Georgia’s workers’ compensation law is a system of liability without fault that provides compensation to employees injured on the job. While Georgia requires employers of three or more employees to provide prompt medical and disability benefits to workers injured or killed on the job, workers’ compensation serves as an exclusive remedy for workers injured in the scope of their employment, thus shielding employers from financial responsibility for wrong-doing or failure to act resulting in on-the-job injuries.
This chapter outlines Georgia’s workers’ compensation laws. This discussion begins by outlining the scope of workers’ compensation coverage with attention to specific coverage issues. Next, it discusses benefits afforded to workers injured on the job. Third, it highlights the administrative system in place under the State Board of Workers’ Compensation. Finally, this chapter addresses employers’ responsibilities and techniques to minimize costs.
With the exception of common carriers by railroad and employers of farm laborers or domestic servants, all other employers regularly employing three or more persons are required under the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act) to provide workers’ compensation coverage. This requirement covers: