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GA Injury Advocates
Home » Important Legal Terms in Workers’ Compensation

Important Legal Terms in Workers’ Compensation

January 22, 2021 GA Injury Advocates

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The Workers’ Compensation Act can sound a bit like a foreign language.

I want to help you understand some of the basic legal terms that are frequently used in connection with Workers’ Compensation Claims. What follows is a simplified listing of some of the commonly used terms, defined in plain English:

Accepted Claim:

This is a claim in which the Insurance company or the self-insured employer agrees that your injury or illness WILL be covered by Workers’ Compensation.

Average Weekly Wage (AWW):

This is the injured employee’s average weekly earnings prior to the injury. To determine the AWW, you find the average of the employee’s earnings during the 13-week period prior to the accident. If an employee was recently hired before he was injured or did not work a substantial number of 13 weeks before the injury, then the AWW of a similar employee is used instead. That person must be someone who is paid similarly, did the same type of work, and worked close to the same number of hours. Note of caution: The AWW can be complicated. It can be affected by many factors, such as if the employee had more than one job at the time of the injury, worked less than 13 weeks, or worked overtime. Employers and Insurance companies can make mistakes when calculating the AWW even if they try to get it right. It is always wise to have an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer look at the AWW numbers the employer or carrier calculates to make sure you are being compensated fairly and accurately.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD):

This is the rate at which wages are paid to the injured employee who is disabled from work per his treating physician. Weekly payments are two-thirds (66 2/3%) of the employee’s average weekly wage (AWW).

Denied Claim:

This is a claim in which the Insurance company or the employer does NOT accept or believe that they have a responsibility to provide compensation to the injured employee. This is NOT the end of the road. You can and should fight this denial if you were injured during the course and scope of your employment, even if the employer disagrees. Claims are filed and can be argued and tried before a judge with the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Board.

Maximal Medical Improvement (MMI):

This term is used to describe when the injured employee has reached a point where his or her condition will not change or improve, with or without more medical treatment. At MMI, the employee’s injuries are as good as they are going to get, and the doctors have done all they reasonably can. This status is determined by the authorized treating physician. Usually, at this point, the injured employee is “released” from the doctor’s care. An employee may want to consider settling his or her case when this happens. There are also times when an employee may want to settle his or her claim before MMI is reached. A skilled and experienced lawyer can advise you regarding this.

Medical Only Claim:

This term is typically used to describe a claim where the Employer or Insurance company accepts responsibility for the medical injury, treatment, and medical bills, but believe the injured employee is capable of working, so they are ONLY agreeing to pay for the medical treatment. You do NOT have to accept this decision if you feel you cannot return to work, and you should consult a lawyer immediately.

Modified or Light Duty Work:

This term describes the employment offered by an Employer to an injured employee while they are on restricted duty by the treating physician. This is often an area where disagreements occur between Employees and Employers. This is a situation where an employee may not feel he or she is being treated fairly. It is a good idea to talk to an experienced lawyer about this. In fact, having a lawyer before you are even released to light duty is often helpful because it can prevent problems and misunderstandings with the employer regarding light-duty work.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD):

This is the percentage of disability measured by a doctor. It is based on a specific set of criteria that doctors use to calculate the percentage of permanent disability. The percentage results in payment to the injured worker of an additional benefit. The measurement is to a specific body part or parts. It will ultimately include the complete or partial loss of a part of the body or even the partial use of the body as a whole. It is wise to have a lawyer review this rating or provide information to a doctor to help calculate it. This will help to make sure that you are fairly compensated for a permanent injury and, if you settle your case, that the settlement reflects your true injuries and permanent limitations.

Temporary Partial Disability (TPD):

This term describes the compensation paid to the injured employee for the reduction in their earnings due to their injuries, if they are working on light duty restrictions, but working fewer hours or for less money than before their injury. It is two-thirds of the difference between the injured worker’s pre-injury wages and wages earned after the date of the injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

This term describes the educational and training benefits you may receive if you are permanently unable to do your usual job due to your work-related injury, and your employer cannot accommodate your permanent restrictions. It typically includes job placement retraining and assistance to help you obtain other employment during the time you are receiving benefits. Receiving these benefits may require the help of an attorney and complicated negotiations.

This is an excerpt of the book “11 Secrets to Winning Your Workers’ Compensation Claim.” This book will answer many of these questions and give you the knowledge you need. Get your free copy now.

Download our Free eBook on Workers Comp

To schedule a confidential and free case evaluation, please contact us or call (770) 766-0555. Hablamos Español.

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18:54 26 Jan 23
The GA injury advocates are the absolute best injury attorneys in the entire South East region. The lawyers with John... Paul "Esquire" & associates were the best in this process and fought extremely hard without prejudice, and also went above and beyond to get me a very satisfying settlement!Sincerely, I'd like to thank you guys for helping me with my case!read more
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It's a great staff, who is really engaged with their client's situations
Edwin Aviles
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"I don't want to lose my job" something as simple as this, you believe you wont have trouble getting worker Comp from... right ? WRONG the fact that i work even a month with a messed up knee in the job trying everything to keep it and be in good term with the company. I'm toss out. I was so lost in the process cause the fact they're were denying me cause of how late i apply for it and the fact i was still walking was more then enough reason for them to say i'm good. Wasn't having it so i came here cause i didn't know where to look and let me tell you John Paul LaBouff is the go to man/bro/boss whatever guy you need cause he'll make sure the insurance company get a run for there money literally. (Update 9/12 : WE WON I CANT BELIEVE WE WON! after many months that has pass from me being AWOL a bit and him in the background doing as much as he can to do everything he can to not only get me an settlement but to make sure I was ok and honestly the best lawyers to go to for anything not just cause of issue but really would not bat a eye to help as much as possible and I can’t express how much I’m grateful for him and his team to make all this happen. Don’t hesitate to reach out cause it’s one call that they will definitely change your life fr!🔥read more
Tameka Wilburn
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11:47 05 Jan 22
I used their services recently for a workers compensation case. This was the best experience ever. My attorney, John... Paul always returned my calls asap. His team, Ivette, Anna and Daniel were so professional and kind. Please use them they will always help you and even when you're upset they are complete professionals. They also got me way more money than I expected. Thanks so very much guys! God bless you all and your families!read more
antonio patton
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Everything about this business is very true. They made sure that I was taken care of and they communicated with me... throughout the whole process. I'm very thankful to have used them as my representatives. They went out and beyond. Thank you.read more
Ashley Williams
Ashley Williams
00:45 26 Jul 21
To be fully honest,  no amount of words can ever express how amazing my lawyer John Paul Labouff has been, as well as ... the best paralegal there is, Ivette Sanchez. They're a unstoppable team who genuinely worked hard on my case, as well as thorough. John Paul even brought in another attorney to advise him on my unique situation.  I will forever be grateful to them, and everyone at GA injury advocates. They worked quickly but carefully and made sure I got every ounce of what i deserved and more.  From a business stance they are air tight.  On a character level, I feel as though they are the type of friends you'd want in your life forever.   Even after my case was settled and their job was done. They were immediately there for me when I had an issue with my bank that I didn't know how to handle. They both were happy to help me sort through the issue, and encouraged me to reach out any time i needed them.I feel choosing anyone else to represent you, would be a mistake.John Paul & IvetteI personally want to say thank you so much again.  You truly changed my life to the betterread more
A Evans
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15:27 14 Jun 21
I had a wonderful experience with these guys. Made the process super simple for me. Referred me to a terrific... chiropractor after my accident. Worked hard on my case, especially Ivette, she's great.....explained everything to me step by step in great detail. The lawyers are not only very competent but empathetic and personable. I definitely recommend working with this firm.read more
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03:46 29 Apr 21
The staff is very friendly and professional. Mrs. Rodriguez makes you feel like a friend. I will definitely recommend... him to family and friends.read more
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Best car injury attorneys kn atlanta. Got the best deal for case and it was settle quickly. I would highly recomend... them. They do an excellent job. Thanks John and Ivette!!!!read more
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GA injury advocates are a very professional Group they go the extra mile to make sure you're Happy. The staff it's very... professional as well Ivette Sanchez is a very special employees I'll use them anytime anywhere.read more
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Thanks for the job well done. I really appreciate the your service. Best place to go for your accident settlement.... Thanks.read more
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A big thank you to Rodriguez and Associates for getting me the maximum settlement for my Personal Injury claim. I was... involved in a terrible car wreck on April 1, 2019 and received my settlement on September 18, 2019! Mr. Rodriguez and his wonderful office staff were very helpful during the process and did a great job keeping me informed of the developments during my case. Mr. Rodriguez effectively negotiated the settlement with three different insurance companies in just a matter of months. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome considering the terrible circumstances. I highly recommend GA Injury Advocates. Thanks again so very much!read more
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Ivette is Great!!She’s very attentive and makes sure all your needs are reached. They do everything in a timely manner,... and make sure to keep you updated at all times.You are always able to reach a live person on the phone. Great staff! Highly recommended :)read more
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Mr.Erkic did an amazing job with the way he handle the case.I am happy with the results that came out.He did a... fantastic jobread more
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They were super amazing ! Erick Lara kept me updated on everything! Every detail i needed to know I was aware of it ! I... recommend this attorney to anyone that gets into an accident !read more
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As a customer for years, if you like personalized and exceptional service, this firm is the one to hire. Not only do... they follow up until cases are completed, everyone in the office is a friend. You will not be disappointed.read more
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I get requested very often to rate individuals, products and companies. I never really fulfill these requests because I... don't have time, I am not interested, or I don't have a strong reason why! Today I have a good reason and his name is Erick Lara Paiz. Erick the legal assistant with Rodriguez & Associates, a law firm that represented me in a car accident injury. Erick is a very respectful and well spoken person. He is extremely knowledgeable and always more than willing to help. Erik is great with keeping me informed with what is going on with the case. I love the fact that anytime I call with questions on inquires Erick will almost ALWAYS answer. In the event that he doesn't pick up and I leave a message, he calls me back so QUICKLY. Anybody who is looking to hire a law firm to represent them. Please give Rodriguez & Associate a call and ask for Erik Lara Paiz!read more
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