Workers' Compensation: Georgia

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Nicole Farley, Fisher Phillips.

Summary

• All Georgia employers that are subject to the Georgia Workers' Compensation Act are required to post specific notices in the workplace. See Notice Requirements.
• Georgia requires most employers to obtain workers' compensation insurance, with minor exceptions. See Covered Employers.
• The protection of unemployment insurance extends to many employees, with the most common exception applying to independent contractors. See Covered Employees.
• If an employee is properly covered by workers' compensation insurance, he or she must be able to demonstrate an injury that qualifies for benefits. See Compensable Injuries.
• Georgia law requires both covered employers and covered employees with compensable injuries to comply with various claims procedures. See Claims Procedure.
• In some situations, employers may choose to object to an employee's claim for workers' compensation benefits. In that event, the employer can make several different arguments to the state workers' compensation board. See Employer Defenses to Workers' Compensation Claims.
• If a dispute arises between employer and employee regarding workers' compensation benefits, the aggrieved party must also comply with claims procedures. See Administrative Hearings and Court Procedures.
• If a covered employee can demonstrate a compensable injury and the employer chooses not to object, the employer or its workers' compensation insurance carrier may be obligated to provide certain medical benefits. See Medical Benefits and Communication with Healthcare Providers.
• In addition to funds for medical care to address compensable injuries, workers' compensation insurance provides for other benefits. See Other Benefits.
• The Georgia Workers' Compensation Act provides guidance to insurers and employers insofar as how to calculate benefits. See Calculating Benefits.