You can quit your job while on workers’ comp in Atlanta, but that does not mean you should. Depending on why you quit (and what plans you have after quitting), you may see a reduction in your benefits. You could even lose your workers’ comp benefits entirely if you start a new job. Before taking …
Can the IRS Take My Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally cannot take a workers’ compensation settlement, as workers’ compensation benefits do not qualify as taxable income. While the IRS might garnish wages or take money you have already earned, settlements for injured workers are generally off-limits. Exceptions may exist, though, so it’s worth consulting with an Atlanta workers’ compensation …
Can I Collect Unemployment After a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia?
Whether you can collect unemployment benefits after settling a Georgia workers’ compensation claim depends on numerous factors, including your ability to work based on your injuries, the terms of your settlement, and whether you signed a resignation letter. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help you better understand your options after settling your claim. Many …
Does Surgery Increase a Workers’ Comp Settlement in Atlanta?
Surgery could increase your workers’ comp settlement if it increases the time you cannot work. Additionally, the type of surgery you undergo could make a difference in your impairment rating, thereby increasing your settlement amount. If your surgery involves limb amputation, for example, you could qualify for permanent workers’ comp benefits, resulting in an increased …
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 …
What Work Injury Pays the Most in Atlanta?
A catastrophic injury such as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) or severe spinal cord injury (SCI) can change your physical ability, permanently preventing you from returning to work after being injured. An injury of this severity will pay the most and for the longest period of time in a workers’ comp claim. If you suffered …
What is the Lowest Workers’ Comp Settlement in Georgia?
Georgia workers’ compensation settlements vary widely because they depend on many factors, including the type of injury, the extent of the worker’s disability, and other unique facts. There is no lowest workers’ comp settlement amount, but an Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand how much your case might be worth. Your attorney will …
What Is the Maximum Payout for Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
Employees eligible for workers’ comp benefits typically receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage. However, compensation is capped at $800 per week for claims filed on or after July 1, 2023. Maximizing your weekly financial benefits starts with a comprehensive assessment of your salary, injuries, and impairment rating. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help …
How Long Do Most Workers’ Comp Settlements Take in Atlanta?
Every Atlanta workers’ comp claim will have a unique timeline based on factors specific to your injury, application, financial needs, and other circumstances. It can take anywhere from several weeks to several years to reach a fair settlement. The process can involve multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers. You, too, play an important role in …
What Percentage Does a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Get in Atlanta?
The maximum percentage a workers’ comp lawyer can receive in Atlanta is 25%. Attorneys’ fees can vary based on the firm, the complexity of the case, and other factors. Lawyers may also factor other legal costs into their final payment, and you should ask any law firm you’re considering hiring about their fee structure. Even …
My Job Isn’t Providing Guidance on my Work-Related Injury. What Steps Should I Take?
You should consider hiring a workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta if your job isn’t providing guidance on your work-related injury. Your lawyer will take several steps to evaluate your injuries, determine how much compensation you deserve, and demand fair compensation from your employer’s insurance company. An attorney’s services may allow you to prioritize your recovery …
Is Pain and Suffering Included in Workers’ Compensation?
Pain and suffering is not generally included in Georgia workers’ compensation claims. However, you may receive compensation for two-thirds of your average weekly wages, injury-related medical costs, and possibly vocational retraining. However, if you are eligible to file a lawsuit against a negligent third party, you can seek compensation for pain and suffering. A Atlanta …
Will My Employer Find Out if I Hire a Lawyer?
Your employer will likely find out if you hire an attorney for a workers’ compensation claim, but you should not be concerned if they do. Your employer cannot hold your decision to hire an attorney against you, and it is your right to retain legal representation as you seek compensation for a work-related injury. A …
How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation (WC) Case Typically Last?
Depending on the complexity of your accident and injuries, your workers’ compensation (WC) case could take anywhere from a few months to more than a year to resolve. How long yours will last depends on too many factors to provide a typical time frame. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can give you a personalized estimate …
What Is the Maximum TTD in Georgia?
For injuries that occurred on or after July 1, 2023, the maximum temporary total disability (TTD) rate is $800 a week, according to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. However, how much you can recover is unique to your situation, including your line of work and earning capacity. You can generally recover up to …
Can You Go on Vacation While on Workers’ Compensation?
Technically, there are no laws barring you from taking a vacation while on workers’ compensation. You can go on a vacation or holiday if doing so does not impede your recovery or ability to return to work. But before deciding to leave home for a vacation while on workers’ compensation, you may want to contact …
What Kind of Deductions Can Be Taken from My Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
In general, any unfulfilled back child support you owe can be taken from your workers’ compensation settlement. Additional allowable deductions may include attorneys’ fees, unpaid medical bills, and Medicare set-asides—an account from which Medicare deducts future medical bills before covering your healthcare costs. A workers’ compensation settlement usually compensates you for your current and future …
What if My Employer Refuses to Report My Injury?
If you reported your workplace injury to your supervisor, but your employer refuses to report your injury to its insurance program, you have several options. First, you might need to report the injury to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. You could also file your claim directly with the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. You do …
How to Document a Workers’ Compensation Injury
Documenting a worker’s comp injury begins with immediately reporting the injury or illness to your employer. It is important not to delay this step, as waiting to report the injury will delay compensation. In addition, in some states, you could be barred from your right to file for workers’ compensation benefits after a certain time. …
Do I Have to Pay Taxes on a Workers’ Compensation Payout?
According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), workers’ compensation benefits are generally not taxable at the federal or state level. This payout remains tax-free for the duration that the worker receives them. One exception to this rule includes when the worker gets both workers’ compensation payment and disability benefits. In this case, a portion of …
Can You Submit a Workers’ Compensation Claim After Leaving Your Job?
If you quit, got laid off, or were fired from a job in which you suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may still be entitled to file for and receive workers’ compensation benefits. However, filing after your employment ends can affect your ability to receive benefits. Why Pursue a Workers’ Compensation Claim Against a …
Is an Independent Contractor Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?
Under Georgia law, independent contractors do not qualify for workers’ compensation. On rare occasions, the employer may offer workers’ comp, but they’re not legally obligated to do so unless you’re a permanent employee at the business. Independent contractors, freelancers, and consultants are considered self-employed. If you’re an independent contractor who was injured while working, our …
Can I Reopen a Closed Workers’ Compensation Claim?
You may have grounds to reopen a closed workers’ compensation claim even after receiving the final payout. Certain circumstances, such as a worsening medical condition or new evidence supporting your claim, can convince a judge to reopen your case. That said, you have limited time to make your application. You can consult a workers’ compensation …
Workers’ Compensation FAQ
If you were hurt at work, your employer could bear responsibility for compensating you until you recover and can safely return to work. The benefits you receive from workers’ compensation could include a portion of your regular income and cost-free medical care to treat your work-related injury or illness. Not every injury you incur at …
How to Get the Best Workers’ Compensation Offer
There are many steps involved in securing a workers’ compensation claim. There are also certain things you can do along the way to get the best workers’ compensation offer and potentially maximize your payout. First, you must meet all legal and regulatory requirements for filing a claim and report your accident on time. You must …
What Qualifications Are There for Workers’ Compensation?
There are some key qualifications for workers’ compensation. First, and perhaps most obvious, you must be an employee for a company that carries workers’ compensation insurance. The law requires most employers in Georgia to have workers’ compensation coverage, with some exceptions depending on various factors. For example, companies that only hire employees as independent contractors …
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that the law requires most employers to carry. Workers’ compensation insurance exists to provide coverage for employees who suffer personal injuries or illnesses on the job. This coverage includes compensation for medical and rehabilitation needs related to the injury, as well as for missed income. The goal of …
Can I Receive Unemployment Benefits While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?
There are some cases in which you can receive unemployment benefits while receiving workers’ compensation. However, the requirements for doing so are complex. If you lose your job after suffering a work-related injury, you may be able to receive unemployment benefits while you are waiting for an approval on your workers’ compensation claim. According to …
Can I Look for Work While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?
The answer to whether you can look for work while receiving workers’ compensation can be complex. It depends on a few factors, including the severity of your injury and the doctor’s orders. In general, qualifying for workers’ compensation benefits requires you to be unable to complete your current job duties due to your work-related injury …
Types of Workers’ Compensation Injuries
Depending on the nature of their work, employees can face many hazards in the workplace, and workplace injuries are alarmingly common. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the private sector reported 2.8 million nonfatal workplace injuries in 2018. Most of these injuries involved slips and falls, vehicle accidents, machine accidents, and being …