How Long Can You Stay on Workers’ Compensation?

If you are injured on the job, you may wonder how long can you stay on workers’ compensation. The answer depends on the severity of your injury, the type of benefits you receive, and how your medical condition changes over time.

At Smith Hulsey Law, our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys guide injured workers through every stage of a claim. We are lawyers of the people, focused on fairness, community, and helping Georgia workers stay financially secure while recovering.

Know the Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits and Their Duration

In Georgia, several types of benefits exist, each with its own timeline. Temporary Total Disability (TTD) applies to workers who cannot perform any job duties while recovering. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) applies to those who can work part-time or at reduced pay. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) applies to workers who reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) but continue to have lasting impairments. Identifying the applicable category is essential to understanding how long a Georgia workers’ compensation claim could last.

Most injured workers receive TTD benefits equal to two-thirds of their average weekly wage. These payments could continue for up to 400 weeks from the date of the injury. If the injury is deemed catastrophic, such as a severe brain injury, spinal cord damage, or loss of multiple limbs, benefits could last for a lifetime.

However, if you return to work but earn less than before, you may qualify for TPD benefits. These payments equal two-thirds of the difference between prior and current wages and could last for a maximum of 350 weeks.

Once your doctor determines that you have reached MMI, you may receive PPD benefits based on the body part affected and the percentage of impairment. The number of weeks is set by Georgia’s schedule of disabilities under Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 34-9-263. For example, loss of a hand equals 160 weeks, while loss of vision in one eye equals 150 weeks. The duration of Georgia workers’ compensation benefits varies widely, and every injury leads to a different recovery path.

How Do You Know When Benefits May Stop?

Even if you have not reached the maximum number of weeks, benefits can end early if:

• Your doctor releases you to full-duty work
• You return to work and earn your pre-injury wage
• You reach maximum medical improvement and are not entitled to further benefits
• The insurer requests a hearing and proves that your condition has improved

Insurance companies often attempt to stop payments too soon. At Smith Hulsey Law, attorneys could review medical evidence, challenge premature terminations, and work to keep benefits in place when ongoing treatment remains necessary.

How Can a Lawyer Help Protect Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

Many workers ask, “What happens if my benefits are cut off early?” A workers’ compensation lawyer could request hearings, gather updated medical reports, and present the case before the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Legal counsel could also work to ensure that rights remain protected and that insurers follow all required procedures before ending payments.

Our firm believes in community-driven advocacy. We are proud to be part of North Georgia’s workforce, standing with clients through months (or even years) of recovery.

Talk to Our Team About How Long You Can Stay on Workers’ Compensation

So, how long you can you stay on workers’ compensation in Georgia? That depends on your medical condition and the type of benefits you receive. Have questions about your benefits? Contact us at Smith Hulsey Law today to learn how we can help you with your claim.