How Much Does Georgia Workers’ Comp Pay in 2024?

Losing wages is the first thing many people worry about after a work-related injury. Luckily that’s one of the most important benefits you can get from Georgia workers’ compensation. You can generally expect payments worth up to two-thirds of your pre-tax wages, but there is an upper limit, and your actual payment depends on your personal situation.

Keep reading to learn how much your payments may be and what other benefits you could receive. And check out our complete guide to workers’ comp in Georgia if you have more questions.

How much does workers’ comp pay in Georgia?

In 2024, Georgia workers’ comp pays two-thirds of the average weekly wage (AWW) you earned in the year before your injury, up to a maximum of $800 per week. If you earned $62,400 or more in the past year, you will receive the maximum benefit of $800. There is also a minimum payment of $50 per week, which you will earn even if your annual income was less than $3,900.

If you are still able to do some work, your workers’ comp checks will be decreased by your weekly work income. (Read more about working while on workers’ comp.)

You can typically qualify for payments if your illness or injury keeps you out of work for more than a week, but it can take up to 21 days for insurance to send your first check.

Learn more about how long benefits last in Georgia.

Calculating your workers’ comp check

Georgia calculates workers’ comp payments based on your average weekly wage before your work injury or illness. Your AWW is calculated by dividing your gross annual pay by 52. Multiply that number by two-thirds to determine your check amount.

The formula looks like this:

Gross annual wages ÷ 52 x ⅔ = weekly workers’ comp payment

Using that formula, let’s say your gross annual income the year before your injury was $60,000. To calculate your weekly workers’ comp payment, divide that annual salary by 52 weeks to get an average weekly wage of $1,153.85. Multiply that AWW by two-thirds to get a workers’ comp payment that’s worth $769.23 per week.

How much workers’ comp pays for medical treatment

Lost wage payments aren’t the only workers’ comp benefit you should expect. Georgia workers’ comp also pays for all medical care related to your injury. That includes everything from copays up to the cost of physical therapy or surgery.

Your benefits won’t cover treatment for any doctor of your choice, though. You’ll need to see doctors who are covered by your employer’s workers’ comp insurance company. Even then, it’s possible the insurer will try to limit the cost of your treatment.

If you’re ever denied medical coverage on workers’ comp, you get a medical bill in the mail, or you think you need a more independent workers’ comp doctor, these are clear situations when a workers’ comp lawyer can help you. Learn more about how a lawyer can help your case.

Will I get a workers’ comp settlement?

Beyond your wage replacement and medical care, the insurance company may offer a one-time, lump-sum settlement payment. Not all workers’ comp cases end in a settlement, but many do. Injuries with long, expensive, or difficult recoveries are especially likely to end with a settlement.

The most common time to get an offer from the insurer is around maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is when your workers’ comp doctor determines that you’ve recovered as much as you’re likely to, even if you haven’t returned to your full pre-injury condition. Georgia workers’ comp will move you to permanent benefits at this point (long-term workers’ comp payments) and most insurance companies would rather settle than continue your claim for months or years longer.

Getting professional help from a local Georgia workers’ comp lawyer is especially important if you’re negotiating a settlement. Insurance will have lawyers who are trained to save the insurer money, and having your own lawyer levels the playing field. (The average settlement with an Atticus lawyer is also twice as high as what people get when negotiating themselves.)

Related article: Average Workers’ Compensation Settlements by Body Part

Get help with your workers’ comp claim

Workers’ comp can get complicated and your claims adjuster isn’t likely to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable. Just getting a straightforward answer to a simple question can take multiple calls and days or weeks of frustration.

Atticus can help you get answers to your workers’ comp questions. We are a national law firm with local attorneys serving Atlanta and the rest of Georgia. We know how to navigate the state’s highly technical process to get you the payments and medical benefits that you’re entitled to.

You also don’t need to pay us anything until after we win you benefits or get you a settlement. Talking to Atticus is free, you’ll get a free consultation with one of our experienced lawyers, and if you decide to work with us there aren’t any upfront fees.

Take our workers’ comp intake quiz to get started and our team will reach out to learn more about your situation and answer your questions.

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Related resources:

5 Common Questions About Workers’ Comp Lawyers

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How Much a Workers’ Comp Lawyer Costs in Every State

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