
Workers’ compensation payments differ from case to case. Every case must be evaluated to determine the correct amount of compensation the worker or his or her family may be entitled to receive and the duration for which the benefits may be received.
Temporary Partial Disability Benefit Payments: When a worker is able to work “light duty” or “with restrictions” where he or she suffers a loss of earning potential, the injured worker may receive two-thirds of the difference between his or her pre- and post-injury average weekly wages (AWW) for a maximum of 350 weeks.
Permanent Partial Disability Benefit Payments: When a worker will have lifelong impairments because of the work injury, he or she may be entitled to permanent partial disability payments in relation to the worker’s impairment rating. This is generally a medical question determined by the doctor.
Lifetime Claim Payments: A worker who suffers from a catastrophic injury may receive indemnity and medical benefits for the remainder of his or her life. His may also include vocational rehabilitation, housing, and other benefits.
Death Benefit Payments: If a worker dies because of an occupational accident, his or her dependents may receive income benefits along with reimbursement for funeral and burial expenses up to the statutory amount.
When Can I Expect to Receive My Georgia Workers’ Compensation Payments?
Generally, a worker is entitled to weekly indemnity benefits when he or she is unable to work for 7 consecutive days. However, benefits may not be immediately paid as insurance companies have twenty 21 days to start payment. Payment is typically sent as a check via regular mail to your residence. In some circumstances, direct deposit may be an option. To ensure you receive your indemnity benefits on time, it is essential to report your injury to your employer promptly.
Issues Filing for Or Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits? Contact Ramos & Law
Workers’ compensation cases aren’t always cut and dry. In fact, the adjuster will likely do everything in his or her power to complicate matters. If you are facing issues filing for workers’ compensation or you are simply not receiving the benefits you’re owed, get in touch with us for a free consultation. We can help you file your claim accurately as well as fight unfair delays and denials.