Nov 11, 2024
Average Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart Amounts In Georgia
Nate Hansford
If you are hurt on the job, you have the legal right to recover compensation. The most common form of compensation is through a workers’ comp claim. An injured worker could be entitled to recover expenses for medical bills, lost wages, and other types of losses. In Georgia, securing workers’ compensation benefits can be complex. One of the contentious matters in such a case is the settlement amount, especially for permanent impairment. Whether you suffer a permanent or partial loss, you have to prove your injury was a direct result of your work.
Each workers’ compensation case is different, and various factors can influence the outcome. While the victim wants full benefits, the insurance provider wants to minimize their payout. Knowing the average workers’ compensation settlement amount and consulting a workers’ comp settlement chart in Georgia can help you make informed decisions about your case and help you manage your expectations.
Overview Of Workers’ Compensation In Georgia
Georgia workers’ compensation law requires all employers with three or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. The aim is to provide workers who get hurt on the job with access to financial assistance. As workers’ compensation claims do not require the injured workers to prove fault, it helps streamline the process. However, the worker has to meet certain eligibility requirements. The injury must have occurred during work-related duties. For example, if a nurse develops a repetitive strain injury from lifting patients and performing physical tasks, this would qualify for workers’ compensation.
Pre-existing conditions that are aggravated by job-related tasks might also qualify, but proving the connection can be more complex. The injured worker should be an employee, as independent contractors are not eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits. The worker must also report the injury to the employers promptly. Generally, workers in Georgia are required to report the injury within 30 days of becoming aware of it.
Average Settlement Estimates
The average settlement amount for a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia typically falls within the range of $20,000 to $40,000. However, compensation can vary depending on several factors, including the severity of the injuries and whether they are work injuries.
Cases that involve minor injuries, such as cuts, fractures, and sprains might settle for $5000 to $10,000. Cases with severe injuries, such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or spinal cord injury, can have settlements ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. In cases that involve a fatality, the compensation can be even higher.
There are two key components of a typical workers’ compensation claim: medical benefits and income benefits. Medical benefits cover all the necessary medical expenses for maximum medical improvement such as hospital stays, medication, surgeries, and ongoing medical care from an authorized treating physician.
If the injury leads to a disability, it can have a major impact on the settlement amount. Different types of disability benefits are available through workers’ compensation injury claims. These include Permanent Total Disability (PTD), Permanent Partial Disability (PPD), Temporary Total Disability (TTD), and Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
The lowest average settlement offer for cases that involve disabilities would typically be for temporary loss or partial disability benefits and the highest for permanent disability, reflecting the long-term impact on the worker’s ability to earn a living. Lifetime medical costs can be extremely expensive as they may include ongoing medical care, assistive devices, rehabilitation, and other expenses.
The salary of the injured employee also plays a major role in a fair settlement amount. A high-earning employee who got injured can expect a significantly higher settlement than an employee who earns less. A higher salary usually means a better standard of living. This can be important when determining a fair settlement, as it reflects the lifestyle the person was accustomed to and the changes they might face after the injury. The settlement may need to cover extra costs related to their new situation, like modifications to their home or ongoing care, which can be a significant adjustment for someone who was used to a certain way of life.
However, workers’ compensation is designed only to replace a certain percentage of lost wages. In Georgia, income replacement is around two-thirds of the person’s average weekly wage.
The body parts injured in the accident also play a role in the settlement. An injury to the brain would typically result in a higher settlement compared to an injury to the middle finger or index finger. However, if the injury to the finger doesn’t allow the employee to perform their work, they could seek compensation for this loss.
Common Misconceptions Of Workers’ Compensation Settlement
The process and amount of workers’ compensation settlements are often not fully understood. One of the biggest misconceptions is that all settlements are large. In reality, the settlement amount depends on the severity of the workplace injury, the impact on the lifestyle of the worker, and other factors.
Another misconception is that settlements cover all future expenses. Workers’ compensation often provides a lump sum or structured payment for past expenses but it may not cover ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation costs. You may need to file additional claims to recover future expenses.
Workers may also underestimate the difficulty of the workers’ compensation process. It is not uncommon for claims to be denied or delayed. An experienced attorney can streamline the process and help a victim get maximum compensation for their work-related injury.
Get Legal Assistance With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Our team can assess your case and make a workers’ comp chart that applies to your case so you can understand how much compensation you can expect, the impact of the impairment rating for each body part, and the maximum number of weeks you could receive benefits for your work injury. Your disability rating can play a key role in the settlement amount. We can help you understand impairment ratings and settlement charts so you can make informed decisions about your case.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to secure maximum compensation for your losses. You can start by consulting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. It also helps to engage an attorney early in the process, ensuring you follow all the steps to protect your rights. Our attorney-client relationship is built on trust and confidentiality, ensuring that our clients feel secure sharing sensitive information.
If you have suffered an injury at work, consult an attorney from Hansford McDaniel – Workers’ Compensation Attorneys. Our legal team won’t rest until we achieve the maximum possible workers’ compensation for our clients.
In our initial consultation, we will review your case, including how the injury occurred, to guide you on whether you are eligible to receive workers’ comp benefits for your medical bills such as doctor visits, burial expenses, lost income, death benefits, and other losses. Our attorneys can handle all the legal aspects of the case, including completing the paperwork, gathering evidence, negotiating with the insurance company, and representing you in hearings. Call us to schedule a free consultation for workers’ compensation in Atlanta. Message and data rates may apply.
