Is There Workers’ Compensation for Volunteers in Georgia?

If you’ve been injured while volunteering, you’re probably wondering if there is workers’ compensation for volunteers in Georgia. While workers’ comp doesn’t cover most volunteers, you might be covered if your volunteer position puts you at higher risk of injury than others. For example, you may be covered if you are a volunteer first responder.

An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer from John Foy & Associates can determine if you’re covered by workers’ comp. Our team can answer any questions you have about your claim and help you pursue the benefits you need to recover from your injuries.

Which Volunteers Are Covered by Workers’ Compensation in Georgia?

While most companies in Georgia require you to be a full-time or part-time employee to file a workers’ compensation claim, there are exceptions for certain types of volunteers. As mentioned above, you may be eligible to file a workers’ comp claim if you’ve suffered injuries while volunteering in a high-risk field.

The following types of volunteers may be covered by workers’ compensation in Georgia:

• Volunteer emergency responders
• Volunteer firefighters
• Volunteer police officers

Since the above-listed volunteers are more likely to suffer injuries than, for instance, someone volunteering at a fundraising event or soup kitchen, they are automatically covered by workers’ comp. If you’ve been hurt while fulfilling one of these volunteer roles, you’ll want to work with an attorney to pursue the benefits you need to get back on your feet.

What Benefits Can I Receive From Georgia Workers’ Comp as a Volunteer?

Volunteers who are covered by workers’ compensation are eligible to receive the same benefits as injured employees. Depending on the severity of the injuries and losses you’ve sustained, you could receive any of the following benefits from a claim:

Medical Benefits

Georgia’s workers’ compensation for volunteers can cover the medical care you need to treat your injuries. Whether you’ve suffered a broken bone or a traumatic brain injury, a successful claim can provide compensation to pay for a number of medical expenses, including those for:

• Hospital treatments
• Ambulance rides
• Doctor’s appointments
• Physical therapy sessions
• Medications
• Medical devices
• And more

While these benefits can change your life after a serious volunteering accident, it will be hard for you to get the most out of them if you don’t have a dedicated attorney by your side. A skilled lawyer can identify all the forms of compensation you’re owed and fight to get the maximum payment.

Weekly Payments

Depending on your injuries, a doctor may advise you to take time off from work to allow your body to rest and heal. If you were a paid employee, you’d be eligible to receive weekly, tax-exempt payments equal to two-thirds of your regular paycheck.

Since you are a volunteer, it might be difficult to determine if you qualify for this benefit. An experienced lawyer can assess your unique situation and determine if you’re entitled to receive weekly payments from workers’ comp in Georgia.

Disability

If you’ve sustained a lasting injury or disability in a volunteer accident, a workers’ comp claim can give you access to benefits that will help you manage your long-term condition. Depending on the severity of your condition and how much it impairs you, you could receive one of the following forms of disability benefits from a claim: 

• Temporary total disability
• Temporary partial disability
• Permanent total disability
• Permanent partial disability

Death Benefits

If your loved one has passed away in an accident that occurred while they were volunteering as a firefighter or law enforcement officer, you may be entitled to death benefits. These benefits can provide several forms of compensation geared towards helping you navigate the tragic aftermath of a sudden loss.

Death benefits can be used to pay for your loved one’s funeral expenses and burial costs. If you were financially dependent on your spouse, you may also receive payment to supplement the income you’ve lost. An attorney can determine exactly which benefits you’re eligible for and fight for the Georgia workers’ comp benefits you deserve.

What Should I Do After a Volunteering Accident?

If you’ve been hurt in an accident that happened while you were volunteering, you’ll want to take several steps to protect yourself and your right to workers’ comp benefits. Make sure to take the following actions after such an incident:

• Seek medical attention
• Document your injury by taking photos and writing down how it affects you
• Speak to witnesses and take down their contact information
• Tell your volunteer supervisor about the incident and your injury

Taking these steps can give your attorney the information and documentation they need to file a strong claim on your behalf. 

How Long Do Volunteers Have to File a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?

You might not have much time after a volunteer accident to file a workers’ compensation claim. That’s because Georgia has a statute of limitations that all claimants must follow. According to the statute, you have one year from the date of the volunteering incident to submit a claim.

If you don’t comply with the state’s filing deadline, you could be denied the benefits you need to treat your injury and support yourself while you recover. Fortunately, if you reach out to an attorney as soon after your injury as possible, they’ll likely be able to file a claim within the one-year period of time.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve been hurt in a volunteering accident, it might be unclear whether you’re eligible to file a claim for benefits. Luckily, an attorney from John Foy & Associates can meet with you to discuss your incident, explain workers’ compensation for volunteers in Georgia, and determine if you have grounds for a claim.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a trusted attorney and learn more about your legal options. If we agree to take on your case, we’ll draw on our extensive experience and resources to get the best possible outcome.