How The Workers’ Compensation System Works

In Georgia, employers with three or more employees must purchase workers’ compensation insurance. Workers’ compensation provides wage loss and medical benefits to workers who are injured on the job.The goal of the system is to provide injured workers with the resources they need to heal and get back to work. Unfortunately, navigating the complex workers’ compensation system can be a challenge. And “healing and getting back to work” for the injured worker is often not as simple as your boss or the insurance adjuster make it seem.If you were injured at work, you may be receiving unclear or contradictory information from your employer or its insurance company. At Barr Law Offices LLC, in Statesboro, our lawyers have extensive experience in workers’ comp. We know the system, and we know how to make that system work for you.

How Does Georgia’s Workers’ Compensation System Work?

Tell Your Employer

The first step after a work-related accident is to notify your employer. Waiting could jeopardize your ability to get benefits.

See A Doctor

You should also see a doctor. Getting proper diagnosis and treatment is not only important for your physical health, but also necessary for your workers’ compensation claim.

Your employer is required to provide you with information regarding authorized medical care providers. You can select any doctor from this list.

File A Claim

You need to complete a form and submit it to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Your employer should assist you in filing your claim. If your claim is authorized, you will begin receiving wage loss and medical benefits.

If your claim is denied, you need to request a hearing before the State Board of Workers’ Compensation, which is similar to a trial. An administrative law judge will review your claim, examine evidence presented by both sides, review briefs submitted by both attorneys, and make a decision.

Your Benefits

If your claim is accepted (not denied), you will generally begin receiving disability benefits within 21 days of your date of injury. The benefits you are entitled to depend on your injuries. In general, you will receive two-thirds of your average weekly wages (but no more than $575 per week) and medical benefits. Wage replacement (income) benefits are available for up to 400 weeks. If your injury is such that returning to work is impossible (catastrophic injury), further benefits may be available.

For More Information, Call 912-681-BARR (2277)

At Barr Law Offices LLC, we will walk you through the process, from start to finish. Our attorneys will explain the law to you in terms you understand, and answer any questions you may have. For help with your workers’ comp claim, call us at 912-681-BARR (2277), or contact us online. Consultations are free *.