New years often come with new changes. Whether you are starting a new job or heading back into the workplace following the winter holidays, it is important to understand your options in the event of an on-the-job injury. As we enter into 2023, here is the definitive guide for everything you need to know about workers’ compensation in Georgia: 

What is workers’ compensation?

Workers’ compensation is monetary support provided through employer insurance to employees who sustained an on-the-job injury. Workers’ compensation is designed to aid employees in recuperation by covering lost wages, medical treatment, vocational rehabilitation, and more.

Under Georgia law, employers are required to maintain workers’ compensation insurance and abide by state rulings dictating benefit disbursement and employee care. Workers’ compensation is not the same as unemployment or disability insurance and comes with its own set of regulations that an experienced, specialized attorney can navigate. 

Georgia Rules and Regulations

Workers’ compensation legislation occurs at the state level. Under Georgia law, employers of more than three people (including regular part-time employees) must carry workers’ compensation coverage. This coverage may be purchased by a commercial provider or self-administered within certain approved organizations. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation does not provide insurance. 

Employees are covered by employer workers’ comp insurance beginning on their first day on the job.

Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to cover lost or reduced wages, medical expenses, related rehabilitation, or survivor pay. Workers should immediately report injuries to employers and document all relevant information regarding the accident. Employees should seek any necessary treatment through a doctor list as mandated to be posted by employers. Employers may also choose to contract a managed care organization that will facilitate medical treatment. 

• Lost wages: two-thirds of your average weekly wage, but not more than $725.00 per week, is covered for up to 400 weeks. 
• Reduced wages: reduced benefit coverage is based upon your earnings for a maximum of 350 weeks from the date of injury, not exceeding $483.00 per week.
• Catastrophic injuries: you are entitled to receive help in getting another job or learning to do another job following an injury designated as catastrophic. If your injury is considered to be catastrophic, you may be entitled to lifetime benefits. Catastrophic injury and permanent disability cases are based on type and extent of damage—an experienced attorney can help you understand this circumstance. 
• Fatality compensation: if you or a loved one dies due to a workplace accident, dependents are entitled to financial support to cover lost income. 

Accidents and Injuries

Unfortunately, workplace accidents are all too common and are not limited to any certain industry. The most common accidents include construction accidents, fork-lift accidents, and trucking or auto accidents. 

Resulting injuries fall under the following categories:

• Back and neck
• Slip and fall
• Head and brain
• Spinal cord
• Repetitive-use or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Heart attack and stroke
• Foot, ankle, knee, leg, and hip
• Finger, hand, arm, and shoulder
• Amputation
• Paralysis
• Crush or RSD
• Loss of hearing
• Loss of vision
• Burns
• Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus, and Sjogren’s Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia
• Pre-existing 
• Death

Considerations

If you receive workers’ compensation coverage, you waive your right to sue your employer for negligence. You may, however, file a claim against your employer if they fail to provide you with workers’ compensation following your injury. This claim must be filed with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation within one year of your injury. In other cases, an employer may dispute a workers’ compensation claim. Again, contact a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney to help you through this process. 

Who can help?

Poirier Law Firm is here to help any worker following an on-the-job injury. The practice is run by Julie Poirier, one of Georgia’s top female workers’ compensation attorneys. Julie has handled claims against numerous major corporations such as Tyson, Nabisco, CVS, Publix, Walmart, and large construction companies. She is highly effective in assuring that her clients receive the benefits that they deserve, with frequent recoveries of six figures or more. Her effectiveness as a lawyer is matched by her compassion for her clients and her dedication to personal service. 

If you are injured at work, do not hesitate to reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney. We are here to help you get the care, compassion, and compensation you deserve.