The aim of Georgia Workers Compensation laws is to provide safety to both employees and employers against workplace injuries. If you are someone or know someone who works in Georgia, then it is crucial for you to have an understanding of Georgia Worker’s Compensation Laws. No one wants to get injured at work, but you never know! Accidents happen, and you may end up getting injured at work when you least expect it. Thus, it is important to have a sound understanding of Georgia Workers Compensation Laws.
Georgia Workers Compensation laws make sure that injured workers get the financial compensation, and medical care that they really need and deserve. In this article, we are going to talk about Georgia Workers Compensation laws in detail. So let’s get started!
What is Worker’s Compensation: Worker’s Compensation Georgia
Worker’s Compensation, also known as “worker’s comp” is an insurance that is known to offer benefits to employees who get injured due to the type of work they do at their workplace. This insurance covers medical treatment bills, lost wages, etc. In exchange for this compensation, employees don’t sue the company for their injuries due to the work.
Who is Covered Under Georgia Worker’s Compensation?
In Georgia, businesses having three or more than three employees are required to give coverage of Worker’s compensation Georgia. It includes different types of business such as partnerships, corporate, etc.
However, there are a few exceptions. These exceptions are listed down below. Read the following:
- Farm labourers
- Domestic workers in private homes
- Independent contractors
If you are doubtful regarding your coverage, you need to discuss it with your employer.
What Injuries and Illnesses are Covered in Georgia Worker’s Compensation: GA Workers Compensation Laws
Georgia worker’s compensation covers different injuries and illnesses that happen at the workplace due to the nature of work. These injuries and illnesses are mentioned down below:
1. Trips, falls, and slips at work
2. Injuries caused due to machinery at work
3. Strain injuries due to the nature of work
4. Work-related illnesses such as exposure to harmful chemicals at work
5. Worsening of pre-existing illnesses at the workplace
What Should You Do If You Get Hurt on the Job: GA workers Compensation Laws
If you have Georgia worker’s compensation coverage while working in Georgia, and end up getting hurt at your workplace, you should follow the below-mentioned steps. Read the following:
1. Report the Injury right away: You need to inform your employer about the injury you got at work. Inform the employer as soon as possible! As per the laws of Georgia, you need to report it within 30 days or you may lose your rights and not get benefits.
2.Get medical help: After you get injured at your workplace, you must see a doctor at the earliest.
3. File a claim: In case, your employer does not report your injury or illness caused due to work, you should take the lead and file a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (Form WC-14).
Benefits of Georgia Workers Compensation Laws: Workers Compensation Laws GA
If you are eligible to get benefits from Georgia worker’s compensation laws, then you may get several benefits. These benefits are mentioned down below:
1. Medical Benefits:
Workers compensation laws ga tend to cover all medical expenses related to the injury you got at your workplace. These medical expenses are listed here. Read the following:
- Surgery
- Travel cost to reach the hospital for medical appointments
- Physical Therapy
- Visits to doctor
Medications prescribed by the doctor for the injury or illness
2. Income Benefits:
If you are badly hurt or injured, chances are that it will disrupt your normal functioning and you won’t be able to work. As you won’t be able to work due to the injury caused due to work, you may receive income benefits. The amount of money that you receive for your lost wages depends on:
a. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If you are severely injured and can’t work at all, then you get two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
b. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If you can work but not that much, and you earn less due to less work, then you get two-thirds of the difference between your pre- and post-injury wages.
c. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If you get injured at work, and it causes permanent impairment but you are still able to work, then you get long-term benefits. These long-term benefits are dependent on your impairment.
d. Death Benefits: If a worker loses his life while working at the workplace, then their dependants such as a spouse, and children get compensation for the death of the worker. Other than the compensation, they may also get expenses for funerals, and weekly benefits.
How Long do these Benefits Last: Worker’s Compensation Georgia
It is important to know that worker’s compensation Georgia benefits for injured workers don’t last forever. Let’s talk about it:
1. Medical benefits are provided for as long as they are required.
2. TTD benefits mostly last for 400 weeks. However, if the injury is severe, then it may last for a longer period of time.
3. The benefits of TPD may last for 350 weeks.
Reasons Behind Denial of Worker’s Compensation Georgia Claims:
Worker’s compensation Georgia claims can be denied for several reasons. Read the following:
1. If the injury was not reported on time
2. If the injury was not work-related
3. If there is not enough medical evidence to support injury case
Protect your Rights: Worker’s Compensation Georgia
To make sure you get the benefits of worker’s compensation in Georgia, you need to do the following:
1. Report the injury as soon as possible
2. Strong evidence of medical records, financial records, and lost wages
3. Attend all doctor appointments
Conclusion
Having sound knowledge regarding Worker’s compensation Georgia can have a huge impact on a worker’s life. It makes a huge difference in the life of a worker who gets hurt at the workplace. Georgia workers compensation laws are made to help workers who get injured due to the nature of work at their workplace. These laws allow you to get the help and compensation that you deserve.
