A workplace injury can impact your daily routine and finances. However, an injury can also have a catastrophic effect on your life and that of your family.
Understanding what constitutes a catastrophic and a non-catastrophic injury at your Georgia workplace can ensure that you and your family receive the compensation you deserve.
What constitutes a catastrophic injury?
A catastrophic injury can permanently alter your life and lead to ongoing medical care, pain and suffering, loss of body function, an inability to work, and other drastic life changes. Catastrophic injuries may cause:
- Dismemberment
- Disfigurement
- Paralysis
- Blindness
- Deafness
- Loss of cognitive function
Georgia laws provide temporary total disability benefits when a catastrophic injury prevents you from working. In addition, if you can only perform a lower-paying job until resuming your previous position, you may receive temporary partial disability benefits. However, your medical prognosis may qualify you for permanent partial disability benefits.
Spouses and children of Georgia workers who die due to catastrophic workplace accidents may receive compensation for funeral expenses and a portion of the deceased’s wages for a specific period.
What constitutes a non-catastrophic injury?
Non-catastrophic injuries can be temporarily debilitating, but recovery is foreseeable. They may leave you unable to return to work until you recover but will not permanently impact your life quality. Examples of non-catastrophic workplace injuries are:
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Minor burns
- Sprains and strains
- Concussions
Workers’ compensation benefits may cover medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost wages until injured workers return to their jobs. Benefits may also make up for restrictive work schedules as individuals ease back into their roles.
Whether your workplace injury has catastrophic or non-catastrophic consequences, the law provides specific protections for you and your family.