If you suffer an injury on the job, it may take a while for you to heal and get back to work. During such times, workers’ compensation benefits are available to provide financial relief so you may focus on getting better and returning to work.
There are a few different types of workers’ comp benefits in the state of Georgia. Depending on your situation, you may receive one of these types of benefits.
Temporary total disability
When your injuries keep you from working at all, you may qualify for TTD. This benefit provides two-thirds of your working wage and is available for up to 400 weeks from the day of your injury, unless it is a catastrophic injury. Such injuries include:
- Brain injury
- Paralysis
- Neurological disorders
- Total blindness
- Amputation of vital limbs
In the case of a catastrophic injury, the usual 400-week allowance does not apply.
Temporary partial disability
If you are able to work after an incident, but at a lower capacity, you may be eligible for TPD. This benefit allows you to receive two-thirds of the difference between your pay before the accident and afterward. You may receive this benefit for up to 350 weeks after the incident.
Permanent partial disability
PPD is significantly different from TTD and TPD in that it looks solely at an individual’s level of disability. The percentage of impairment, the area of impairment on the body and the rate of pay are all factors that play into determining the amount of this benefit. Payment of this benefit is on a continuous basis only after the individual stops receiving TTD or TPD.
As a worker in Georgia, you have many rights. Don’t make the mistake of thinking your employer’s workers compensation carrier is giving you all to which you entitled. An experienced work comp attorney can help explain your options.