Workers compensation settlements

If workers get hurt at work in Georgia and their employer has a valid panel of physicians, they likely started their medical care with a doctor from that panel. Since these panels are chosen by Georgia workers compensation insurance companies, however, the treating doctors interests may not align with the injured prospects, hence, they are allowed a change in physician from the panel of doctors in Georgia. If they have been on Georgia workers compensation disability benefits for several months, they may be able to get an independent medical evaluation (IME) at the workers compensation insurance company’s expense. 

The Georgia workers compensation system is supposed to foster an environment where legitimately injured workers can get needed treatment and then return to work. If the injured prospect has a Georgia workers compensation claim and use social media such as MySpace, FaceBook, Foursquare, they are requested to be aware that their status updates, pictures and check-in locations are likely monitored by investigators, adjusters and defense attorneys. However, even if their updates and posts are set to friends only, a Georgia workers compensation administrative law judge may issue an Order forcing them to give up their personal computer for inspection by the insurance company. 

An injured employee covered by Georgia workers compensation is entitled to medical treatment at the employer’s expense. If the employee misses any work due to the injury or is permanently injured the employee is likely due one or more of three types of cash benefits. These cash benefits are Total Temporary Disability (TTD), Total Partial Disability (TPD) and Permanent Partial Disability (PPD).

Georgia workers compensation benefits are first based on a term called “average weekly wage.” That wage figure is then applied to the type of disability benefits the injured employee is entitled to. It is computed by averaging their wages from the 13 weeks prior to the injury. This figure includes salary, hourly pay, tips, meal allowances, lodging allowances, clothing allowances and even year-end bonuses.

Depending on how much the employee worked in the 13 weeks before the injury, this calculation could end up benefiting them or unfairly setting their wage lower than their expectations. As per Georgia workers compensation if the injured employees are not paid TTD, TPD or PPD benefits on-time, their employer may owe them a 15% penalty in addition to the amounts they already owe. An injured employee is not entitled to any cash benefits for the first 7 days they are hurt unless the injury period lasts for at least 21 consecutive days. If they are still disabled after 21 days, the employer must then go back and compensate them for the first week of their disability.