[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-workers-compen-work\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-workers-compen-work\/","headline":"How Does Workers\u2019 Compensation Work in Georgia?","name":"How Does Workers\u2019 Compensation Work in Georgia?","description":"No one ever expects to be injured at work, but unexpected injuries and occupational illnesses impact the lives of thousands of workers in Georgia each year. In fact, more than 78,000 workers across Georgia suffered a nonfatal injury or illness on the job in just one recent year,...","datePublished":"2022-02-18","dateModified":"2026-02-26","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/#Person","name":"John Sherrod","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/disabled-worker.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/disabled-worker.jpg","height":666,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-workers-compen-work\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U","name":"What are workers' compensation benefits if I am hurt at work?","description":"The general rule is that you cannot sue your employer or a co-employee for personal injury. An injured worker is limited to collecting only workers' compensation benefits. What happens if a worker is hurt on the job by someone other than a co-employee or the employer? For example, what if an employee is required to drive as a part of this job? While on a work mission, the employee is hurt by random motorist running a red light. In that situation, the client would have two cases. \n\nFirst, there would be a personal injury case against the at fault driver for running a red light, but the worker would also have a workers compensation case since he was hurt while working for his employer. At Sherrod & Bernard, we handle workers' compensation and personal injury cases. Every injured worker who comes in our door, we look to see if they also have a personal injury case.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-04-05T23:35:20+00:00","duration":"PT1M18S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X23toflfd6U","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":465617}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":23}]},"about":["Workers' Compensation"],"wordCount":1061,"articleBody":"No one ever expects to be injured at work, but unexpected injuries and occupational illnesses impact the lives of thousands of workers in Georgia each year. In fact, more than 78,000 workers across Georgia suffered a nonfatal injury or illness on the job in just one recent year, according to the\u00a0Bureau of Labor Statistics.Workers\u2019 compensation benefits exist to help injured workers when they\u2019re hurt, but many Georgia workers find it challenging to obtain the benefits they need.The\u00a0Georgia workers\u2019 compensation attorneys\u00a0at\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., know that not everyone is aware of their rights as an employee, especially when an unexpected injury or illness sidelines them. Our workers\u2019 compensation lawyers have more than 80 years of combined experience helping injured people in our community. We\u2019re ready to put our skills and knowledge to work for you.Was your workers\u2019 comp claim denied or undervalued? Let us help you appeal the decision. We are ready to discuss your injuries, how workers\u2019 compensation works, and how we can help you seek benefits from your employer\u2019s policy. Don\u2019t wait. Contact us today for help.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWho Does Workers\u2019 Compensation Cover?According to the\u00a0State Board of Workers\u2019 Compensation, most employers in Georgia with three or more workers are required to carry workers\u2019 compensation insurance. That applies to both public-sector and private employers. It doesn\u2019t matter whether the employees work full-time or part-time.Some workers are exempt from Georgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation laws. A few of these exempt workers include:Agricultural workersEmployees of the state or federal governmentCertain corporate executivesRailroad workersDomestic servantsEmployers in\u00a0Georgia are not required to carry workers\u2019 compensation insurance for independent contractors. However, just because your employer calls you an independent contractor doesn\u2019t make you one.Some employers try to save money by misclassifying employees as independent contractors when they are actually employees. Your job duties and other factors determine whether you\u2019re considered a contractor under Georgia law. Talk to our lawyers right away if you believe your employer has misclassified you as a contractor.What Injuries and Illnesses Qualify for Georgia Workers\u2019 Comp Benefits?Workers who are eligible for workers\u2019 compensation in Georgia can receive benefits for any work-related injuries and some work-related illnesses. As long as the\u00a0injury occurred while you were engaged in a work-related\u00a0activity, there\u2019s a good chance you qualify for workers\u2019 compensation benefits.Workers\u2019 compensation\u00a0is a no-fault benefit, meaning you can receive benefits even if you were partially responsible for the accident that led to your injuries (within specific guidelines).What makes an injury or illness \u201cwork-related\u201d can be challenging to determine in some cases. If you are hurt in a\u00a0car accident\u00a0while making a delivery or out on a sales call, those are likely work-related activities, so you would likely be eligible for workers\u2019 compensation benefits. However,\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation\u00a0does not apply if you\u2019re injured during your commute to and from work in most cases.If you\u2019re not sure if the injury or illness you\u2019ve suffered is work-related,\u00a0talk to an attorney.What Types of Benefits Are Available from Workers\u2019 Compensation?Two main benefits are available under the Georgia workers\u2019 compensation system. Medical benefits are the first. If your claim for benefits is approved, your employer\u2019s\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation\u00a0carrier is required to pay for all medically necessary treatments and other costs related to the specific injury or illness you\u2019ve suffered. These benefits last for as long as it takes for you to fully recover or until your doctor determines you\u2019ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning additional treatment won\u2019t do anything to help your recovery.Disability benefits are the other benefits you can receive through workers\u2019 compensation. These benefits are meant to cover a portion of the income you lose because your injuries prevent you from working. Disability benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wages up to a limit set by state law.How Long Can You Receive Workers\u2019 Compensation?If your\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation claim\u00a0is approved, your employer\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation carrier must cover your medical expenses until you make a complete recovery or your doctor says further treatment will not improve your condition.Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, there are four different types of disability benefits available to injured workers in Georgia:Temporary partial disability benefitsTemporary total disability benefitsPermanent partial disability benefitsPermanent to total disability benefitsTemporary disability benefits are based on your average income and continue until you are cleared to return to work or reach MMI. In certain circumstances, permanent disability benefits can last for the rest of your life, though these cases are relatively rare. Our workers\u2019 compensation attorneys can look at your specific case and tell you how long you can expect to receive benefits for your injuries.Can You Work While Collecting Workers\u2019 Compensation Benefits?In general, you cannot work while receiving\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation benefits in Georgia. The idea behind workers\u2019 compensation benefits is that they cover the income you\u2019re missing while you\u2019re healing from your injuries, so you can rest and focus on your recovery. Going back to work after suffering a significant injury can not only aggravate your condition, but it can also allow your employer to cut off your disability benefits.There are only two everyday situations where you can work while collecting workers\u2019 compensation benefits. They are:Your doctor has cleared you for light or modified dutyYou have a second job, and the injury you\u2019ve suffered does not affect your second jobYou should not return to work until you\u2019ve spoken to both your doctor and your lawyer. Otherwise, you risk having some or all of your benefits taken away.Talk to a Workers\u2019 Compensation Attorney in Georgia for Free TodayGeorgia\u2019s workers\u2019 compensation system can be a nightmare if you don\u2019t know all the rules. If you\u2019ve just suffered a work-related injury or developed an occupational illness, the workers\u2019 compensation attorneys at\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., want to get started on your case while you focus on getting the medical treatment you need.Contact our office for a free initial consultation for more information on how we can help with your\u00a0workers\u2019 compensation claim.Visit Our Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Claim Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"How Does Workers\u2019 Compensation Work in Georgia?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/how-workers-compen-work\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]