How to Calculate a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia

Calculating a lump sum workers’ comp settlement is a complex process. It means understanding and documenting all the financial aspects of your claim. Your settlement’s value depends on your medical needs, the extent of your injuries, and their impact on your ability to return to work. When you reach maximum medical improvement, a lawyer can negotiate for a settlement on your behalf. 

A workers’ compensation claim that falls short of your needs can leave you with financial expenses and losses now and in the future. Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers know how to define the value of your potential settlement and how to calculate a workers’ comp settlement in Georgia. A law firm in your area will offer a free claim evaluation and advise you on the best course of action. 

Do not Start Negotiations Until You Understand How Much Your Workers’ Comp Claim is Worth

Injured workers in Georgia can receive up to two-thirds of their average weekly wages while their injuries prevent them from working, as long as they are off work for at least seven days. Financial workers’ compensation benefits have a damage cap—generally $800 per week. 

The severity of your injuries and the length of time you cannot work are important parts of calculating your settlement. Carefully calculate and document the monetary recovery you would receive if your workers’ comp claim were paid out over time. This number forms the beginning of your potential settlement. 

Get an Accurate Impairment Rating Before Settlement Negotiations Begin

Not everyone receives benefits for work-related injuries for the same amount of time. Injured workers typically fall into one of the following four categories:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD): The designation for injured workers who cannot work until they are fully recovered. These benefits are generally available for up to 400 weeks.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): The designation for injured workers who can return to work in a limited capacity or at a lower pay rate. These benefits are generally available for up to 350 weeks.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): The designation for injured workers who suffer a permanently disabling injury. 
• Death benefits: These benefits are paid to the surviving loved ones of an employee who succumbed to their injuries or illness.

A fair settlement amount for your claim will partly depend on your workers’ comp classification and impairment rating. Keep any documentation that pertains to this portion of your claim. 

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Workers’ Compensation FAQs

A Comprehensive Diagnosis and Prognosis are Crucial When Calculating a Workers’ Comp Settlement

In addition to ongoing weekly payments from workers’ comp, you can also receive ongoing medical care at no cost to you. If you opt for a lump sum settlement from the insurance company, it will include the anticipated costs of any medical care your injuries require now and in the future. 

To ensure you do not have to pay your medical bills out of pocket, compile the following:

• All injury-related medical records, including diagnostic testing and your prescribed treatment plan
• A written prognosis of your treatment plan, including anticipated medical care, rehab, therapy, medication, etc.
• Written testimonials from relevant specialists and experts experienced in treating your specific injuries

Since medical care could potentially be lifelong (for instance, if you suffered catastrophic injuries), a workers’ comp attorney can help you understand your options. They can describe the benefits of a structured versus a lump sum settlement. 

The Importance of Documenting the Physical Toll of a Workplace Injury

An inaccurate disability rating could lead to a smaller settlement than you need and deserve. In the long run, an insufficient settlement can be costly. The workers’ comp board must approve your settlement agreement. They will carefully examine its details and may reject it if they believe you didn’t provide enough evidence to support your requested amount. 

The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) understands the complexities of reaching a favorable settlement. It also cites the importance of legal representation during this complex process. 

Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Attorney Means You Can Focus on Getting Better 

The insurance company may not offer a lump sum settlement, and it may not be the right fit for every injured Georgian. If you believe your workers’ comp claim can be resolved with a settlement, you could benefit from hiring a lawyer versus settling your claim alone.

A workers’ comp lawyer can:

• Deal with insurance matters (paperwork, communication, etc.)
• Help you avoid a speedy (but insufficient) settlement agreement
• Clarify SBWC guidelines and the organization’s role in protecting injured workers
• Ensure you meet all mandatory notification and filing deadlines
• Protect your rights at each phase of your workers’ comp claim

You do not have to accept the first settlement offer you receive. When a lawyer guides you through the settlement process, they can negotiate on your behalf and fight hard for maximum compensation so you can start rebuilding your life.

What You Need to Know About Paying a Workers’ Comp Lawyer in Georgia 

No one should forego legal guidance when they need it most. Navigating the workers’ compensation settlement process can be challenging on your own. Thankfully, you can get legal support at no upfront cost, since many workers’ compensation lawyers in Georgia operate on a contingency fee basis. They will:

• Cover all the costs of preparing your claim
• Receive a percentage of your settlement

If you do not receive compensation, you will not owe your Atlanta personal injury lawyer any fees. That means their service is risk-free, and you can get started immediately.

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Get Help Calculating Your Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia

If you or a loved one was injured or became ill at work, you might have questions about how to calculate a workers’ comp settlement in Georgia. Our personal injury law firm will handle the financial recovery process and negotiate for the best possible settlement on your behalf. 

Learn more about your rights and the benefits of hiring our workers’ comp legal team to fight for you. Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today to get started on your workers’ comp claim with a free initial consultation. 

Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form