A serious work injury can change how you work and earn a living. When an injury causes lasting limitations, Georgia workers’ compensation offers benefits that replace income and cover ongoing medical care.
How state law defines permanent disability
Georgia workers’ compensation treats an injury as permanent when a doctor confirms your condition will not improve with additional treatment. This determination usually occurs after you reach maximum medical improvement. Permanent disability does not require a complete inability to work.
Once you reach this stage, a doctor assigns a permanent impairment rating. That rating measures the lasting impact of the injury and directly affects the type and length of benefits available.
Permanent partial disability benefits
Permanent partial disability benefits apply when you can still work but with lasting restrictions or reduced function. State law uses a statutory schedule that assigns a maximum number of benefit weeks to specific body parts.
The impairment rating determines how many of those weeks you receive benefits. Weekly payments equal two‑thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to the state maximum. These benefits compensate for reduced earning capacity rather than discomfort.
Income benefits for severe or catastrophic injuries
Some work injuries qualify as catastrophic under the law, such as paralysis, severe brain injuries, or the loss of multiple limbs. These injuries remove the standard 400‑week limit on total disability income benefits.
When an injury meets this standard, weekly income benefits may continue for life as long as disability persists. The payment rate remains two‑thirds of your average weekly wage, within statutory limits.
Medical care and additional support
Workers’ compensation continues to cover authorized medical treatment related to the injury. Coverage includes doctor visits, prescriptions, therapy, and assistive equipment. Mileage reimbursement for approved medical travel may also apply.
How these benefits work together
Permanent workers’ comp and disability benefits focus on income replacement and ongoing medical support. Understanding these categories clarifies what workers’ compensation may provide after a permanent work injury.