2015 Changes to Georgia Workers’ Compensation

Under House Bill 412 signed into law by Governor Deal – there are certain significant changes to our workers’ compensation system effective July 1, 2015 which include the following:

1) The maximum weekly benefit amounts have been increased. The maximum temporary total disability rate for injuries on or after July 1st, 2015 will be increased from $525.00 to $550.00. The maximum rate for temporary partial disability will be increased from $350.00 to $367.00.

2) The new law increased the maximum amount for a sole surviving spouse in a death claim from $150,000.00 to $220,000.00 for injuries occurring on or after July 1, 2015.

3) The prepayment for a claimant’s one time IME or second opinion has increased from $600.0o to $1,200.00.  This is significant because prior to July 1st, many doctors would not accept the $600.00 prepayment.  Now, there are more doctors available to perform workers’ compensation second opinions.

Please contact the Law Offices of Laura Lanzisera to discuss these changes and how they may affect your Georgia workers’ compensation claim.