Workers' Compensation
If you’ve been injured on the job in Georgia, you may be entitled to benefits under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act. Navigating the claims process can be complex, especially when you're dealing with medical treatment, lost income, or pressure from your employer.
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Although the system is designed to support injured workers, many claimants encounter difficulties, such as:
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Delayed or denied claims
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Delayed or denied treatment
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Employer retaliation or intimidation
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Pressure to return to work before recovery
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Disputes over impairment ratings or wage calculations
These are precisely the moments when legal representation becomes critical. At Jeremy Pineres Law, we help injured workers secure the benefits they deserve so they can focus on recovery.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault insurance system designed to provide financial and medical benefits to employees injured on the job or suffering from a work-related illness. In Georgia, nearly all employers with three or more employees are required to carry workers’ comp insurance.
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In Georgia, you must report your injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. You typically have one year from the date of injury to file a claim. Missing these deadlines could jeopardize your right to benefits.
What Injuries and Conditions Are Covered?
Georgia law covers a wide range of work-related injuries, including:​
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Auto accidents while on-the-job
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Slip and fall accidents
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Machinery or equipment-related injuries
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Repetitive strain injuries (e.g., carpal tunnel)
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Construction site accidents
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Occupational diseases (e.g., lung conditions from toxic exposure)
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Aggravation of pre-existing conditions
This list is not exhaustive, and injuries don’t have to occur on company property to be compensable: if you were acting within the scope of your employment, you may be covered.
What Benefits Are You Entitled To?
Georgia workers’ compensation provides several key types of benefits:
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1. Medical Treatment
Covers all authorized and necessary medical care, including:
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Doctor visits
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Hospitalization
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Physical therapy
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Prescription medications
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Mileage reimbursement for medical travel
2. Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
If you cannot work while recovering, you may receive wage replacement at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a state maximum. Benefits typically begin after seven days of missed work.
3. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
If you're able to work but at reduced capacity or pay, you may receive partial wage replacement.
4. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
If your injury results in a lasting impairment, you may receive compensation based on a rating assigned by a physician and Georgia’s scheduled benefits table.
5. Vocational Rehabilitation
In some cases, you may qualify for job retraining if you're unable to return to your former job.
6. Death Benefits
If a work-related injury or illness results in death, the worker’s dependents may be eligible for benefits, including funeral expenses and ongoing financial support.