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Georgia law

Workers' Compensation Laws in Georgia.

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

State law

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.

State law

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.

State law

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.

State law

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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