Misconceptions abound regarding workers’ compensation benefits. Some workers may suspect that they do not qualify for benefits, so they do not apply for them. Others just assume that once they qualify for these benefits that pay for medical treatment, rehabilitation and loss of income, their employers foot the bill.
That is not the case. Who does then? It is the employer’s insurance company. It is a common misconception that employers pay workers’ compensation benefits.
Insurance carriers, not employers provide
Employers in most states, including Georgia, must provide coverage for workers’ compensation insurance in case an injury befalls an employee. The insurance represents a safety net for them and their workers. To accomplish this, employers partner with insurance companies that provide the coverage, or the employers maintain a self-funded reserve fund managed by a third party. The rules are the same in both instances but a skilled workers’ comp attorney can explain any applicable nuances.
If a worker sustains an on-the-job injury, he or she must report the incident and submit a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. But they must understand that the employers do not pay those much-needed benefits. The employer’s insurer does this by providing periodic or lump-sum payments to the employees.
In Georgia, injured workers receive two-thirds of their average weekly wage in workers’ compensation benefits. However, that amount cannot be more than $675 per week for incidents that took place on or after July 1, 2019. Workers may receive these benefits for up to 400 weeks.
Report, seek and get those benefits
A workplace injury can set you and your family back financially. That is why it is important to understand that workers’ compensation benefits are available. Promptly report your injury and seek workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer works with an insurance company to ensure those benefits, which are provided by the insurer.
