What Is the Average Settlement for a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Georgia?

The average settlement for a workers’ compensation claim in Georgia depends on the details of your case. The severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, the amount of wages you have lost, and whether or not you are permanently disabled will be considered.

A work injury in Georgia can leave you with costly medical bills and force you to miss work, but thankfully, most employees are covered by their workers’ compensation claims. This should compensate you for some—if not most or all—of your losses as you recover. 

However, workers’ comp benefits are not always enough to live on, so you may want to pursue a settlement instead. An Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help you receive the benefits you’re entitled to via workers’ compensation instead of seeking a settlement.

What Does Workers’ Compensation Provide To People Who Sustain Workplace Injuries? 

If you’re out of work for at least seven days as a result of your workplace injuries, you might be able to receive temporary disability benefits through workers’ comp. Here are the details:

• You will have access to weekly benefits at two-thirds of your average weekly wage.
• The amount of money you can receive per week is capped at $675.
• You can receive these benefits for up to 400 weeks in total. 

In addition to temporary disability benefits, workers’ compensation may also cover the cost of medical treatment related to your workplace injuries. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, physical therapy, prescription medications, and medical devices, like crutches or braces. 

Workers’ comp should also pay for your mileage to and from medical appointments. That way, you won’t be burdened with out-of-pocket expenses while recovering from your injuries. You might qualify for additional benefits based on the extent of your impairment as well. 

When you know how to find a good workers’ compensation lawyer in Atlanta, your odds of settling for a fair compensation amount increase. An attorney can help you compile evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for a fair outcome. 

Can You Use Workers’ Compensation Benefits To Pay Your Medical Bills?

Yes, you can use workers’ compensation benefits to pay your medical bills. It can cover all medical costs stemming from your work-related injuries. This includes doctor visits, hospital stays, medical tests, prescription medications, and long-term treatment, such as physical therapy or rehabilitative care. 

Furthermore, if your injuries prevent you from earning as much as you did before getting hurt, you might receive a reduced benefit. This is usually two-thirds of the difference between what you were earning before and what you can earn now. 

Do You Really Need an Attorney’s Help?

You don’t need an attorney, but you should hire one. Workers’ comp cases can become complicated rather quickly, and a lawyer will not only help you make sense of things, but they can also review your claim to make sure you’re applying for everything to which you’re entitled. 

You can always review the Workers’ Compensation Law FAQs from the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. However, hiring legal counsel is a way to receive personalized advice about your case in particular. 

Other Factors Considered in Your Settlement

When calculating a number for your settlement, your lawyer will consider the following factors:

• The salary you were earning prior to your injuries
• Whether or not you will be able to work again
• Which body part was injured in the accident
• The percentage of disability you have
• Your current total medical bills
• Any future expected medical costs
• Your age at the time of the accident 

How Workers’ Compensation Settlements Are Paid

Once your lawyer negotiates a fair settlement amount on your behalf, the terms of the payment will be determined. Workers’ compensation settlements are often paid as a lump sum so that the injured party receives the entire agreed-upon amount in a single payment. 

This option is generally preferred by those who need immediate financial relief to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs associated with their injuries. Furthermore, lump sum payments let workers move forward without waiting for ongoing installments. 

In some cases, however, a structured settlement may be used instead. With a structured settlement, the agreed-upon amount is divided into smaller payments distributed over a specific period. These payments are commonly either monthly or annually, depending on the agreement. 

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney For Help With Workers’ Compensation Claims in Georgia 

Most of the time, workers’ compensation settlements are “full and final,” meaning you waive all rights to pursue more money for your conditions, even if said conditions worsen later on down the road. For this reason, it’s important to work with a lawyer who knows what they’re doing. 

At John Foy & Associates, we can help you anticipate your long-term needs and assist you in pursuing the settlement you deserve. You can trust us to fight for your rights and ensure your financial future is as secure as possible. 

To get started today, reach out to our attorneys to set up a no-obligation consultation at no cost to you. When you call us, we can provide you with more details about our firm and give you professional advice as to how you might want to proceed with your case.