What are the types of Worker’s Compensation Benefits?

If you were injured on the job in Georgia, you may be entitled to apply for workers’ compensation benefits under your state’s workers’ comp insurance program. Depending upon the type and severity of injury, illness or disability resulting from your injury, there are various types of benefits you may qualify for.

Types Of Benefits Available

Medical Treatment

No matter how serious your work-related injury is, you will qualify for medical treatment paid for by your employer or insurance company. Your employer will probably require you to see a doctor listed on a panel of physicians, approved by the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You will not be responsible for co-pays or deductibles. Payments for medical benefits will go directly to your medical treatment provider. You may seek reimbursement for any out-of-pocket medical expenses you incurred, but your claim must be filed within one year of the injury.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)

If you can still perform some work duties, but your injury results in a reduction of wages during medical treatment and recovery, you qualify for weekly payments to supplement your paycheck. Benefits will be paid at 66 percent of the difference between your average weekly wage during recovery and your gross weekly pay following your return to full work duties.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

Benefits are available to compensate you for wages lost while you are out of work because of your workplace injury. Weekly payments are capped at 66 percent of your average weekly wage prior to your injury. The extent of these payments will be limited to a maximum dollar amount.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

PPD benefits pay you for lost wages resulting from a permanent disability resulting from your workplace injury. Like temporary total disability, these benefits are usually restricted to 66 percent of your average weekly earnings. In addition, the number of weeks paid will be limited. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible to seek a lump sum payment.

Vocational Training

You are also eligible to receive paid vocational training for a new job skill, if you are unable to return to work in your former position or job skill.

Are You Subject To Surveillance When You Receive Benefits?

The hard truth is that the insurance company paying you disability benefits will have eyes on you early and often. While you receive payments for temporary or permanent disability, you must avoid any type of tasks or activity that will cause the insurance company to challenge your claim. Even regular daily tasks such as going to grocery store for your family, filling up your car with gas or sweeping off your front steps can be enough for the insurance company to try to prove that you can return to work. Don’t do anything that is beyond your medical restrictions.

Have You Been Injured At Work?

If you’ve been injured on the job you need to speak with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Augusta office directly at 706.863.6600 to schedule your free consultation.