How to Calculate Workers’ Compensation Wages in Georgia

How to Calculate Workers’ Compensation Wages in Georgia

Workers’ comp wage loss and disability benefits provide necessary financial support after an on-the-job injury in Georgia. However, workers’ compensation doesn’t cover all your lost income. Your benefits depend on how much you earn and specific formulas under state law. Knowing how the state calculates workers’ compensation wages is necessary for maximizing your benefits.

What Is Your Average Weekly Wage (AWW), and Why Does It Matter?

Your average weekly wage (AWW) is a crucial figure in your Georgia workers’ compensation claim. It’s the amount you typically earned each week before your injury. Your employer uses this figure to calculate how much you’ll receive in weekly benefits while you can’t work or are earning less than before.

Your AWW should include your regular wages, overtime, and other earnings like bonuses or per diem pay. If your AWW is too low due to a miscalculation, your benefits will be lower than they should be, making it harder to keep up with your bills during your recovery.

How Georgia Calculates Your Average Weekly Wage

In Georgia, your employer and their workers’ comp provider usually calculate your AWW by taking the average of your gross earnings (meaning your income before taxes and other deductions) from the 13 weeks before your injury. This formula includes not just your base pay, but also any overtime, bonuses, tips, or per diem allowances you regularly received. The goal is to reflect your typical earnings as accurately as possible.

If you didn’t work the full 13 weeks before your injury – or if your hours were irregular – your employer may calculate your AWW using the earnings of a similar employee with a comparable job and schedule. Another option is to estimate your AWW based on your hourly wage and expected weekly hours.

Types of Wage Loss Benefits and How Much You Could Receive

Once your employer has determined your AWW, they use that number to calculate your weekly wage loss benefits. How much you could receive depends on your AWW, the benefits you qualify for, and state limits. Here’s a broad breakdown:

• Temporary Total Disability (TTD) – You may qualify for TTD benefits if your injury keeps you from working in any capacity. These payments equal two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to Georgia’s maximum benefit amount. According to the most recent public information, the cap on TTD benefits is $800 per week. You can typically receive these benefits for up to 400 weeks, unless you suffered a catastrophic injury. If so, you could receive benefits for life.
• Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) – If you can return to work but earn less than you did before your injury, you might receive TPD benefits. These pay two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages, up to state limits. TPD benefits can last up to 350 weeks from the date of injury.
• Permanent Partial Disability (PPD) – Finally, you might be eligible for PPD benefits if you suffer a lasting impairment but can still work. The amount depends on your AWW, the body part affected, and the severity of your injury (based on a rating from your doctor).

How a Lawyer Can Help

At Kaufman Injury Law, we work hard to make sure you get every dollar in workers’ comp benefits you qualify for. We can review your wage records carefully to ensure your employer calculates your average weekly wage correctly, because even small mistakes can cost you dearly over time.

If your employer or the insurance company excludes overtime, bonuses, or other income when calculating your average wages, we’ll fight to fix it. We can also handle the paperwork, deadlines, and settlement negotiations so you don’t have to deal with the stress alone.

Kaufman Injury Law’s goal is to protect your rights at every stage and maximize your benefits. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.