How Much is My Amputated Arm Worth in Georgia Workers Compensation?

When I evaluate a case for settlement the actual "value" of a lost body part is only a small part of the total value of the claim. The key questions have to do with your future employment history and what your medical providers tell me we can expect in the future for your case. But, one factor in determining the value of the claim is the value of what is called permanent partial disability (PPD for short). Many body parts have been assigned a weekly value rating. A leg is worth more than a hand, a hand is worth more than a toe, an arm is worth more than a foot and the whole body is worth most of all. In Georgia, by law, a leg is wroth 225 weeks of your weekly benefit check. A Foot is worth 135 weeks, a Great Toe is worth 30 weeks an ear is worth 75 weeks, etc. etc. The imbalance comes in when there is a difference in earning capacity. 100 weeks of someone who has a weekly benefit of $500 is $50,000 and 100 weeks of someone who has a weekly benefit of $85 is only $8,500. Same body part, same injury, just two different folks making different amounts of income. Doesn't sound fair does it? I mean, first of all, nobody is going to want to give up ANY body part for any amount of money. But, when the body part is lost, this is how the PPD calculation is done. High income earners simply have a more valuable case than low income earners because the exposure of the employer/insurer is higher. Not fair, but that's the way the law is written in Georgia.

But, again, the PPD value is only a small portion of the value of your claim. DO NOT allow the insurance company to low-ball you and only pay you the PPD value for your claim. Call an experienced attorney (view video) to help you evaluate the proper settlement value for your claim. Whether you call it workers compensation, workman's compensation, workers comp or work comp, protect your rights and get advice that will help you get the FULL value of your claim.

More Info - After Settlement, How Long Do I Have to Wait To Get My Money?

Most Georgia Workers Compensation claims settle. Settlement is voluntary. There are various ways to evaluate and settle a Georgia Worker's Compensation case discussed elsewhere in this Blog. Suffice it to say that no workers' compensation case in Georgia ever settled without the agreement of all parties. Frequently, after a case is settled, I get a question like this: "How long does it take for my workers compensation money to come through after we agree to settle?" (VIEW VIDEO) That's a great question. Generally the procedure works like this. After a value is reachd, a settlement or stipulation needs to be drafted and signed by the injured worker. After that it goes to the Georgia State Board of Workers Compensation for review and approval. That generally takes about two weeks (14 days) or so. During that time you still receive your Temporary Total Disability benefits (your weekly check). However, once the judge approves the workers' compensation settlement, it's a done deal. Then, you should get your money in less than three weeks or there is a penalty imposed on the employer/insurer. My experience is, that your money usually arrives in about 10 to 14 days after the settlement is approved by the judge. Evaluating and settling workers compensation claims in Georgia is an art. The employer/insurer will never tell you or pay you the full value of your claim. It takes someone with years of experience dealing in Workers Comp cases in Georgia to know what they are worth. If you have been injured on the job, seek help with your settlement with an attorney who has experience.