Feb 20, 2019
How Much is My Georgia Workers’ Comp Claim Worth?
Nate Hansford
If you are injured while performing work duties in Georgia, you are entitled to two types of benefits: medical treatment and supplemental income.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover all reasonable and necessary medical care related to the workplace injury. In addition, the number of miles you travel to and from doctors’ appointments is also covered.
But when it comes to coverage for lost wages from missing time to recover, there are certain limits in the amount of money your employer can provide.
The following are the types of wage benefits to consider when calculating your settlement:
- Temporary total disability (TTD) – If you cannot work for over seven days because of your injury, you will be eligible for TTD benefits, which are 2/3 of your average weekly earnings prior to getting hurt. Georgia has a cap on these weekly benefits, which is a maximum $575 per week. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may receive this benefit of a maximum 400 weeks.
- Temporary partial disability (TPD) – If you can work, but will earn less than what you usually make, TPD benefits offers 2/3 of the difference between your average weekly wages prior and after you got hurt. For instance, if you typically earn $700 each week and you now make $350 doing light work, you can receive 2/3 of $350—which is around $233—to make up the difference. This benefit has a cap of $383 per week and can continue for up to 350 weeks.
- Permanent total disability (PTD) – When you finish your medical treatment, the doctor will determine if you have a permanent disability. If that is the case, you will still earn weekly payments for the rest of your life at a TTD rate. This benefit is often given to those with severe injuries, including the loss of limb or body function.
- Permanent partial disability (PPD) – If a doctor discovers you have a PPD, you may receive additional benefits in the form of scheduled and/or unscheduled losses. The former is available for disabilities for specific body parts (e.g. arms, legs, feet, eyes, or ears) that pays 2/3 of your average weekly wages for a certain period, while the former is available for those with injuries to other party parts and subject to the same maximum of TTD benefits.
Additional benefits include vocational rehabilitation when you cannot return to your normal job duties, as well as death benefits and funeral expenses for your family if you pass away from a workplace accident.
Interested in filing a workers’ comp claim in Atlanta, GA? Request a free case evaluation with our experienced legal team at Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today.