Norcross, GA Wage Benefits Attorney

Knowledgeable Workers' Compensation Lawyer Helping Injured Employees Secure Wage Benefits in Norcross, Georgia

If you have been injured at your workplace, you may be unsure of what benefits you qualify for, if any. Fortunately, most employers in Georgia are required to provide employees with workers' compensation for injuries arising from the course of their jobs. This can include income benefits if an employee is not able to work at the same capacity while recovering. To learn more about what benefits you can claim, contact a Norcross wage benefits attorney.

At The Law Offices of John Morrison, we can guide you through the process of requesting wage benefits through workers' compensation. Attorney John Morrison has 20 years of legal experience, so you can rely on his wisdom and counsel throughout the process.

Temporary Total Disability Benefits for Injured Workers in Georgia

If a job injury leaves you completely unable to work for a period of time, you may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits through workers' compensation. These benefits are meant to replace part of your lost wages while you recover. In Georgia, TTD benefits are generally available when an authorized doctor says that you cannot work at all because of your injury.

Your average weekly wage plays an important role in this part of a claim. In general, wage benefits are based on what you were earning before you got hurt, not just what you happened to make in your last few days of work. In Georgia, these benefits are generally paid at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to a weekly maximum.

Insurance companies sometimes dispute whether a worker is truly unable to return to work. In other cases, a worker may be cut off from benefits too early. That is one reason it is important to pay close attention to your medical treatment, work restrictions, and employer communications. If your claim is delayed, denied, or terminated, legal help may be necessary to protect your right to benefits.

Temporary Partial Disability Benefits

Some injured workers can return to work, but only in a limited role or at lower pay. In that situation, temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits may be available. In Georgia, these benefits are generally paid at two-thirds of your wage loss, meaning two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury average weekly wage and what you are able to earn after returning to work.

These benefits can be important when you are trying to stay employed but your injury still affects your ability to do your regular job. For example, somebody with lifting restrictions may no longer be able to handle a physically demanding position. Another worker may return to a desk job with fewer hours while continuing treatment. Even though you are back at work, the injury may still be costing you money every week.

What Are Permanent Disability Benefits?

Some workplace injuries leave lasting damage even after a worker reaches maximum medical improvement. Permanent disability benefits may be available when a job injury results in a lasting impairment. These benefits are generally tied to a permanent impairment rating assigned by an authorized treating physician, rather than simply a percentage of weekly wages.

A serious permanent injury may affect your ability to earn a living long after treatment ends. Because permanent disability issues often depend on detailed medical evidence, disputes can arise about the rating, the seriousness of the injury, and the long-term effect on your work life.

Contact a Norcross, GA Workers' Compensation Lawyer

Workers' compensation wage benefits can make a major difference when an injury keeps you from earning a full paycheck. At The Law Offices of John Morrison, we help injured workers pursue the full benefits available to them under Georgia law. Call 770-951-8900 or contact our Norcross, Georgia workers' compensation attorney to schedule a free consultation.