On July 1, several amendments to Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws went into effect. The state increased maximum payouts on several types of workers’ compensation benefits, including:
- Raising the maximum payout for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits from $575 per week to $675 per week
- Raising the maximum payout for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits from $383 per week to $450 per week
- Raising the maximum death payout to a surviving spouse from $230,000 to $270,000
Clarifying time limits for certain medical benefits
Typically, workplace injuries that are not deemed catastrophic are eligible for 400 weeks of medical care benefits. As of July 1, that time limit will not apply to certain treatments and services, including:
- Maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of any prosthetic device placed within the initial 400-week period
- Maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of any spinal cord stimulator or intrathecal pump device placed within the initial 400 weeks
- Maintenance, repair, removal or replacement of any prosthetics
What do these changes mean for injured workers?
While these changes are generally favorable to injured workers, it is important to contact a knowledgeable workers’ comp attorney if you are seeking or collecting benefits. Your lawyer can explain how these changes apply in your specific case and what you can expect from your benefits moving forward.