Sep 29, 2023
How Long Does It Take to Receive My Workers’ Comp Check?
Wesley McDaniel
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that an employee can receive benefits from when they suffer an injury or illness at work. It aims to provide medical benefits and some wage replacement to the employee. If you have been injured at work, you may be able to file a workers’ comp claim and receive workers’ compensation benefits, and the amount of your check will depend on both the state in which you live and the extent and severity of your injury.
If you are curious to have a clear answer to the question of how long does workers’ comp take in Georgia, your best option is to reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney from Hansford McDaniel. We are familiar with workers’ compensation laws and have helped many employees who have sustained workplace injuries. Call us today to schedule a free consultation. We can help even when a claim is denied, and we can also file an appeal on your behalf. Do not wait; call us today!
How Long Do Most Workers’ Comp Cases Last?
When you suffer a work-related illness or injury, Georgia law provides that workers’ compensation insurance coverage for:
- Medical treatment and medical care
- Partially-lost wages while you are unable to work due to having to take time off to recover your health during a specific time frame
- Ongoing medical expenses
When an employee is killed while on the job, workers’ compensation will also help the family of the deceased according to the state’s rules.
Benefits an injured worker may receive through a workers’ compensation claim may vary in length from state to state, depending mainly on the type of worker disability an employee receives. These may be:
- Temporary total disability O.C.G. A. § 34-9-261
- Temporary partial disability O.C.G. A. § 34-9-262
- Permanent partial disability O.C.G. A. § 34-9-263
According to Georgia workers’ compensation laws, injured employees can receive income and medical benefits for up to 400 weeks from the date of injury, which is approximately seven and a half years. Workers who suffer catastrophic injuries such as total paralysis, severe brain damage, or multiple amputations may qualify for lifetime benefits beyond the 400-week cap. Understanding how long workers’ comp lasts in your specific situation is one of the most important factors in deciding whether to continue receiving weekly benefits or negotiate a lump-sum settlement.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Disability
In Georgia, there are two ways in which workers’ compensation income benefits are classified and they are:
- Temporary total benefits
- Temporary partial benefits
When is Each Type of Benefit Granted?
Temporary Total Disability
Temporary total disability is granted whenever an injured employee is physically unable to perform their duties. After a consultation with a medical provider regarding the work injury, the doctor may determine that the injured employee cannot return to work for an indeterminable amount of time. In Georgia, TTD benefits equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $800.00 per week. According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, your first check should be mailed within 21 days after the first day you missed work.
Temporary Partial Disability
In this case, the disability is granted to an employee who sustains an injury but is nevertheless able to perform some tasks associated with their job. Temporary partial disability benefits in Georgia cover two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and current wages, up to a maximum of $533.00 per week for up to 350 weeks.
Permanent Partial Disability
This type of disability refers to a rating that is assigned by the authorized treating physician to the injured worker for the loss of use of the body part as a result of the work accident. Georgia law assigns a specific number of weeks of PPD benefits to each body part. For example, an arm carries 225 weeks, a leg carries 225 weeks, a hand carries 160 weeks, and injuries to the back or body as a whole carry up to 300 weeks.
What is the Waiting Period to Get Workers’ Comp in Georgia?
In the state of Georgia, injured employees must wait 7 days before starting to receive benefits. Once that period is over, an injured worker is entitled to receive weekly income benefits after filing a workers’ compensation claim. Checks should be mailed to their address within 21 days after the first day when they missed work. If the injury has the worker missing more than 21 consecutive days, they will be paid for the seven initial days. Our workers’ compensation attorneys at Hansford McDaniel can help you make sure there are no errors in your workers’ comp claim, and whenever you file a workers’ compensation claim, fight for the highest workers’ compensation settlement. We will also negotiate with the insurance carrier to get you the maximum benefits for your work-related injury and we will be by your side throughout the entire claims process even when your claim is initially denied.
How a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer From Hansford McDaniel Can Help You
If you have sustained an injury at work, you may understand that you have to file a workers’ compensation claim to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. However, you may not have a clear idea as to how to negotiate with the insurance company, if you will have to deal with a claims administration, or whether your case will end up in front of a workers’ compensation judge. You may also not understand whether the disability to which you might be entitled may cover you for a few weeks several months or even longer.
At Hansford McDaniel, we know how to deal with workers’ compensation insurance, have had plenty of experience dealing with the state workers’ compensation agency, and have filed countless workers’ comp claims on behalf of an injured worker trying to get coverage for their medical bills or disability payments.
When working with our workers’ compensation attorneys at Hansford McDaniel, we can begin immediately helping you file a claim, present evidence based on your medical records or send a written notice to your employer, negotiate with the insurance company through their insurance adjuster, prepare for any appeal procedures that may be necessary, talk to your claims administrator directly, and fight for your rights until you receive your workers’ compensation settlement.
A workers’ compensation case may entitle injured workers to receive benefits from an insurance company. Let our team help you with your workers’ comp case so that you can concentrate on recovering your health. With over 100 years of collective experience, a Super Lawyers recognition spanning more than 10 years, and numerous million-dollar results, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the full compensation you deserve. We treat every client like family and we speak English and Spanish. Call us at (770) 922-3660 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Se habla español.
