If you are injured on the job, you may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia. However, there are things your Athens workers’ comp attorneys believe you should know before jumping headfirst into filing a claim.

The Benefits

Let’s start with the good news. If you successfully file for workers’ compensation benefits, you will be entitled to three basic benefits: wage benefits, medical benefits and a permanent partial disability (PPD) rating.

Your wage benefits will typically be offered at a rate of 2/3 of your averaged weekly wages for the 13 weeks before your accident with a maximum benefit of $500 per week. You have to have been placed on a “no work” or limited or light duty status by your authorized treating physician to start receiving wage benefits.

Medical benefits should cover all of your medical expenses. All medical bills related to your work-related injuries should be sent directly to your employer or their insurance company. You can also be compensated for mileage to and from your doctors and any payments for prescriptions. Provide documentation of these expenses to your Morgan & Morgan attorney as you incur them.

When Will I Get Benefits?
In Georgia, insurance companies have 21 days to investigate your case. However, insurance companies can occasionally be slow to start investigations of claims, in which case it could take several months or longer to get started. We will keep you updated on the status of your claim.

Can I Be Fired for Filing for Workers’ Compensation?
Georgia is an employment at will state, which means that workers can typically be fired for any reason, including filing for workers’ compensation. However, you can still receive workers’ compensation benefits even if you are fired as long as your are eligible for them.

Do I Have to Stay in Georgia to Receive My Benefits?
You can continue to receive benefits no matter where you are living in the country. The insurance company is legally obligated to provide you with a conveniently located doctor if you should move.

What Should I Do if My Employer Refuses to Pay?
In some cases, employers and their insurance company will refuse to pay your benefits. In these cases, it is crucial to have one of Morgan & Morgan’s disability lawyers on your side. We can help to guide you through the hearing process to get you the benefits that you are due.

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