The American workers’ compensation (comp) program was established more than a century ago. Intended as thegrand bargainbetween employers and workers, the workers’ comp system is a cooperative arrangement to reduce the conflicts that can arise between businesses and employees when accidents happen in the workplace.
Workers’ compensation insurance provides cash benefits and/or medical care for workers who become injured as a direct result of their job. More specifically, workers’ comp laws give employees the right to collect for injury, disability, or death if it occurs in the course of employment. It also helps cover employees’ lost wages, medical bills, and legal expenses. The grand bargain is this: No matter who is responsible for the workplace injury, the employee can receive workers’ comp benefits. In return, the business owner will be protected from lawsuits related to the injury.
Since workers’ comp is legally required in nearly every state and situation, having adequate coverage and following policy requirements helps ensure you won’t have to pay fines or face imprisonment.
Finding the right coverage is important, especially if you’re just starting a new business. There are four main factors that insurers consider when estimating a premium for workers’ comp insurance: location, type of work, payroll, and claims history.
This guide will help you understand how workers’ comp insurance can protect business owners and employees, how policies are priced, and how small businesses can reduce insurance costs.Please note: This guide is intended as an educational resource only. As laws and best practices can change, please refer to your state legislation and/or a trusted advisor for specific legal counsel.
What is workers’ comp?
History
The basics
No-fault laws
Regulation
State laws
Why get workers’ comp?
Employer benefits
Employee benefits
Who needs workers’ comp?
Small businesses with employees
Small businesses without employees
How does workers’ comp work?
How to get workers’ comp
What you’ll need
Class codes
Next steps
Cost of workers’ comp
Reducing costs
Owner responsibilities
Paying claims
Which workers’ comp insurer is right for you?
Finding the right insurer
Meet Pie Insurance
Resources
History
Before workers’ comp legislation came to the United States, workers injured on the job had to fight for compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and other reparations. To do so, workers had to prove negligence by their employers, which typically meant a long, costly, disruptive legal battle. Since securing payment was an uphill fight, not many employees received settlements. In fact, even in fatal accidents, only about half of the victims’ families received payment, and if they did, it was only about a year’s pay.
The first comprehensive U.S. workers’ comp law was adopted in Wisconsin in 1911 Nine other states also passed regulations that year—and not a moment too soon; in 1913 alone, more than 25,000 employees were killed in work-related accidents and about 700,000 were seriously injured. Considered the first type of social insurance in the country, workers’ comp provisions were adopted rapidly. Thirty-six more states followed suit before the close of the decade. In fact, by 1921, only six states had not authorized compensation for workplace injuries. Eventually, the last holdout was Mississippi, which finally passed workers’ comp guidelines in 1948.
The basics
Since their beginning in the 1900s, workers’ comp laws have evolved significantly. The contemporary basics of workers’ compare include:
Workers’ comp is state-regulated—meaning its laws are determined by each state’s legislative body and implemented by a state agency.
Included regulations have common principles across the country, with some differences across states.
Workers’ comp provides payment of lost wages, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services to workers who have experienced an occupational injury or developed a disease due to their work.
Benefits are provided to injured workers without regard to fault and, in return, employers’ liability is limited.
The calculation of benefits takes into account future wages lost for permanent disabilities.
Not all occupational injuries are paid for by workers’ comp coverage.
No-fault laws
Workers’ comp laws today are no-fault laws. No-fault compensation is based on the principle that injured employees are entitled to receive compensation for their injuries without proving fault against the opposite party.
The amount that an employee who makes a claim receives isn’t impacted by any potential carelessness or guilt on their part. However, a worker does lose his/her right to compensation if the injury is a direct result of being impaired by drugs or alcohol—or from an attempt to injure himself or someone else.
Benefits provided by workers’ comp insurance are the only benefits, called theexclusive remedy, available to employees. Employees can’t sue employers in court for additional benefits.
Regulation
Each state administers its own workers’ comp program through a commission or board that makes sure businesses comply with workers’ comp laws. The board is a state agency that processes the claims. It determines whether the insurer will reimburse for cash benefits, medical care, or both. It also determine the amounts payable. Weekly cash benefits and medical care are paid by the employer’s insurance carrier, as directed by the board.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains contacts for each state’s workers’ comp agency. To learn about the laws in your area, visit your state’s department site. To learn more about the laws that affect your business, you can view thestate-by-state comparison of workers’ comp laws. This useful resource is maintained by the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and provides links to each state agency.
State laws
All states except Texas require that businesses with employees carry workers’ comp insurance, but the specific requirements and regulations vary by state. For example, the states disagree about covering psychological conditions if they weren’t caused by a physical injury on the job. In addition, some states are open to reconsidering employment during an employee’s time on permanent disability. Other insurance companies will conduct periodic check-ins to see if an employee is working or able to work.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains contacts for each state’s workers’ comp agency. To learn about the laws in your area,view the state workers’ compensation map.
Employer benefits
As an employer, your workers’ comp policy helps protect your company from being sued by employees for workplace injuries, and it helps keep you from having to pay directly for employee injuries. This coverage can reduce your risk of significant financial loss in case one of your employees is harmed while performing work duties.Again, since workers’ comp is legally required in nearly every state and situation, having adequate coverage and following policy requirements helps ensure you won’t have to pay fines or face imprisonment.
Employee benefits
As for your employees, they can also benefit from workers’ comp protection as they may receive financial protection for an injury that occurs at work. Often, employees can’t afford significant out-of-pocket medical expenses and lost wages. When covered by a workers’ compensation policy, employees who have sustained a work-related injury may recover lost wages and receive other helpful accommodations.
Small businesses with employees
All states (except Texas) require that businesses with employees carry workers’ comp insurance, but the specific requirements and regulations vary by state. If you are an employer, you will likely need to cover all of your employees, but you may not be required by law to carry coverage for yourself as an officer or partner.
Of course, regardless of the laws in your state, paying out-of-pocket for work-related injuries can be financially devastating for a small business. Getting appropriate coverage for yourself and employees may help you avoid this type of financial loss.
Small businesses without employees
If you don’t have employees, you may not need to carry workers’ compensation insurance from a legal standpoint. That said, you may still want to invest in a workers’ comp policy for yourself or subcontractors, or you may need to have a policy if another business you work with requires it.
Here are four different scenarios to consider when evaluating whether you should purchase workers’ compensation insurance (even if you are not legally required to):
1. You are a small business owner or sole proprietor without employees or contractors.
In this case, you may not need worker’s compensation coverage. However, you may be required to complete a sole proprietor workers’ compensation exemption form, get it notarized, and pay a fee.
2. A business wants to use you as a contractor but requires you to have workers’ compensation coverage.
Some companies won’t use you as a contractor if you aren’t covered by your own workers’ compensation insurance policy. It doesn’t make sense for them to take on the risk of using an uninsured contractor because, if you’re injured, they’ll have to pay out of pocket and may even be sued. Businesses are legally permitted to ask you to show a certificate of insurance (COI) if you want to contract with them.
3. You want to be covered by insurance in case you’re injured while working.
Even if you are a sole proprietor or small business owner working alone, you may choose to buy workers’ comp coverage for yourself simply because it makes good sense (especially if your work involves high-risk activities like construction). If you are injured while performing your work, you’ll be covered by your own workers’ comp policy. That way, you won’t have to try to get your personal health insurance company to cover your injury—something most health insurers won’t do. Health insurance companies also won’t provide partial reimbursement for lost wages the way many workers’ compensation policies do.
4. You are a small business owner or sole proprietor who uses one or more contractors.
If you use an independent contractor, subcontractor, or leased employee to perform work for you (even part-time work), you may be required to get workers’ comp coverage. Refer to your state’s laws for specifics.
Keep in mind, if you choose not to get workers’ compensation insurance, you can be held liable for injuries that happen on the job.Best practice is to have coverage for yourself and anyone who works for you, and you should be sure any workers you employ show proof of their own COIs.
How to get workers’ comp
Depending on your state, you can get workers’ comp insurance through private insurance providers or through state-funded programs. If you obtain workers’ comp from a private insurance carrier, you can choose to go directly to an insurance company or through an insurance agent or broker.
Finding a workers’ comp insurance provider that offers a quote online can streamline the process, saving you time and money. What’s more, if you have a small business, consider working with a company that specializes in small businesses. That way, you won’t be sharing the volume of risk that larger companies can carry.
What you’ll need
Getting a workers’ compensation insurance quote is not as challenging as you might imagine. With a bit of preparation, you’ll be able to easily obtain a quote for your business.
To get a workers’ comp insurance quote, you’ll need the following information:
Name and description of your business
Federal employer identification number (FEIN) or social security number (SSN)
Business structure such as limited liability company (LLC), corporation, or partnership
Desired start date of coverage
Location of your business
Number of location(s)
Number of employees
Annual payroll based on location and job type
Workers’ comp claims history (also called loss experience)
Applicable class codes
Class codes
You will need employee class codes to get workers’ comp insurance. Class codes are three- or four-digit codes that insurance companies use to estimate rates based on the risk level of work that employees are performing. Workers’ compensation codes are maintained by theNational Council on Compensation Insurance(NCCI), an independent organization that gathers and analyzes data on workers’ compensation insurance. The NCCI establishes and maintains workers’ compensation class codes for hundreds of thousands of businesses across the United States. Additionally, some states have rating bureaus that have their own sets of workers’ compensation class codes.
Class codes indicate risk. For example, a clerical employee who works at a computer (class code 8810) is typically at lower risk of injury than a carpenter who works on upper levels of buildings (class code 5403) may be. As there are fewer hazards associated with a desk job compared to a construction site job, it costs a company less to insure the clerical worker. In this case, class code 8810 is associated with a less expensive rate than class code 5403.
If you’re a business owner, it’s critical that you use accurate workers’ comp class codes to categorize your employees. Improper or incomplete coding can be a costly mistake. Inaccuracies in coding may be discovered during annual insurance audits, and business owners can be held responsible for making up the financial difference. Furthermore,deliberately falsifying a code is considered fraud and can result in fines or imprisonment.
Take the time to properly code employees. Workers who have multiple roles may need to have a split code. What’s more, when employees’ responsibilities change, their codes may need to be adjusted.Business owners should contact their state’s insurance department or access theNCCI manualto find the correct workers’ comp class codes for their employees.
Next steps
After you request a workers’ comp quote, you’ll be contacted by the insurance provider through email or phone for any follow-up information. Next, the insurance provider will send your workers’ comp application to an underwriter. If it is approved, you will receive your workers’ comp policy quote and will need to sign it to start the policy and coverage for your team.
Cost of workers’ comp
Employers are responsible for paying for workers’ comp insurance. Employees are not required to contribute to the cost. The cost to the employer is passed on to consumers or clients in the prices that the business charges for its products or services.
When you first purchase a policy for your company, the price you’ll pay (called your premium) will be estimated based on several factors. Then, after the policy period is over, your provider will perform an audit to ensure that the estimate was accurate. Your business will receive a refund or pay the additional premium if there were changes in your business’s risk or workforce composition.
Workers’ compensation rates range from $0.57 in Texas to $2.32 in Alaska per $100 of covered payroll (though these numbers are often subject to change). This amount is the average employer cost for workers’ compensation, according to the National Academy of Social Insurance’s (NASI)Workers’ Compensation Report. There are four main factors insurers consider when estimating your premium. These include:
1. Location
Because workers’ compensation is regulated at the state level, the location of your work affects your workers’ comp insurance costs. To find your state’s workers’ comp agency, visit theU.S. Department of Labor’s state workers’ compensation map.
2. Type of work
As previously mentioned, the type of work your employees perform determines your class codes. These class codes are often defined by theNational Council on Compensation Insurance(NCCI), an independent organization that conducts research on U.S. businesses. The NCCI uses these three- or four-digit codes to categorize the types of work each of your employees perform. You can look up your workers’ comp class codes online yourself, but you should also speak with a workers’ comp insurer who can confirm you are using the correct code. Refer to this guide’s section regardingclass codesfor more information.
3. Size of payroll
Your workers’ comp cost also depends on the size of your workforce, and more specifically, your total payroll. It’s important to report your payroll accurately because the amount directly affects your workers’ comp insurance rate. Therefore, underestimating or overestimating payroll can impact the cash flow of your business. A workers’ comp premium audit (formerly known as a workmen’s comp audit) compares the estimated payroll provided by the business owner at the beginning of the policy period to the actual payroll at the end of the policy year. It also verifies the type of work that is performed by the company. Then, if the actual amount is less or more than the estimate, the auditor determines if the premium needs to be adjusted. To avoid surprises at the end of the year, review your company’s job descriptions with your insurer when you buy your policy. This way, you can confirm the class codes are correct.
It’s important to note: Payroll includes categories such as wages, salaries, bonuses, and overtime but excludes categories like tips, gratuities, employee savings plans, and employee discounts. Consultthe NCCI for a comprehensive list of the factors that are included in payroll for workers’ comp. When you’re shopping for workers’ comp insurance for your small business, use an average of your monthly business payroll for your estimate.
4. Claims history
Insurers also consider your history of claims. They use what’s called an “experience modification factor” or “experience mod” when determining your workers’ comp insurance rate. This factor must be included (by law) in defining your rate. It reflects your workplace safety compared to other similar businesses.
An experience mod of 1.0 is considered the industry average.
An experience mod of more than 1.0 is called a debit mod (your losses are greater than the average) and you may pay more for insurance.
If your experience mod is less than 1.0, this is called a credit mod (your losses are less than the average) and you may have a discounted premium.
If you’re starting a new business, you obviously won’t have any workers’ comp claim history. In this case, you won’t have an experience mod that can be factored into your calculation. Instead, you may pay more for workers’ comp insurance until your new business has established a track record.
By promoting and practicing workplace safety, you can influence your experience mod and your rates considerably. The fewer claims you have, the better your experience mod is and the greater the chance is that you will qualify for a lower premium.
Reducing costs
If you’re a small business owner, you can cut your cost for workers’ comp insurance by up to 30% by purchasing your insurance from a company that specializes in insuring only small businesses.
To reduce your risk of being hit with workers’ comp claims (and increased insurance premiums), make workplace safety a priority. There are a few important patterns you should recognize:
Workplace injuries and fatalities occur more often in smaller businesses than larger ones.
Workplace injuries occur less often when workplace safety activities are in place.
Small businesses are less likely to engage in workplace safety activities than larger ones.
New businesses are less likely to have workplace safety activities in place than older ones.
Implement a comprehensive workplace safety program to provide your employees with a healthy environment and support them with regular safety training. Visit Pie Insurance’s website forsafety tips and resources.
Owner responsibilities
There are many responsibilities that small business owners have when it comes to workers’ compensation. In most states, an employer should:
Maintain records of any accidents.
Report all accidents to state agencies within a certain period.
Inform your insurer of any accidents within a certain period.
Provide your employees with information about their workers’ comp rights, benefits, and claims process.
Inform your employees of the timeline for reporting injuries.
Let employees know that if they don’t follow the notification period requirements, they may not be eligible for benefits.
Give your employees all of the necessary forms for reporting injuries as well as your workers’ comp insurance information.
Make sure that an injured employee gets prompt medical attention with an approved provider.
Be sure that the healthcare provider’s report is filed along with the workers’ comp claim (before the deadlines pass).
Confirm that your employee has received either an approval or denial of the claim.
Help your employee return to work by retraining the employee.
Paying claims
A workers’ comp claim is paid if the employer and insurance carrier agree that the injury is work-related.
If the insurance carrier disputes the claim, no cash benefits are paid until a judge decides who’s right.
If a worker isn’t receiving benefits because the employer or insurance carrier is disputing the injury, he or she may be eligible for disability benefits in the meantime.
Any payments made under the disability program will be subtracted from future workers’ comp payments.
Finding the right insurer
If you’re a small business owner seeking workers’ comp coverage for your employees, look for a provider that offers:
A convenient, fast quote process
A team of insurance professionals who make workers’ comp easy to understand
Small business savings and expertise
Meet Pie Insurance
Pie provides workers’ compensation insurance coverage tosmall businesses across the nationthrough a simple online experience.Get a quote in three minutes.
National Academy of Social Insurance –https://www.nasi.org/
National Federation of Independent Business –https://www.nfib.com/
Pie Insurance –https://pieinsurance.com/blog/
U.S. Department of Labor –https://www.dol.gov/
Thanks for reading! Please note that this content is intended for educational purposes only. As laws change regularly, you should refer to your state legislation and/or an advisor for specific legal counsel. If you’re a small business owner, learn more aboutworkers’ compensation insuranceorcheck your current ratein 3 minutes.
FAQs
How many employees can you have without workers compensation in Georgia? ›
The law requires any business with three or more workers, including regular part-time workers, to have workers' compensation insurance. Coverage can be verified by going to www.sbwc.georgia.gov and in the Popular Topics box click on “verify workers' compensation insurance coverage”.
Who owns pie insurance? ›Backed by industry experts
Pie Insurance operates as a managing general agency for Sirius America Insurance Company.
Federal law requires employers to provide workers' compensation to employees in the event they become ill or are injured on the job. However, in most states (including Georgia), an employee who receives a 1099 form is usually not covered by workers' compensation.
What are the statutory limits for workers comp in Georgia? ›The statute of limitations for workers' compensation in Georgia is one year from the date of your accident. This means you must file a workers' compensation claim within one year of the date of your accident if you are to qualify for compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses.
Who is exempt from workers comp in Georgia? ›Under Georgia workers' compensation law, there's no way for regular employees (that is, the people you hire who aren't partners or company officers) to opt out of coverage. No waivers, no exemption forms.
What is the penalty for not having workers compensation in Georgia? ›Criminal penalties for not having workers' compensation
If an employer deliberately fails to provide coverage for employees, they are guilty of a misdemeanor offense. If sued and found guilty, the employer may face a fine of $1,000 to $10,000 and/or a prison term of up to a year.
Pie launched in 2017 to provide workers compensation insurance to small businesses, directly through its website and through independent agents. The company has operated as an MGA for Sirius America Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Sirius Group. Allianz.
What type of insurance is pi? ›Professional indemnity insurance covers the cost of compensating clients for loss or damage resulting from negligent services or advice provided by a business or an individual.
How long has Pie Insurance been around? ›May 2017. John Swigart and Dax Craig start building Pie Insurance with tiny offices in Denver and Washington, DC.
How many hours can a 1099 employee work? ›1099 employees are considered to be in business for themselves. This means 1099 employees can work for multiple companies at the same time and are not required to complete any set number of hours per week.
Do independent contractors need workers comp in Georgia? ›
You might be surprised to learn that under Georgia law, independent contractors aren't eligible for workers' compensation. To be eligible for workers' compensation in Georgia, a person must be an employee or a statutory employee.
Do I need workers comp insurance for myself Georgia? ›Workers compensation benefits are designed to compensate employees for medical bills and lost wages that they incur after getting hurt at work. Under Georgia law, businesses employing three or more people on a full or part-time basis are required to have workers' compensation insurance.
How is workers comp calculated in Georgia? ›Your annual gross pay prior to occupational injury divided by 52 weeks equals your average weekly wage (AWW). Your AWW is then multiplied by two-thirds (. 6667) to get your indemnity benefits compensation rate. In Georgia, there is a cap of $675 per week for temporary total disability benefits.
How much does workers comp pay in GA? ›These are paid at two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, which can be up to $675 per week. However, you typically cannot receive these benefits for over 400 weeks, and most workers recover far before that time.
How long does Workmans Comp last in Georgia? ›Depending on the details of your work injury, you may be able to receive wage benefits for up to 400 weeks. Sometimes, a worker is able to return to work but at a reduced capacity. You may still be able to receive workers' compensation benefits if your injury prevents you from working at the same level as before.
Who pays workers compensation in Georgia? ›In Georgia, the employer pays for workers' compensation. Generally, an employer takes out an insurance policy in order to cover workers' compensation benefits.
Who is not covered under employees Compensation Act? ›Any disease caused by war or associated perils. An injury that does not lead to fatality or partial disability after 3 days will not cover. Any liability towards contractual employees unless contractual employee cover is purchased by an employer. Any unspecified liability towards employees on a contractual basis.
What does workers comp cover in Georgia? ›The Workers' Compensation Program provides for monetary supplements for absences from work, as well as medical care through the Amerisys Managed Care Organization and other costs associated with job related injuries.
How long does an employer have to file a workers comp claim in Georgia? ›You have 1 year from the date of the reported injury to file a claim with SBWC.
When the workman is not entitled for compensation? ›(ii) if he does not present himself for work at the establishment at the appointed time during normal working hours at least once a day; (iii) if such laying-off is due to a strike or slowing-down of production on the part of workmen in another part of the establishment.] 1.
Can you be fired while on workers comp in Georgia? ›
Being on workers' compensation does not prevent you from losing your job. You can lose your job while on workers' compensation. In Georgia, it's not illegal to fire an employee when receiving indemnity benefits or medical treatment.
What is not covered by PI insurance? ›Generally, PI insurance doesn't cover: Fines and penalties. Any loss to your business that's caused by mould, pollution or asbestos.
Do I have to have PI insurance? ›Is professional indemnity insurance a legal requirement? PI insurance is not a legal requirement. However, if your profession is deemed high-risk, some professional bodies, governments and clients may request you have a minimum level of cover before allowing you to operate or doing business with you.
Who is the largest insurance carrier? ›State Farm is the largest property and casualty insurance in the United States, with more than $70 billion in premiums in 2021.
What is the difference between Pi and PL insurance? ›Public Liability covers you in cases where your business causes damage to property or injury to third parties, and you are liable for the related costs. Professional Indemnity, on the other hand, protects you when an incident happens due to the professional recommendation to your clients.
What is the difference between D&O and PI insurance? ›D&O insurance covers only managers and directors for claims related to their work and duties to the business. PI insurance covers any professional and business from third-party claims regarding their service or advice.
What are the 5 main types of private insurance? ›Types of Health Insurance Plans: HMO, PPO, HSA, Fee for Service, POS.
What is the oldest insurance company still in business? ›1710 Charles Povey formed the Sun, the oldest insurance company in existence which still conducts business in its own name. It is the forerunner of the Royal & Sun Alliance Group.
What is the world's largest insurance program? ›1. UnitedHealth Group. UnitedHealthcare, part of UnitedHealth Group, is the largest health insurance company by total membership. UnitedHealthcare offers a variety of products from individual health insurance to full employer benefit plans for some of the biggest corporations.
Who is the oldest largest insurance provider? ›- Federal Crop Insurance. Year: 1938. ...
- Hand in Hand Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Ltd. ...
- Franklin Health Assurance Company. Year: 1850. ...
- Charleston Insurance Company. Year: 1776. ...
- Equitable Life Assurance Society. ...
- Presbyterian Ministers' Fund. ...
- Philadelphia Contributionship. ...
- Hamburger Feuerkasse.
What is the workers compensation Act in Georgia? ›
The Workers' Compensation Act defines the responsibility of the employer to provide prompt medical and disability benefits for injuries sustained on the job by workers, resulting in partial or total incapacity or death. In return, the employer is shielded from tort liability for these injuries.
What is the minimum payroll for workers comp officers in Georgia? ›Officers and LLC Members who are not excluded from coverage must utilize a minimum payroll of $54,600 and a maximum payroll of $218,400 for the purpose of rating premium.
What percentage does workers comp pay in Georgia? ›Workers' Compensation in Georgia Pays Two-Thirds
There is a limit to the amount of money you can receive through workers' comp. If you are unable to work because of your injuries for at least seven days, workers' comp should provide two-thirds of the weekly wage you were making before your accident.
Unfortunately, the answer is not always yes. As the saying goes, “it takes two to tango.” If the insurance company isn't willing to offer a lump sum settlement, then no cash settlement may be available. In certain cases, though, workers' compensation claimants can get a lump sum settlement.
Do you need workers comp for contractors in Georgia? ›You might be surprised to learn that under Georgia law, independent contractors aren't eligible for workers' compensation. To be eligible for workers' compensation in Georgia, a person must be an employee or a statutory employee.
What is the workers comp rate for 2022 in Georgia? ›Georgia House Bill 1409 will become effective on July 1, 2022 and will implement the following changes to the Georgia Workers' Compensation Act: The maximum TTD and PPD rates will increase to $725.00 per week. The maximum TPD rate will increase to $483.00 per week.
What state has the highest workers comp rates? ›The highest workers' comp rates by state jurisdiction are:
Alaska: $1.74. Hawaii: $1.69. Montana: $1.64. South Carolina: $1.55.
Code 8742 - Salespersons or Messengers - Outside. Code 8810 - Clerical Office Employees.
What is the max workers compensation benefits in Georgia? ›These benefits pay two-thirds of your average weekly wage prior to your accident and are subject to a 400-week maximum.
What is the waiting period for work comp in Georgia? ›What Is the Georgia Workers' Compensation Waiting Period? Georgia has a seven day waiting period. This means that you will not receive benefits during the first week you miss work. You are entitled to weekly income benefits and the check should be mailed to you within 21 days after the first day you missed work.
How long do you have to file a workers comp claim in Georgia? ›
You have 1 year from the date of the reported injury to file a claim with SBWC.
What happens if you quit your job while on workers comp in Georgia? ›If you quit while collecting workers comp, there's a good chance you'll lose your medical coverage. You'll also lose your replacement wages. Even if you have a guaranteed salary at your new job, they certainly aren't going to cover your medical care from a workplace injury at your old job.
Can I lose my job due to an injury? ›An injury on the job and the stress of not being able to work can be devastating and may leave you wondering, "Can you get fired after being injured at work?" While specific state laws and circumstances can vary, in general, your job is protected and you cannot be fired due to the injury.
How long do you have to report an injury in Georgia? ›Workers' compensation laws in Georgia require injured workers to provide their employers with prompt notice of work injuries. The statute says that if you sustain a workplace injury, you must report that injury to your employer within 30 days.