Catastrophic Injury Benefits for Georgia Workers
A catastrophic workplace injury can permanently affect an employee’s health, independence and ability to earn a living. Under Georgia workers’ compensation law, certain serious injuries may qualify for a catastrophic designation and additional benefits.
Attorney Luanne Bryant Smith and the team at Dell Law Firm, represent injured workers throughout Central Georgia, including communities within and surrounding the greater Greensboro, Lake Oconee and Lake Sinclair areas. We help clients understand the benefits available and navigate the process of pursuing a catastrophic designation.
What Qualifies as a Catastrophic Injury?
“Catastrophic” has a specific meaning under Georgia workers’ compensation law. Injuries that may qualify include:
- Certain spinal cord injuries involving severe paralysis
- Amputation of a foot, leg, arm or hand
- Severe brain or closed-head injuries
- Serious burns meeting statutory requirements
- Total or industrial blindness
- Other injuries severe enough to prevent the employee from performing prior work or other available work for which the employee is qualified
An injury is not automatically classified as catastrophic simply because it is serious or life-changing. Medical evidence, the employee’s ability to work and the specific facts of the claim must be evaluated.
Why Does the Catastrophic Designation Matter?
A catastrophic designation may affect the duration and types of workers’ compensation benefits available. Depending on the circumstances, an injured employee may qualify for:
- Ongoing authorized medical treatment
- Weekly income benefits without the standard 400-week limitation
- Medical and vocational rehabilitation
- Assistance returning to suitable employment when possible
These benefits are governed by Georgia workers’ compensation law and are different from damages available in a personal injury lawsuit. Workers’ compensation generally focuses on authorized medical care, income benefits and rehabilitation rather than pain and suffering or the total value of every loss.
Get Help With a Catastrophic Injury Claim
Catastrophic claims often involve extensive medical records, questions about an employee’s ability to work and disagreements over whether the injury satisfies Georgia’s legal requirements.
Dell Law Firm can gather the necessary documentation, work with medical and vocational professionals, and advocate for the benefits available under Georgia law.
Call our Greensboro office at 706-453-4800 or use our online contact form to schedule a consultation.