In Georgia, workers’ compensation provides permanent disability benefits to workers who suffer permanent injuries due to a work-related accident. A permanent disability results from a serious injury, but the benefits of permanent disability aim to compensate workers for the long-term impact of their injuries on their ability to work and earn a living. This is why permanent disability benefits for workers tend to be very high regarding financial compensation. Here is what you should know about permanent disability benefits in workers’ compensation cases in Georgia.
Types of Permanent Disability Benefits in Georgia
In Georgia, there are the following two types of permanent disability benefits:
- Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
- Permanent Total Disability ( PTD)
Permanent partial disability benefits are awarded when an injured worker sustains a permanent impairment but can still perform some work duties. The benefits depend on several factors, such as the severity of the impairment, the body part affected, and the worker’s pre-injury wages.
Permanent total disability benefits are awarded when an injured worker is unable to attain gainful employment due to their work-related injury. PTD benefits compensate workers during their entire life or until they can return to work.
Impairment Ratings and Settlements
Permanent disability benefits in Georgia are usually determined based on impairment ratings assigned by physicians. The impairment rating shows the degree of permanent impairment resulting from the work-related injury. A workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that the impairment rating accurately reflects the workers’ condition when they advocate for fair compensation.
Maximizing Benefits
The permanent disability benefits of workers’ compensation vary, but collaborating with an attorney can help you navigate the complex workers’ compensation system and ensure you receive the maximum permanent disability benefits you are entitled to under Georgia law. Lawyers can gather and present medical evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and help you understand your rights and options.
Appeals and Disputes
In some cases, permanent disability benefits for injured workers can be denied or disputed by insurance companies. However, an attorney can help you in appealing the decision. A workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through the appeals process, gather additional evidence, represent your interests in hearings, and advocate for your rights to obtain the benefits you deserve.
Vocational Rehabilitation
In cases where a worker cannot return to their previous job due to permanent disability, vocational rehabilitation services may be available. An attorney can also help you with this. You can access vocational rehabilitation benefits with their assistance. Those benefits could include job retraining programs, job placement assistance, and other support services.
Settlement Negotiations
The insurance company may sometimes propose a settlement to resolve your permanent disability claim. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the settlement offer is fair. It’s best to consult with an attorney to be sure. They can review the settlement offer, assess its fairness, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure that your future needs are protected. You can pursue the maximum benefits available under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system with an attorney’s help.
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