Studies indicate that, following COVID-19, over 60% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck. Even one week of lost wages can set families back financially, resulting in increased debt and emotional distress. Quickly recovering lost wages after suffering from disabling injuries is critical to keeping Georgia workers afloat. Lawyers might help injured workers understand their lost wage benefits and recovery rights without any upfront costs.
Obtaining Lost Wage Benefits Using Workers’ Compensation Insurance
If claimants suffered from workplace injuries, i.e., any injury sustained while on duty, they may apply for workers’ compensation benefits through the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Common workplace injuries include:
- Neck and back strains
- Herniated discs
- Burns
- Fractures
- Concussions
- Lacerations
- Contusions
These benefits cover two-thirds (66%) of the claimant’s weekly lost wages (up to $725), but they also pay for 100% of in-network medical treatment costs. Workers’ compensation insurance covers disabling workplace injuries regardless of fault and can last for up to 400 weeks. Claimants might even collect partial benefits if they accepted lower-paying positions due to workplace injuries. An attorney might help Georgia claimants recover these benefits and appeal unjust denials.
Suing Negligent Third Parties for Injuries
Employers pay for workers’ compensation in exchange for liability protection. Employees cannot sue their employers for workplace injuries absent intentional safety or insurance violations. However, claimants may recover workers’ compensation benefits and sue negligent third parties for their lost wages. For example, claimants injured in car accidents while delivering catering orders might recover workers’ comp benefits and sue the negligent drivers who caused their injuries.
Claiming Social Security Disability Benefits
When cases involve permanent disabilities, such as paralysis or severe traumatic brain injuries, claimants might apply for early social security disability (SSDI) benefits. Many employers also carry private disability insurance, and claimants can still obtain worker’s compensation settlements for lost wages (maximum of $270,000). Recovering maximum benefits often requires legal assistance, especially when claimants are pursuing multiple avenues of recovery.
Discuss your rights to collect lost wages after workplace injuries with the dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys at Gearhart Law Group. We might help you recover needed workers’ compensation settlements without any out-of-pocket costs. Contact us to schedule your lost wage and personal injury consultation today by calling 404 445 8370 or contacting us online.
Georgia Workers’ Compensation FAQs
Can I get workers’ compensation payments, SSDI, and settlements from personal injury litigation?
Eligible claimants can generally receive workers’ compensation payments, proportionally reduced SSDI benefits, and private personal injury settlements for lost wages. Claimants cannot double-dip, i.e., recover the same benefits from different sources, but they can maximize their recovery rights with an attorney’s help.
Can I demand a lost wage settlement from my workers’ compensation carrier?
Many claimants suffering from long-term disabilities may demand lost wage settlements from workers’ compensation insurers. However, insurers rarely settle cases fairly unless claimants have legal representation.
How much does it cost to retain a workers’ compensation lawyer?
It can cost nothing out of pocket to hire workers’ compensation counsel because injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. If you recover compensation, lawyers typically take 33% of your overall settlement plus costs as their fee.
