October 10, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- When you are injured on the job, or develop a work-related illness, workers' compensation is there to help you while you are recovering. Workers' compensation benefits cover medical bills and pay you partial wage replacement on a no fault basis, meaning that even if your injury was your own fault, you are still entitled to benefits.

In Georgia, several important changes to the workers' compensation laws took effect in the summer of 2013. If you were injured on the job, a basic overview of these changes can help you understand more about what you may be entitled to in your claim.

Increase in maximum weekly benefits for injured workers

The good news is that injured workers are getting a "raise" in terms of their weekly benefits. For injuries suffered after July 1, 2013, maximum weekly benefits for temporary total disability are being raised to $525, a five percent increase over the previous maximum of $500. Your benefit check for temporary total disability will be two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to a maximum of $525 per week, and you can receive these benefits for up to 400 weeks from the date of accident -- a little over seven and a half years.

Temporary partial disability benefits went up as well, to a maximum of $350 per week from the former maximum of $334 per week. If you go back to work but are restricted to a lighter duty, lower paying position due to your workplace injury, you can receive temporary partial disability benefits in the amount of two thirds of the difference between your former, higher wage, and your new, lower wage, up to the new maximum of $350 per week. Temporary partial disability benefits can last for up to 350 weeks from the date of accident.

While the increase to maximum weekly benefits may seem modest, over a long period of time an increase of a few dollars a week can add up substantially. This is the first time workers' comp benefits in Georgia have increased since 2007.

The new workers' comp law that went into effect July 1 included several other provisions, including one that cuts off your injury related medical care at 400 weeks from the date of the injury except for "catastrophic" injuries. Other provisions include a reduction on the interest the injured employee must pay on lump-sum workers' compensation payments, and a change to ensure reimbursement of mileage is paid no later than 15 days from the time the workers' comp insurer or the employer is given notice of the mileage charges.

Discuss your workers' comp claim with a Georgia attorney

If you've been injured on the job in Georgia, the new changes to the law could affect you. Keep an eye on a trusted workers' comp attorney's website for more detailed updates, and get in touch with an attorney if you are being denied workers' comp benefits, if you are being offered less than you feel you should be, or if you have any other problems navigating the workers' compensation process.

Article provided by The Barnett Law Firm Visit us at www.barnett-complaw.com