workers' comp for temporary total disability benefitsWorkplace accidents frequently happen in Georgia. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, private industry employers in the state reported approximately 78,200 nonfatal workplace injuries in 2017. Of those 78,200 work-related injuries, roughly 40,700 were severe enough to result in multiple days away from the job, job transfers, or task restrictions.

In addition to devastating physical injuries, workplace accidents can also cause significant financial problems for injured employees, often due to costly, unexpected medical expenses, and wages lost while at home recovering. Financial worries make an already stressful time even more difficult.

Fortunately, workers injured in The Peach State while carrying out duties in the scope of their employment may be entitled to collect benefits through the workers' compensation system.

Are you out of work after being injured on the job? Here's what you need to know about temporary total disability workers' compensation benefits.

Types of Georgia Workers' Compensation Disability Benefits

People seriously injured on the job may be eligible for any of the following three types of disability benefits, which are paid weekly through the workers' compensation system:

  • Temporary total disability (TTD). When someone's injuries prevent them from returning to work entirely—completely impairing their earning capacity—they may be due TTD benefits. Such benefits allow injured workers to receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage: up to $725 per week for a maximum of 400 weeks after the accident.
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD). Individuals who suffered a workplace injury that prevents them from performing their regular job and return to work in a light position earning less money than they were prior to their accident will be entitled to TPD benefits, which are capped at $483 per week.
  • Permanent partial disability (PPD). Employees who suffer permanent injury as a result of their work accident will be eligible to receive PPD workers' comp benefits.

Determining Eligibility for Temporary Total Disability Benefits

TTD benefits are essential following a workplace accident and injury. In order to qualify for these payments, employees must:

  • Be out of work for at least seven days.
  • Be examined by a doctor on their employer's panel of physicians to determine the extent of the on-the-job injury.
  • Receive significant work restrictions from the treating physician, such as no bending or lifting.
  • Be deemed totally disabled and completely unable to work by the treating physician from the approved panel.

A knowledgeable Georgia workers' compensation attorney can help injured workers determine if they might be eligible for this type of benefits.

Pursuing Temporary Total Disability Workers' Compensation Benefits

Navigating the workers' compensation litigation process is frequently complex and frustrating. Without experienced legal counsel, it's far too easy for injured workers to make mistakes that could damage their ability to collect fair financial awards.

People especially need a workers' compensation attorney's know-how when learning how to deal with insurance company adjusters. These seasoned insurance professionals are tasked with paying claimants as little as possible to protect a company's bottom line. To that end, they may dig up unflattering information, misconstrue an injured worker's words or actions, or drag out the litigation process to coerce someone so desperate for money they'll accept a settlement much less than they deserve. Workers' compensation attorneys can help clients overcome these and other common case challenges.

Consult an Experienced Georgia Workers' Compensation Attorney

If you were hurt on the job in Georgia, it's important to understand your legal rights and options, including what types of workers' compensation benefits may be available to you. At Rechtman & Spevak, our skilled personal injury and workers' compensation attorneys have helped injured workers throughout the state secure the compensation and justice they deserve.

Do you have questions about a workers' compensation case? Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free initial consultation to discuss the details with a member of our legal team.

 

Jaret A. Spevak
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Atlanta Personal Injury & Workers’ Compensation Attorney With 20+ Years Experience