No matter where you work, from an office to a construction site, it’s important that you know what you’re entitled to with worker’s comp benefits. In Georgia, if you are injured while on the job, you can claim workers’ comp.
According to the lawyer Hansford, employers in Georgia are required to pay for workers’ compensation. This coverage is automatic and does not require any employee to sign up or have money taken out of paychecks. In this state, employers that have three or more regular employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Do Employees Need to Pay for Workers’ Comp?
Unlike medical, dental, and other benefits that are available from some employers, workers’ comp is an automatic guarantee from the first day of employment. Employees do not have to pay anything for this coverage, and there is no waiting period.
Most Georgia employers will obtain workers’ comp coverage for employees through an insurance policy. Even part-time employees will be covered by workers’ comp.
There are no premiums that you as an employee need to pay either. If you are hurt on the job, you can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. You should receive full medical treatment without having to use your own insurance or co-pays.
In an emergency situation, particularly with a serious or catastrophic injury, you will be taken to urgent care or an emergency room. This will be covered by workers’ comp even if this is not one of the approved facilities chosen by your employer. However, when the emergency has been resolved, you will then be required to see medical providers that your employer has selected.
How to Ensure You Are Approved for Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Even though your employer will pay for workers’ comp, you must meet certain requirements to get your benefits. If you are injured at work, you must immediately notify your employer of your injury. Failing to do so can prevent you from receiving benefits.
You will also be required to take a drug or alcohol test following the injury. Refusal to do so creates the assumption that you were under the influence when your work accident happened. This can result in a denial of your claim.
Following the necessary requirements should result in an approval of your workers’ comp benefits. You should receive lost income benefits after seven days of missed work. If your injury requires rehabilitation, this should also be included in the benefits.
What to Do If Your Employer Refuses to Pay Your Workers’ Comp
If you were injured at your job performing your job duties and your employer refuses to pay workers’ comp, you can file an appeal. This claim must be filed within one year of medical treatment or within two years of the last weekly benefit payment you received.
Workers’ compensation in Georgia will never come out of your paycheck. You will not need to pay a premium or co-pay to have this protection. The only things you must do to make use of these benefits after an injury on the job is to report the accident to your employer and accept medical care for your injuries.
While most employers will do the right thing, some may take advantage of you if you don’t fully understand your rights. If this has happened to you, make sure you sit down with a workers’ comp lawyer to discuss your case.
Veeramachineni Lalitha
I am Finance Content Writer. I write Personal Finance, banking, investment, and insurance related content for top clients including Kotak Mahindra Bank, Edelweiss, ICICI BANK and IDFC FIRST Bank. My experience details : Linkedin