Can I Still Receive Workers Compensation Benefits If I Start Working for a New Employer After a Georgia Worker's Compensation Injury?

Today I received a call from someone who had been hurt on the job and was looking at working elsewhere. They wanted to know if they left the job or were fired from where they were hurt, whether they would lose their rights to receive Georgia Workers Compensation benefits.

That is a fairly common question. Many folks think they are only entitled to Georgia Workers Comp benefits while they are still working for the company where they were originally injured. Sort of Like Health Insurance expiring when you start working for a new employer.

Whether you are fired or quit, the original employer remains fully liable for medical care and lost wages brought about from the original job injury. Starting to work elsewhere can bring on issues you may be able to avoid if you simply stay with the original employer. This is a fairly fact-specific analysis and I encourage you to discuss your particular facts with a lawyer before you start working elsewhere. But, if you do work elsewhere, the original employer remains liable to you under Georgia Law for your income benefits and medical benefits brought about or exacerbated by your Georgia Job Injury.

Russell Keener at Keenerlaw.com is happy to discuss your particular facts at no charge for an original consultation.

Your work restrictions and employment situation have a tremendous effect on the value of your Georgia Workers Compensation Claim. You are entitled to the best settlement possible for your GA Work Comp case. We understand how much your claim is worth and want to make sure you understand what your case is worth. Protect your future and your family's financial future, talk with a lawyer about the specific facts of your Georgia Workers Compensation case.

When Will I Get My Money for My Georgia Workers Compensation Settlement?

Whenever I settle one of my client's cases, I normally am asked "how long will it take before I get my money?".

Well, my experience is this: After we agree on a settlement amount a lawyer for the employer/insurance company will propose a settlement draft and sent it to me (either email or snail-mail). I will look it over, make changes if necessary and go over it with my client. This process normally takes 7 to 10 days.

After the client signs the paperwork it is remitted back to opposing counsel who forwards it to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for review. At that point, the stipulated settlement agreement is reviewed by the board and signed by an administrative law judge. I would estimate that about 99% of the stipulations that come through my office get approved without any further intervention from the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation.

The Keener Law Firm has been specializing in Georgia Workers Compensation cases in the state for nearly 20 years and is proud to have developed a fantastic reputation with the Georgia Board of Workers Compensation. Virtually all of the stipulated settlements that go through my office are approved without comment.

The approval process at the GA Board of Workers Comp takes approximately 10 to 14 days. You are entitled to continue to receive your TTD or TPD benefits up until the time the Administrative Law Judge signs your Georgia Workers Comp settlement documents. After that, your income benefits will stop.

After the judge signs your settlement agreement the employer/insurer has 21 days to get you the money or incur a 20% penalty. But, because of the penalty, most employer/insurers will pay the claim promptly. The entire process normally takes 4 to 6 weeks from signature for you to get your money.

Sometimes the Georgia Workers Compensation judge will approve the settlement in the middle of a pay period. Since the employer/insurer's exposure stops when the judge signs the settlement documents, your weekly income check will be adjusted up or down to make up for the judge signing in the middle of the week. This is normal and nothing to get upset about. If you have any more questions about your Georgia Workers Compensation Settlement, call a lawyer who knows about such things. I do not charge for an initial consultation. KeenerLaw.com 770-955-3000.