TTD means temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These are a specific type of workers’ compensation benefits that you may receive if you suffer a workplace injury and the doctor restricts you from working due to your injuries or treatment. These are four types of indemnity benefits, and they generally provide more weekly income than the other types of indemnity benefits.
Georgia TTD refers to “Temporary Total Disability” benefits under Georgia workers’ compensation laws. TTD provides wage replacement for employees unable to work due to a work-related injury or illness. Benefits amount to two-thirds of the employee’s average weekly wage, up to a set maximum, and are provided during the recovery period.
TTD should cover about two-thirds of your usual weekly income from working, up to a maximum established by Georgia law. If you can return to work on light duty or have a permanent injury, you may receive temporary or permanent partial disability benefits instead. Death benefits are also available if the worker involved passes away from their injuries.
How TTD Workers’ Compensation Benefits Work
If you have an on-the-job injury or illness that prevents you from working at all, and your employer provides workers’ compensation insurance, you should qualify for TTD benefits. These benefits have a one week waiting period as per the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) § 34-9-220 , which means the first seven days you miss from work are unpaid. On the eighth day, you should receive your TTD benefits. You will receive benefits for the initial seven days if you miss three weeks (21 days) from work.
According to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation as of July 1, 2023, the maximum weekly Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefit in Georgia is $800. Injured workers can receive up to $800 per week in TTD benefits based on two-thirds of their average weekly wage.
TTD benefits will continue until you can return to work or up to 400 weeks. In some cases, workers with catastrophic injuries may qualify for lifetime TTD benefits.
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Workers’ Compensation FAQs
My Job Isn’t Providing Guidance on my Work-Related Injury. What Steps Should I Take?Is Pain and Suffering Included in Workers’ Compensation?Will My Employer Find Out if I Hire a Lawyer?How Long Does a Workers’ Compensation (WC) Case Typically Last?What Is the Maximum TTD in Georgia?Can You Go on Vacation While on Workers’ Compensation?TTD Benefits and Returning to Work
As the phrase implies, TTD means you are disabled, at least temporarily. You cannot work and receive TTD benefits through workers’ compensation insurance at the same time. This restriction includes not only the job where you were injured, but any other job you may work, as well. Continuing to work while receiving TTD benefits violates the workers’ compensation rules and could be considered fraud.
There is one situation when you might be physically able to work but still continue to draw TTD benefits. This situation occurs when your doctor approves you for limited tasks at work, known as light-duty work, but your job does not have any light-duty work available. You can continue to draw TTD benefits in this scenario until the situation changes.
If light-duty work becomes available, you must return to work and begin drawing partial disability benefits plus the salary you earn. Alternatively, you will receive TTD benefits until you are cleared to return to your job, or you exhaust the available benefits.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation Provides Benefits for Most Injured Workers
Under the state’s workers’ compensation law, OCGA § 34-9-1 , most workers qualify for benefits if they suffer work-related injuries. This law applies to all employers with three or more workers on their payroll. The benefits included for injured or sick workers include:
- Medical care costs
- A portion of lost income, generally two-thirds of your normal pay
- Rehabilitation costs
- Death benefits, as necessary
These benefits should pay out regardless of who caused your injuries. This is your only option for holding your employer liable for your injuries, even if they caused the accident. However, you may be able to take legal action against a third party whose negligence caused or contributed to your injuries or accident.
In addition, sometimes employers or workers’ compensation insurance providers resist paying out the benefits that injured or ill employees deserve. Insurance companies may try to reduce the benefit amount or wrongfully deny the claim. For this reason, you may want to ask a workers’ compensation lawyer for help and list the services of a law firm that represents workers filing for workers’ compensation benefits or facing benefit denials.
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How to Apply for Georgia TTD Benefits
Applying for Temporary Total Disability (TTD) benefits in Georgia involves several steps to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. First, report your injury or illness to your employer as soon as possible—preferably in writing. Under Georgia law, you must notify your employer within 30 days of the incident or the diagnosis of your work-related condition. Once reported, your employer should file a report with their workers’ compensation insurance provider and the State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Next, ensure you visit a medical provider approved by your employer or insurance carrier. The medical evaluation will be critical for proving that your condition prevents you from working. Please keep copies of all medical documentation, as they will support your claim. Finally, the appropriate workers’ compensation forms must be submitted to the insurance company. If your claim is denied or delayed, consult a workers’ compensation attorney to appeal the decision or expedite the process.
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Common Reasons for Denied TTD Benefits in Georgia
While many injured workers successfully receive TTD benefits, some face challenges due to denied claims. Understanding the common reasons for denial can help you avoid pitfalls. One frequent issue is failing to report the injury on time. As mentioned, you have 30 days to notify your employer, but waiting longer may jeopardize your claim.
Another common reason for denial is insufficient medical evidence. The insurance company may deny the claim if your medical provider does not indicate that your injury or illness prevents you from working. Additionally, discrepancies between the incident report and medical records can raise doubts about the legitimacy of your case.
Employers or insurance companies may also dispute claims by arguing that the injury is not work-related or occurred outside the scope of employment. To combat this, maintain thorough documentation and consider seeking legal advice if your claim is challenged.
When to Seek Legal Assistance for Georgia TTD Benefits
Although many workers successfully navigate the TTD benefits process independently, some situations require professional legal assistance. If your claim is denied or the insurance company delays payments, it may be time to consult a workers’ compensation attorney. An attorney can help you gather additional evidence, file appeals, and negotiate with insurers to secure the benefits you deserve.
Legal assistance is especially critical for cases involving catastrophic injuries, where lifetime TTD benefits may apply. The stakes are higher in these cases, and insurance companies may resist long-term payouts. A qualified attorney will advocate to ensure you receive adequate compensation.
Additionally, if you suspect your employer is not following workers’ compensation laws—such as failing to provide insurance or retaliating against you for filing a claim—legal representation can protect your rights. Many workers’ compensation attorneys offer free consultations, making exploring your options without financial risk easy.
Our Team May Be Able To Help You Secure Workers’ Comp Benefits
Suppose you suffered an on-the-job injury or illness in the metro Atlanta area. In that case, you may qualify for TTD or another type of disability indemnity benefit through your employer’s workers’ compensation coverage. We can review your case for free, confirm you qualify for benefits, and help you handle the paperwork and process to seek your weekly payments.
At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we can help you with your initial workers’ compensation claim or appeal a denial of your claim if you qualify. Call (678) 562-5595 today to speak with a member of our Georgia workers’ compensation team about your case at no cost to you.
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