Most workplace injuries only result in a few hours of missed work. Employees may need to fill out paperwork, see a doctor and rest briefly. Most people will be back on the job the same day they get hurt, and if not, then the very next day.
For a minority of workers who get hurt on the job, the injury will be more serious. Some workers will be unable to get back to their job for weeks. Others may never be able to do the same kind of work again.
Thankfully, just like workers’ compensation will cover the cost of your doctors’ visits and treatments, it will also cover at least a portion of the wages you can earn while you heal. Temporary disability benefits through workers’ compensation replace a portion of your wages, although state lawmakers have set a maximum benefit amount. How much can you get in weekly disability payments through workers’ compensation in Georgia?
The current maximum benefit is $675 a week
The state sets a maximum disability benefit based on the cost of living and wages in the state. If you qualify for temporary disability because of a prolonged leave of absence after a workplace injury, you can get up to two-thirds of your weekly wage in disability benefits.
However, the highest amount you can receive per week is $675. In other words, if your average weekly wage is higher than $1,012.50, you will actually take an income loss of more than one-third of your average pay. While disability may not be as generous as your standard paycheck, it still gives you something to work with so that your income doesn’t drop to zero.
Partial disability can also be an option for some workers
Maybe you can get back to work, but you just can’t do the same functions you performed before. If your employer can accommodate you with different job responsibilities but also has to pay you less, you may qualify for partial disability benefits. Partial disability can help close the gap between what you can earn after an injury and what you earned before you got hurt on the job.
Navigating workers’ compensation applications or pursuing an appeal of denied benefits can be difficult but worthwhile, especially if you’re the primary wage-earner for your family. For legal assistance, contact Steven L. Morgan, P.C. by phone at 912-289-0640 or online.
