Rogers Hofrichter & Karrh LLC

Call Now: 770-884-6705

Rogers Hofrichter & Karrh LLC
EMAIL
CALL

Defending And Empowering The Disabled Since 1993

Navigating Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits With You

Let’s say that you suffer an injury or illness on the job. You can no longer work, so you lose your source of income. Your medical bills are piling up and show no sign of stopping. You are preparing to file a workers’ compensation claim, and you are wondering what types of benefits are available.

We can help you understand the benefits to which you are entitled. We are Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, a workers’ compensation and disability law firm serving greater Atlanta. Since 1993, our workers’ compensation attorneys have helped injured workers maximize their benefits so they can continue with their lives.

What Benefits Are Available?

In the early 1900s, states across the U.S. began passing laws to ensure that workers injured in the course of their jobs received compensation. Today, every state has some form of workers’ compensation legislation. In Georgia, workers’ compensation offers the following benefits:

  • Necessary medical treatment
  • Ambulance costs
  • Hospitalization and emergency room fees
  • Prescription medications
  • Physical rehabilitation
  • Therapeutic equipment
  • Vocational training

If you lost a loved one in a workplace accident, you may also receive survivor death benefits to cover burial costs, lost wages and more.

Factors That Influence Settlement Amounts

Workers’ compensation settlement amounts depend on various factors, including:

  • Severity and permanence of the injury: Severe or permanent injuries typically result in higher settlements.
  • Extent of medical expenses: High medical costs, including ongoing treatment, can raise the settlement amount.
  • Lost earning capacity: If an injury affects future earning potential, settlements may be higher to account for reduced income.
  • Georgia’s workers’ compensation regulations: Georgia’s rules on compensation directly influence your benefits, making sure you get fair coverage for work-related injuries.

These factors help determine a settlement that reflects the full impact of your injury and supports recovery.

Pros And Cons Of Lump Sum Vs. Structured Settlement

A lump sum provides the total amount upfront. Examples of the specific benefits of a lump sum settlement include:

  • Immediate access to funds for urgent expenses
  • Flexibility to allocate funds as you choose.
  • Potential for investment, which can grow the settlement over time with careful management

Lump sum settlements may also present some drawbacks such as the following:

  • Risk of spending the settlement quickly, leaving no financial safety net
  • You receive no future payments once the funds are exhausted

In contrast, a structured settlement delivers payments over time, which can offer more stability for long-term expenses. Advantages of a structured settlement may include:

  • Steady income stream, providing financial security over time
  • Reduced risk of quickly depleting the funds
  • Better budgeting for ongoing expenses, particularly for extended medical or living costs

Drawbacks of a structured settlement may include:

  • Limited flexibility, as payments are received in installments rather than upfront
  • Less immediate control over how and when you access the full settlement

Deciding between these options comes down to balancing your current financial needs with your long-term goals and stability.

Average Settlement Ranges For Common Injuries

Below is an overview of typical settlement amounts for common workplace injuries under Georgia’s workers’ compensation system:

  • Back injuries: $20,000 – $100,000 (depends on severity and surgery)
  • Knee injuries: $10,000 – $50,000 (higher with surgery)
  • Shoulder injuries: $25,000 – $75,000 (particularly with range-of-motion issues)
  • Traumatic brain injuries: Often exceed $100,000 (due to intensive care and long-term impact)

Knowing these ranges can help you assess the potential value of your claim based on the nature and extent of your injury.

How Can Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC, Help Negotiate A Fair Settlement?

Our negotiation skills allow us to safeguard your rights and prioritize fairness when dealing with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Another advantage we offer is helping to ensure accurate calculations of the benefits you deserve to help ensure just compensation. We can also support you in case you receive a claim denial by filing appeals and representing you in necessary proceedings.

Should You Hire A Workers’ Compensation Attorney?

Insurance companies do everything they can to avoid paying the full value of your claim. Often, it takes a workers’ compensation legal team to stand up to the insurance company and put your benefits into your hands. Even if you already had your claim denied, do not give up – we can file an appeal and represent you at your hearing. Our workers’ compensation benefits lawyers explore every method available for getting benefits for you, even if it means going to court.

Ask More About Compensation Benefits Today

To learn more about the benefits available and to maximize your own benefits, please consult a lawyer with Rogers, Hofrichter & Karrh, LLC. To schedule your appointment, call us at 770-884-6705 or send us an email. We have locations in Atlanta, Fayetteville and Cartersville.

Practice Areas