No, you cannot get pain and suffering with workers’ compensation in Georgia. Workers’ compensation is a limited liability, no-fault insurance coverage. It covers employees for work-related injuries and provides compensation for specific types of damages – up to certain limits – irrespective of who was at fault for the accident. However, pain and suffering damages are not awarded with workers’ compensation payouts.
Depending on the nature of your case, you may be able to file a separate personal injury claim for pain and suffering damages against a negligent, reckless, or careless at-fault party that harmed you in an accident. However, such a claim would be separate from your workers’ compensation claim.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Workers’ compensation can be used to cover medical treatment costs for work-related injuries, as well as for lost income or an inability to work, up to certain limits. The duration for which an injured worker can claim these benefits varies depending on the severity of his or her injuries.
Typically, Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC) provides injured workers with two-thirds of their normal pay, with a maximum limit of $675 per week. This payment lasts for the duration of the time the employee cannot work. Permanent injuries, such as the loss of an appendage or damage to hearing or vision, can factor into the length of time an employee may receive benefits.
Cases Involving Death
Furthermore, in cases involving the death of a loved one, qualifying dependents can claim the same benefits that the deceased worker would have been entitled to if he or she suffered a non-fatal injury, but only up to the $675 weekly limit.
These benefits continue for 400 weeks, at which point the beneficiaries may have received the maximum compensation they are entitled to of $270,000. Again, these weekly benefits do not include and will not include payments for pain or suffering.
Pursuing Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case
If a third party caused your workplace accident due to their negligent acts, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim or lawsuit against them. For example, say you were driving a van for a delivery company. If another driver ran a red light and struck your vehicle, injuring you, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against them.
In a personal injury claim, accident victims may be able to recover:
- Pain and suffering
- Current and future medical care costs
- Lost wages and reduced earning capability
- Other non-economic damages
Parties That Could be Responsible in a Third-Party Claim
We can help you understand what third parties could be deemed liable in your case. However, you may be able to pursue a claim or lawsuit against a negligent:
- Vehicle driver
- General contractor or subcontractor
- Vehicle or parts manufacturer
- Equipment manufacturer
- Cargo loading company
- And other parties
There is a Limited Amount of Time to File a Lawsuit in Georgia
If you are eligible to pursue a personal injury case against a third party, keep in mind that you don’t have unlimited time to take legal action. Per O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33, you have generally only two years to file suit after an accident.
If you contact us in time, we can ensure that your case is on track to meet this important deadline. We can also work to gather important evidence that may only be available in the immediate aftermath of your case.
Representation at No Upfront Cost to You
We understand that you may not be sure if seeking legal representation makes financial sense for your case. However, we want to take those concerns off your mind.
We may be able to take your case on a contingency-fee basis with no upfront payments required. This means that you don’t owe us any of the following:
- Hourly rates
- Retainers
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Hidden fees
When we work based on contingency, we only receive payment out of a settlement or award we win for you. We hope that this lowers the financial risk of seeking legal help.
Types of Workplace Injuries
Workers can suffer a wide range of injuries and losses during routine work. From long-term, chronic illnesses such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, and back pain from working at a desk to slips and falls, electrocutions, or machine accidents, workplaces can be dangerous.
Common injuries suffered by workers, either at a designated workplace or while performing work duties elsewhere, include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Back, neck, and spinal cord injuries
- Burns, chemical exposure, and respiratory illnesses
- Lacerations, contusions, and amputations
- Internal organ damage
- Broken or fractured bones
- Nerve, muscle, soft tissue, or ligament damage
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falling, being hit by an object, being electrocuted, and getting caught in or between objects are the four leading causes of workplace deaths. Hundreds of thousands of non-fatal injuries also occur at workplaces across the country from similar causes. Many of these accidents may be covered, at least in part, by workers’ compensation policies.
Bader Law Injury Lawyers Can Help You
Bader Law Injury Lawyers represents clients in both workers’ compensation cases and personal injury cases in the Atlanta area. If you were injured on the job, we may be able to help you file for workers’ compensation benefits or appeal a denial of benefits. We can also evaluate your accident to determine if there may be a liable third party for you to pursue for pain and suffering damages in a personal injury lawsuit.
Our firm can handle all deadlines, legal work, and communications when we represent you. To learn more about whether or not you can get pain and suffering or workers’ compensation for your injuries, please contact a representative of Bader Law Injury Lawyers today at (404) 888-8888.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
