How Long Do You Have to Work Before Workers’ Compensation Benefits Kick In?

If you recently started a new job in Decatur and are injured at work, you may wonder whether you have worked long enough to qualify for Georgia workers’ compensation benefits. This can be especially concerning if you are injured during your first few days or weeks on the job in Decatur and have barely received a paycheck.

Fortunately, Decatur workers typically do not have to work for an employer for a certain number of weeks or months before workers’ compensation coverage begins. In fact, workers’ compensation coverage can begin on the first day of employment. Here is what you need to know.

You Can Be Covered From Your First Day on the Job

According to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation, Decatur workers can be covered by workers’ compensation beginning on their first day on the job. This means that being a new employee does not, by itself, prevent you from pursuing workers’ compensation benefits for a qualifying workplace injury.

For example, suppose you recently started working at a warehouse in Decatur and injure your back lifting merchandise during your first week. Or perhaps you suffer a serious fall while learning your responsibilities at a new job. You do not necessarily have to wait until you have worked for the company for 30, 60, or 90 days before workers’ compensation coverage applies.

What Benefits May Be Available Under Georgia Workers’ Comp Laws?

Georgia workers’ compensation can provide several types of benefits after a qualifying workplace injury, depending on the circumstances. An injured employee in Decatur may be entitled to authorized medical treatment for the work-related injury. If the injury keeps the employee from working, weekly income benefits may also become available, subject to Georgia’s requirements concerning the length of the disability.

New employees may understandably wonder how lost-wage benefits can be calculated when they have not worked for the employer very long. Georgia workers’ compensation law provides methods for calculating an employee’s average weekly wage when the employee does not have a lengthy wage history with the employer. In other words, having just started the job does not necessarily mean that an injured worker cannot receive meaningful benefits.

Do Not Wait to Report a Workplace Injury

Although you do not have to work for an employer for weeks or months before workers’ compensation coverage can begin, there are still important requirements for bringing a claim.

Georgia workers typically must report a workplace injury to their employer within 30 days. Promptly reporting an accident can also help document when and how the injury occurred.

A Decatur Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You

Starting a new job should not mean giving up workers’ compensation protections. If you were injured shortly after beginning a job in Decatur, an experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyer can evaluate your accident, explain the benefits that may be available, and help you pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

The experienced Decatur workers’ compensation lawyers at the O’Connell Law Firm fight for injured Decatur workers. Contact the O’Connell Law Firm today and speak with a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

/sbwc.georgia.gov/frequently-asked-questions/workers-compensation-law-faqs