Were you hurt on the job in Snellville or elsewhere in the surrounding region in Georgia? If so, you may be entitled to recover no-fault benefits through a workers’ comp claim. Beyond medical coverage, workers’ comp in Georgia can also include temporary total disability (TTD) benefits and/or permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits. It is crucial that injured workers understand the difference. At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., we put injured workers first. Here, our Snellville workers’ comp lawyer explains the difference between TTD benefits and PPD benefits in Georgia.
Starting Point: Medical Care is Covered By Workers’ Comp in Georgia
Georgia’s workers’ compensation system is governed by Title 34, Chapter 9 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated. The foundation of any claim is medical care. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-200, an employer must provide all reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to a compensable workplace injury. That obligation includes doctor visits, hospital care, surgery, physical therapy, prescriptions, and other authorized treatment.
To be clear, medical benefits are not limited to a short window. In non-catastrophic cases, medical care is generally available for up to 400 weeks from the date of injury. In designated catastrophic cases, lifetime medical benefits may apply. The authorized treating physician plays a central role. That doctor controls work restrictions, determines maximum medical improvement, and assigns any permanent impairment rating. Those medical findings directly impact both temporary total disability and permanent partial disability benefits.
What are TTD Benefits?
TTD disability benefits are designed to replace a portion of lost wages when an injured worker cannot perform any work due to a job-related injury. TTD applies when the authorized treating physician removes the employee from work entirely or when the employer cannot accommodate the imposed restrictions. Under O.C.G.A. § 34-9-261, TTD benefits generally equal two-thirds of the worker’s average weekly wage, subject to a statutory maximum. The benefit is not taxable.
Note: In most non-catastrophic cases, TTD benefits are capped at 400 weeks from the date of injury. However, if the injury qualifies as catastrophic, under TTD benefits could continue longer.
What are PPD Benefits?
PPD workers’ comp benefits are designed to compensate an injured worker for lasting impairment after reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI). Notably, maximum medical improvement does not mean full recovery. It means the condition has stabilized and is unlikely to improve significantly with additional treatment. Once the authorized treating physician assigns a permanent impairment rating, that rating governs PPD eligibility. Georgia uses the American Medical Association Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment to determine the percentage of impairment to a specific body part or to the body as a whole.
Note: PPD benefits are paid pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 34-9-263. The statute sets a schedule that assigns a maximum number of weeks to various body parts. Indeed, the loss of use of a hand, arm, leg, or eye all correspond to a specific number of weeks.
Temporary Disability vs Permanent Disability
Although both TTD and PPD arise from the same injury, they serve distinct legal purposes. Injured workers must understand the differences. Here are some of the most important things to understand about temporary disability benefits vs. permanent disability benefits:
- The Nature of the Disability: TTD addresses total incapacity during the recovery phase. The worker cannot perform any job duties to qualify for TTD. On the other hand, PPD addresses permanent physical impairment after the healing period ends. The worker may (or may not) return to work but still carries a measurable loss of bodily function.
- The Timing of Benefits: TTD begins shortly after the injury if the worker cannot work and continues until release or the statutory cap. PPD begins only after maximum medical improvement and the assignment of a permanent impairment rating. With limited exceptions, the two benefits do not typically overlap for the same time period.
- The Basis for the Calculation: TTD is calculated as two-thirds of the average weekly wage, subject to a cap, and reflects actual wage loss. In contrast, PPD is calculated based on a statutory schedule tied to the percentage of permanent impairment. It does not require proof of ongoing wage loss. The formula for calculating PPD is the PPD rating times the comp rate times the number of weeks assigned to the injury.
- The Duration and the Limits: TTD in non-catastrophic cases is generally capped at 400 weeks. There are only very narrow exceptions to that statutory cap on the length of benefits. On the other hand, PPD benefits are limited to a specific number of weeks based on the body part and impairment rating under Georgia law.
- The Potential Impact on Future Claims: In Georgia, TTD benefits are largely focused on short-term earning capacity. PPD reflects long-term physical loss. In serious cases, a worker may later argue that the injury qualifies as catastrophic. That could have an impact on lifetime income benefits.
Why Injured Workers in Snellville Rely On Griffin Law Firm
Griffin Law Firm, P.C. is a boutique law firm that puts workers and their families first. With an extensive record of client testimonials and case results, we are qualified to take on the full range of claims, including those involving serious and even catastrophic workplace accidents. Whether you are seeking TTD benefits, PPD benefits, or a lump sum settlement, our Snellville workers’ comp lawyers are prepared to invest the time, resources, and attention to detail to handle your case the right way. It is crucial that you are able to secure the maximum financial support that is available under Georgia law. Your initial consultation with our Snellville workers’ comp lawyer is free and strictly confidential.
Contact Our Snellville, GA Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At Griffin Law Firm, P.C., our Snellville workers’ compensation attorney has the knowledge and experience needed to handle all types of cases, including TTD benefits and PPD benefits. If you have any questions or concerns about your claim, please do not hesitate to contact us now to set up your free consultation. With a law office in Snellville, we handle workers’ comp claims throughout the region, including in the zip codes of 30039 and 30078.