Workers' Compensation Insurance in Georgia
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Georgia's laws concerning workers' compensation insurance are structured to protect employees and employers alike. Understanding these laws and regulations helps business owners maintain a safe, compliant workplace that supports injured workers by covering their medical expenses and weekly wages.
Georgia workers' compensation requirements state that when a business has three or more regular employees, it must provide workers' compensation coverage. The state considers full-time, seasonal, and part-time employees when determining if businesses need coverage, but this rule has some exceptions. For instance, certain worker categories, including farm laborers, domestic servants, and independent contractors, aren't subject to mandatory coverage.
Despite these exceptions, business owners employing fewer than three employees may still purchase workers' compensation coverage to be safe. A voluntary policy providing workers' compensation benefits extends workforce protection and reduces the potential for future liabilities when accidents or illnesses arise from working for your business.
Employers who meet the coverage threshold in Georgia must purchase workers' compensation coverage by state mandate. These plans must cover medical treatment and rehabilitation support for injured workers and medical expenses related to the workplace injury. They must maintain their weekly wage on top of medical costs. Employers should also provide death benefits and cover burial expenses should the work-related injury or illness lead to an employee's death.
Employers must post a notice in a highly visible space within their facilities that informs employees about their workers' compensation coverage and what to do if a work-related injury or illness occurs. Prompt reporting of workplace injuries to insurance carriers and the State Board of Workers' Compensation ensures efficient, transparent handling of workers' compensation insurance claims.
Employees invoke their workers' compensation coverage when they report a work-related injury or illness to their employers. They have 30 days after the incident occurs to file a claim, and following the report, they're entitled to choose from a six-doctor panel their employers offer for medical treatment. In the case of emergencies, employees may consult any doctor about the issue.
Georgia's workers' compensation requirements ensure employers provide support to employees during recovery. If they're temporarily unable to work, compensation policies typically provide Temporary Total Disability benefits that give employees two-thirds of their average weekly wage, with maximum caps determined by the state. Employees returning to work at reduced capacity usually get Temporary Partial Disability benefits that cover two-thirds of their wage difference.
Employees with permanent disabilities typically receive Permanent Partial Disability benefits that the insurance carrier calculates based on how severe the issue is and the disability type. When employees suffer a fatal work-related injury, the compensation policy provides their dependents with death benefits, including portions of lost wages and funeral expense coverage.
Even though the cost of workers' compensation may cut into business owners' bottom lines, having this coverage proves essential for several key reasons. It ensures you comply with Georgia state laws, so you avoid penalties and legal problems. Next, it provides financial protection by shielding employers from liabilities associated with workplace injuries and illnesses. For employees, workers' compensation insurance guarantees them access to medical treatment and protects their weekly wages — all while fostering a safe, supportive work environment.
Workers' compensation costs vary for Georgia business owners. Industries and job classifications with higher risks for work-related injuries, such as construction and manufacturing, typically pay more for insurance premiums than those with lower-risk ratings. Total payrolls also influence costs, with a larger workforce meaning higher premiums. The company's claim history also plays a large role in costs, so companies with numerous past claims usually pay more for coverage.
Whether your business has a high- or low-risk rating, shopping around for workers' compensation insurance helps you get the best deals for the plan you need. Other ways to lower premiums include finding insurance carriers that deal specifically with your industry and understand its unique needs, implementing workplace safety programs and improving your claims history.
With Tivly, you can find workers' compensation insurance in Georgia that meets state requirements and shelters you and your employees. We partner with top-notch commercial insurance carriers that provide excellent workers' compensation coverage that keeps you in legal compliance and improves employee morale because they know they're covered should the unthinkable occur.
Ensure your business has adequate workers' compensation insurance today by contacting us to schedule a free consultation. Our experts help you sort through insurance carriers to find the right match, guide you through the sign-up process and ensure you get the best rates.
Reviewed By: Andrea McKinney, MBA, Licensed Agent