The Georgia workers’ compensation program provides benefits to employees who have a work-related illness or injury. If your employer fires you after an injury, you can still claim workers’ comp benefits if you are eligible.
Review these factors that may apply if you file a workers’ compensation claim after losing your job.
Disability benefits
If your employer fires you while you are out on total disability for a work-related injury, you can continue to receive benefits as determined by the company’s workers’ compensation insurance provider. You can also continue receiving partial disability benefits if you work with doctor-ordered restrictions at the time of termination. You will not receive disability if you lose your job after your doctor clears you to return to work.
Medical treatment
Even after the company fires you, their insurance provider must continue to pay for all reasonable costs related to your work injury or illness. Coverage includes travel to medical appointments hospital bills, doctor bills, prescriptions, medical devices, and physical and occupational therapy as injured by your health care provider.
Vocational rehabilitation
If you want to look for another job after termination but cannot do the type of work you used to do because of your injury, you might qualify for vocational rehabilitation. The Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation manages this program.
All companies that employ at least three people must have workers’ compensation insurance in Georgia. If your employer or the insurance company denies your claim, you may have legal recourse whether or not you still work for the business where your injury occurred.
