Clayton County Work Injury Attorneys

Helping workers in Clayton County recover maximum compensation after a work injury or illness

At Gerber and Holder, we understand that the process of filing a claim while trying to heal from your injuries can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to struggle through it alone. Our Clayton County work injury attorneys specialize in providing comprehensive legal assistance to workers across every industry. 

Whether you’re a factory worker, a health care professional, a construction worker or a delivery driver, our experienced team is committed to helping you secure the compensation and support you deserve after a work-related injury. 

Learn more about how we can help you with your claim by scheduling a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Who is eligible for workers’ compensation in Georgia?

Most employers in the state with 3 or more workers, including part-time employees, are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Under this system, it’s essential that you’re classified as an employee, not an independent contractor, as workers’ compensation typically only covers employees. 

It’s important to know that workers’ comp doesn’t just cover serious or catastrophic injuries from one-time incidents like a slip-and-fall accident or an on-the-job car accident. It also covers minor injuries as well as occupational diseases and illnesses like hearing loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, certain cancers and chronic back injuries that develop over time.

As long as it can be proven that the injury, illness or disease is directly related to a worker’s job, they are generally eligible for workers’ comp benefits during their recovery.

How much does workers’ comp pay in Georgia?

In Georgia, the amount and type of workers’ compensation benefits vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. The benefits are designed to cover medical expenses, provide income support, and assist with rehabilitation if needed. The main types of workers’ compensation benefits in Georgia include:

• Medical benefits. These cover all necessary medical expenses related to the work injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, medications and medical devices. There’s no cap on the amount or duration of these benefits, as long as they’re deemed necessary for the treatment of the injury.
• Wage loss benefits. These are intended to supplement the income of workers who are unable to work or can only work in a reduced capacity while they recover. The amount is typically two-thirds of a worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a state-mandated maximum limit, which is $800 per week as of July 1, 2023. Workers who are permanently and totally disabled may be eligible for a lump-sum payment to cover their lifelong care needs.
• Death benefits. If a work injury results in death, the worker’s dependents may receive workers’ comp death benefits. These include burial expenses up to $7,500 and two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, up to the state maximum, paid to the dependents for a certain period. For spouses, that period is typically until age 65 or 400 weeks, whichever is longer.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the specifics of each case can affect the benefits received. Additionally, the limits and rates are subject to change, so it’s advisable to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney for the most current information.

How long do you have to report an injury at work in Georgia?

In Georgia, you have up to 30 days from the date of the injury or from the date you learned of the work-related injury, illness or disease to report it. However, you should ideally notify your employer immediately, if possible.

Failing to report your injury or illness within this timeframe could result in the loss of your rights to workers’ compensation benefits. Prompt reporting not only helps in documenting the incident accurately but also ensures that you can receive appropriate medical care and benefits in a timely manner.