What is the Georgia Worker’s Compensation Act?
The Worker’s Compensation Act of Georgia provides immediate income benefits and medical care for any employee who is injured on the job anywhere in the state. Additionally, it fixes the amount of those benefits that an employer is responsible for paying. Originally adopted in 1920, it is known as the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 34, Chapter 9. However, the historical origins of Workers’ Compensation legislation in the US are worth mentioning here.
The passing of the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act resulted from not only a national movement but an international one as well. The first workers’ compensation system was developed in Germany in 1884, and the UK followed suit in 1897. In America, it stemmed from the Progressive Movement and was established in Georgia as a result of the US becoming more industrialized from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Unfortunately, under the original system, most workers’ comp claims would fail due to too many legal obstacles encountered in the process. Thankfully things have changed since the early days, and the workers’ comp system in Georgia is set up with the employee in mind.
The Georgia State Board
You will notice when you read the different articles and blogs at our workers’ comp attorney website that we oftentimes refer to the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation. This is because we feel it is an invaluable and useful resource. The importance of the state board is that it functions as the legal system where workers’ compensation claims in the state of Georgia are concerned. The Georgia state legislature created the state board and employs a number of different forms which you oftentimes see in either the Georgia State courts or Georgia Superior court.
Despite the fact that the language at the Georgia State Board’s website is geared more towards attorneys, employers, and insurance companies rather than laypeople, it contains some extremely valuable information that you could benefit from. Should you visit their website, we recommend that you look at the FAQ section they have posted there and composed for the injured employee’s benefit. Although there is a section there for the employer as well, the injured employee can benefit from the information there as well.
Additionally, it is a good idea that you go through the section that lists and discusses the different forms involved with workers’ compensation claims and proceedings. These are the only acceptable and official forms that attorneys, employers, and insurance companies must use where any workers’ compensation claims are concerned. If you need further assistance or have any questions, please contact us by filling out the Free Case Review form found on this website.
