Workers’ compensation laws protect employees’ or workers’ rehabilitation support, supplemental income, and medical benefits after a work-related accident, such as a fall or physical injuries sustained from operating heavy machinery. In case the worker dies, their dependents are eligible to receive benefits. What are the specific facts about the workers’ compensation laws in Atlanta, Georgia? Find out more by reading below.
Employees Should File a Claim Immediately
It’s important to report your injury to your immediate supervisor right away so you can claim worker’s compensation benefits. Waiting for more than one month to report an injury may void your claim, and you won’t receive workers’ comp benefits. Complete the Form WC-14 and file your claim to Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Make sure to send a copy to the insurance carrier of your employer and to your employer as well.
All Employers in Atlanta, Georgia Are Required to Carry Workers’ Compensation
Workman’s comp or worker’s compensation is extremely important for employers to have, protecting employees who were injured during work. Georgia Workers’ Compensation covers employees for medical or hospital expenses, lost wages, and future inability to work due to total or permanent disability.
Workers’ compensation insurance in Atlanta, Georgia, is required for all employers having three or more part-time, seasonal, or full-time employees. If the business or company is an LLC or is incorporated, the employer should comply with workers’ compensation requirements even if they have fewer than three employees.
For government agencies, workman’s comp coverage isn’t necessary, as well as for farm laborers and railroad companies. Check the listing of the Georgia State Board for all covered businesses carrying workers’ compensation.
When serious physical injuries are sustained, Georgia’s Workman’s Comp may not provide all the benefits the victim needs. This is why it’s important to talk with an Atlanta, Georgia worksite injury lawyer who can fight for your rights and best interests, so check https://www.ramoslawfirm.com/ to find the best worker’s compensation attorney for you. It’s not impossible for the equipment manufacturer, engineer, or architect to blame you for the accident. Hiring a worker’s comp lawyer will ensure that you obtain the highest compensation benefits you deserve and file a third-party personal injury claim as needed.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage Requirements
The state of Georgia determines the workers’ compensation laws and the amount of coverage. The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act or WCA outlines the workers’ compensation minimum amount of coverage and requirements that business owners need to carry across the state.
Here are the minimum workers’ compensation requirements based on the WCA:
- The employer maintains workers’ compensation if the business has three or more employees.
- All employees should see the Bill of Rights for the Injured Worker and Official Notice regarding workers’ compensation posted in easy to see or accessible areas.
- The employer should keep an up-to-date record of all injuries and incidents caused by workplace injuries. If the injured employee has been absent for more than a week, they have 21 days to file a report from the notice date of injury.
- Employers should get insurance coverage from one of the authorized insurance carriers. An employer can also obtain the approval of the board to self-insure. Talk to your employer about long-term disability insurance benefits to know and ascertain your rights.
Employers Are Responsible for the Immediate Medical Treatment of Injured Workers
Employers should establish a medical team consisting of a licensed physician and occupational health nurse who can provide emergency medical treatment to all injured employees. All medical costs of the injured employees should be shouldered by the employer within 30 days (after billing) and reimburse mileage if the injured employee files a mileage claim.
The employer should issue weekly payments to the injured employees for lost wages within 21 days of the accident. The usual rate is about two-thirds of the average weekly wages of the employee. The amount of workers’ compensation paid have minimum and maximum ceilings. The average weekly range is between $50 and $575 a week as mandated by the WCA.
The WCA limits the amount of time or dollar amount that employers pay for workers’ compensation. For instance, the cap on paying temporary total disability or TTD benefit payments is seven years, while the cap on paying total and permanent disability or TPD benefits is $134,050. Employers should pay the funeral costs (maximum of $7,500) and $575 weekly to the family (until it reaches a total of $230,000) if the employee dies.
Conclusion
In Atlanta, Georgia, all employers who have three or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. In that way, employees are protected from paying the costly hospital bills when an injury occurs due to work-related accidents, like a slip, cuts, falls, and amputation. By knowing your rights as an employee and knowing your responsibilities as an employer, there will be a fair share of legal protection to all parties.
