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Georgia Workers' Compensation Laws

Georgia's workers' compensation system covers employers with 3 or more employees and provides medical benefits and wage replacement to injured workers regardless of fault. Benefits for non-catastrophic injuries are limited to 400 weeks (approximately 7.7 years). Catastrophic injuries receive lifetime benefits. The employer/insurer selects the treating physician from a posted panel of at least 6 providers. Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy — injured workers generally cannot sue their employer in tort.

Last verified: 2026-02-25

Statute of Limitations

Notice within 30 days; claim within 1 yearO.C.G.A. §§ 34-9-80, 34-9-82

You must give oral or written notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury. A formal claim must be filed with the State Board of Workers' Compensation within 1 year of the injury. If benefits have been paid, the deadline extends to 1 year from last medical treatment or 2 years from last income benefit payment.

Filing Requirements

Report to EmployerO.C.G.A. § 34-9-80

Give oral or written notice to your employer within 30 days of the injury.

File ClaimO.C.G.A. § 34-9-82

File a claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers' Compensation within 1 year of the injury. No filing fee for workers' compensation claims.

Key Georgia Statutes

Employer Coverage (3+ Employees)O.C.G.A. § 34-9-2

Any employer with 3 or more employees (full-time, part-time, or seasonal) must carry workers' compensation insurance.

Wage Replacement Benefits (TTD)O.C.G.A. § 34-9-261

Temporary total disability benefits pay 2/3 of average weekly wage, maximum $800/week, minimum $50/week. Payable for up to 400 weeks from date of injury for non-catastrophic injuries.

Catastrophic Injury (Lifetime Benefits)O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200.1

Catastrophic injuries receive lifetime income and medical benefits with no 400-week cap. Defined as: spinal cord injury with severe paralysis, amputation, severe brain injury, burns over 25% of the body, total blindness, or any injury preventing the employee from performing any available work.

Employer Panel (Treating Physician)O.C.G.A. § 34-9-201

The employer/insurer selects the treating physician from a posted panel of at least 6 providers. The injured worker chooses from that panel.

Exclusive RemedyO.C.G.A. § 34-9-11

Workers' compensation is the exclusive remedy for workplace injuries. Employees generally cannot sue their employer in tort. Exception: third-party claims against non-employers are permitted.

Official Sources

Not Legal Advice

This page summarizes publicly available statutes and rules for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created by viewing this content. Laws change — always verify with the primary source or consult a licensed attorney in Georgia.

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