accident.com logo
Free Consultation
Calipso
Intro
Home
drop down icon
Home v.1Home v.2Home v.3Home v.4Home v.5Coming Soon
Pricing
drop down icon
Pricing v.1: ComparisonPricing v.2Pricing v.3Pricing v.4
Blog
drop down icon
Blog v.1: List & SidebarBlog v.2: Grid & SidebarBlog v.3: Big GridBlog v.4: Medium GridBlog v.5: Small GridBlog Post
Pages
drop down icon
Contact v.1Contact v.2Privacy Policy404 PageProtected PageStyle GuideLicensingChangelog
Components
drop down icon
FeaturesCall to ActionTestimonialsPricing TablesFooters
Homebread crumbs arrowResource Centerbread crumbs icon Workers Compensationbread-crumbs arrow
Post
Workers Compensation

Your Guide to Workers' Compensation in Georgia

4 mins
star icon
twitter sharing icon
...
facebook sharing icon
email sharing icon
Nick J

Workers’ comp is a type of insurance that protects workers in case they suffer an injury on the job. While all states require employers to carry workers’ comp insurance, the rules and laws can vary from one state to another.

Let's take a closer look at worker’s compensation in Georgia.

Who Can Get Workers’ Comp Coverage in Georgia

Any business that employs three or more people has to carry workers’ comp insurance. Employees get coverage starting on their first day of work and can file a claim no matter how many hours they work.

In Georgia, workers’ comp is a no-fault system. That means you’ll get benefits no matter who is at fault for the accident, and there is no need to show who is at fault.

What's Covered Under Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Workers’ comp covers work-related injuries. If you get an injury on the job, your workers’ comp claim will cover the cost of medical care, emergency treatment, rehab, and prescriptions. It also pays you back for travel expenses that result from seeking care.

You’d receive benefits even if you caused the injury, such as if you failed to follow safety rules because you were hurrying.

In a few cases, the insurer can deny your claim. You won't get payment if:

  • The injury happens during a break or while commuting.
  • The injury happens because you broke the rules at your job on purpose.
  • You won’t submit to a drug test after the injury.

You can get benefits for COVID as long as you can prove that you were infected at work. Workers’ comp also covers repetitive stress injuries and preexisting conditions if your job worsens your symptoms.

However, receiving workers’ comp benefits for a mental health problem can be tough. The Board of Workers’ Compensation usually denies claims related to psychic injuries unless the mental health symptoms stem from a physical injury. If you’re dealing with a mental health problem because of an extreme work environment, a personal injury claim might be a better option.

workers compensation
Call (855) 943-5556 For a Free Case Consultation Today

‍

Workers’ Comp Benefits in Georgia

The benefits you can get depend on how the injury affects you. If you can go back to work after receiving treatment, your workers’ comp claim will cover your medical costs.

However, you can get other benefits if you have to miss work due to the injury. If you miss work for more than seven days, you may get a weekly income benefit that equals two-thirds of your average income, up to $675 per week.

You can receive this temporary benefit for up to 400 weeks. You should start getting your checks within 21 days of the first day of work you had to miss. Note that you can’t try to get another job while receiving this benefit.

Once you get back to work, you can continue receiving weekly benefits for up to 350 weeks if you earn lower pay due to your injuries.

If you suffer a catastrophic injury such as amputation, paralysis, or loss of sight or hearing, you can receive lifetime weekly benefits. Workers’ compensation in Georgia also includes a death benefit for your spouse, children and other dependents.

You can also work out a lump-sum payment with the insurer instead of receiving weekly benefits. If you sustain a serious injury that results in permanent disability, you should also look into applying for Social Security.

Filing a Worker’s Compensation Claim in Georgia

It’s crucial to report work-related injuries as soon as they happen. You should report them to a supervisor within 30 days. Your employer will explain how to file form WC-14 with the Board of Workers’ Compensation.

Your employer will also file a claim with their insurer. It’s best to file this claim as soon as they become aware of the injury, but they have one year to file claims and two years to report that symptoms are getting worse after filing the initial claim.

Getting Fired While Receiving Workers’ Compensation in Georgia

Georgia is an employment-at-will state. That means an employer can end your employment at will as long as they don’t violate anti-discrimination law.

There are rules to protect employees from being fired for receiving workers’ comp benefits. Still, your employer can fire you for another reason while you receive benefits. In most cases, you will keep receiving benefits after being fired.

Receiving Treatment

If you sustain a work-related injury, you’ll have to receive medical care from one of the physicians posted by your employer. You can also get care through a workers’ compensation managed care organization approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.

The only time this doesn't apply is if you need emergency care. You can receive care at the nearest emergency care provider, and your workers’ comp claim will cover the bill.

The insurer will cover all your medical fees as long as you receive care through an approved doctor. You might have to wait up to 15 days to be paid back for travel, lodging and other approved costs.

Final Thoughts

Seeking legal help can make the worker’s comp process easier. You should also reach out to a lawyer if you need help proving that your injury was work-related or want to appeal a denied claim. Accident.com can connect you with an attorney who understands workers’ compensation in Georgia if you need help with a claim.

Speak to a Lawyer Near You.
Choose Accident Type
Car AccidentInjured PersonConstruction WorkerJudge's Gavel
Car Accident
Workers Comp
Slip and Fall
Wrongful Death
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Personal Injury
uVlIHSWF
Personal Injury
https://assets.website-files.com/5d51b2f2cab8feda6f5631e4/5eea6d38a8bb05add3e7baaa_5d51b4f777dd5015336c6526_accidentCom_injury_orange.svg
Personal Injury
Workers Compensation
cmMmBC
Workers Comp
https://assets.website-files.com/5d51b2f2cab8feda6f5631e4/5eea6d2e2b910eb2f3e54ca4_5d51b4f777dd5094a86c6527_accidentCom_workers_orange.png
Workers Comp
Employment
iSOl3v4p
Unpaid Wages
https://assets.website-files.com/5d51b2f2cab8feda6f5631e4/601450c84482c84b2c783ee4_noun_Money_2295037.png
Unpaid Wages
Workers Compensation
cmMmBC
Industrial Accident
https://assets.website-files.com/5d51b2f2cab8feda6f5631e4/5eea6d2e2b910eb2f3e54ca4_5d51b4f777dd5094a86c6527_accidentCom_workers_orange.png
Industrial Accident
Tagged:
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
Workers’ Compensation Benefits
What is Workers’ Compensation
twitter icon blue
facebook iconlinkedin icon
Free Car Accident Consultation
form icon
Free Case Review

Submit a contact form via desktop or mobile device. Our algorithm will connect you to an injury attorney located near you.

Find Lawyer
Related Articles
Workers Compensation
A Closer Look at Job Injury Benefits in Colorado
Workers Compensation
Game-Changing Side Issues with Workers' Compensation in Washington, D.C.
Workers Compensation
Top Five FAQs About Workers’ Compensation in California
Categories
blog category legal icon
What to do After a Car Accident
blog category legal icon
SSDI Benefits
blog category legal icon
Workers Compensation
blog category legal icon
Case Studies & Infographics
blog category legal icon
Top News & Press Releases
blog category legal icon
Legal Resources for Car Accidents
blog category legal icon
California Resources
blog category legal icon
Medical Malpractice
Get Max Compensation
maximum compensation money icon
Free Legal Advice

We connect you to a top lawyer near you. Your lawyer will immediately contact you for a free, no obligation, case consultation.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Speak to a Lawyer
Note: Accident.com’s editorial content is not written by a Lawyer. It’s intended for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
More Posts

Additional Resources

Workers Compensation
Game-Changing Side Issues with Workers' Compensation in Washington, D.C.
Some advanced issues could affect a claim for workers' compensation in Washington, D.C.
calendar icon
Apr 21, 2022
user iconJack C
Workers Compensation
What Is Workers' Compensation Insurance and Who Administers It?
Workers' compensation insurance provides benefits to people who were injured in a work accident, but it is not always that simple. States have different laws about who may administer the programs. Talk to an attorney today.
calendar icon
Feb 16, 2021
user iconNick J
Workers Compensation
When Do I File for Workers' Compensation Claim?
If you are injured at work, tell your employer right away and get medical care for your injury. There are short deadlines that you need to meet to file for workers' compensation. Contact Accident.com today and connect with an attorney.
calendar icon
Apr 6, 2021
user iconLaura G
thumbnail view all articles
Explore ALl Posts
Contact Us

Get in Touch

Please fill out the following form and we’ll be in touch with you in less than 24 hours.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Calipso
HomePricingBlogAboutContact
Maximum Compensation
Buy Template
Carefully crafted by Elastic Themes
Powered by Webflow
Style Guide
Licensing
Changelog
accident logo
facebook icontwitter iconlinkedin Icon
Thank you! You are now subscribed to our blog.
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
HomeContact
Resource CenterCategories

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. The information provided on this website is not legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by the use of this site. The attorney listings on the site are paid-for attorney advertisements and do not constitute a referral or endorsement by a state agency or bar association. It is not stated or implied that a lawyer is certified as a specialist in any particular field of law. No results are guaranteed, and prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This site is informational, only, not dispositive; it is up to you to decide whether a particular lawyer is right for you. Contingency fee refers only to attorney’s fees; a client may incur or be liable for other costs or expenses. Use of this site is subject to your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. If you are seeking an attorney in Florida, please read the additional state advertising disclosure. Copyright 2022. All right reserved.