If you have been injured at work and cannot return to your regular job duties, you may be concerned about what will happen if your employer decides to fire you.
You should know that, in most cases, employers are not allowed to arbitrarily terminate a worker who is out on workers’ compensation. However, there may be exceptions.
Workers’ comp has ongoing benefits for those with permanent injuries
Many times, your workers’ comp health care provider will allow you to return to work in a light-duty capacity with work restrictions. This will allow your injury time to heal. If an employer proves that they cannot accommodate your work restrictions, they are permitted to release you from your employment so you can be retrained. Retraining is also a part of your workers’ comp benefits.
If you are completely unable to work due to your injury, you may receive two-thirds of your income for up to 400 weeks after your injury. If you return to work in a lower-paying job, then you are eligible for a percentage of the difference between your old and current pay rate. If the doctor determines you have a permanent disability, you could receive permanent partial disability payments to compensate you.
Have questions?
Determining the degree of disability you have and what your potential future earnings can be is a complicated process according to Georgia’s formula for calculating benefits. Therefore, It’s always wise to work with an attorney who can guide you through the process of receiving compensation for your lost wages. Call Stephen Morgan at 912-289-0640 to find out how he can help.
