Worker Compensation for Spinal Cord Injury in Atlanta, Georgia

Spinal cord injuries (SCI) are among the most severe and life-altering injuries one can sustain, particularly in the workplace. In Atlanta, Georgia, workers who suffer from spinal cord injuries while performing their job duties are entitled to compensation under the state’s workers’ compensation laws.

This article will guide you through the process of filing a spinal cord injury compensation claim at work, outline the types of spinal cord injuries, discuss the potential compensation available, and highlight factors that may impact your claim. Additionally, we will provide relevant statistics and answer common questions related to spinal cord injuries in the workplace.

How to File a Spinal Cord Injury Compensation Claim

Filing a workers’ compensation claim for a spinal cord injury in Atlanta, Georgia, involves several steps:

1. Report the Injury: Immediately notify your employer about the injury. This notification should be done as soon as possible, ideally within 30 days of the incident, to avoid any complications with your claim.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Obtain medical treatment from an authorized workers’ compensation physician. Your employer should provide you with a list of approved doctors.
3. Document the Incident: Keep detailed records of how the workplace injury occurred, the treatment received, and any communications with your employer and insurance company.
4. File a Claim: Submit a formal workers’ compensation claim with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). This can be done by completing Form WC-14 and filing it with the SBWC.
5. Follow Up: Stay in contact with your employer, the insurance company, and your atlanta worker comp attorney to ensure your claim is processed correctly and efficiently.

Types of Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can be categorized based on the severity and the affected area of the spine:

1. Complete Spinal Cord Injury: This type of injury results in a total loss of sensation and motor function below the site of the injury.
2. Incomplete Spinal Cord Injury: Individuals with incomplete injuries retain some level of sensation and motor function below the injury site.
3. Tetraplegia (Quadriplegia): Injury to the cervical spinal cord resulting in partial or total loss of use of all four limbs and torso.

Read here about the workers’ comp settlement chart Georgia

4. Paraplegia: Injury to the thoracic, lumbar, or sacral spinal cord, leading to partial or total loss of use of the lower limbs and torso.

How Much Compensation Do You Get for Spinal Cord Injuries?

Compensation for spinal cord injuries in Atlanta, Georgia, can vary widely based on the severity of the injury, the impact on the individual’s ability to work, and other factors. Below is a table summarizing potential compensation amounts based on injury severity:

Severity of Injury	First Year Expenses	Each Subsequent Year Expenses	Estimated Lifetime Costs by Age at Injury (25 years old)
High Tetraplegia (C1–C4) AIS ABC	$1,065,980	$185,111	$4,729,788
Low Tetraplegia (C5–C8) AIS ABC	$770,264	$113,557	$3,455,879
Paraplegia AIS ABC	$519,520	$68,821	$2,312,846
Motor Functional at Any Level AIS D	$347,896	$42,256	$1,580,148

Six Factors That May Impact Your Spinal Cord Injury Compensation Claim

1. Severity of Injury: The more severe the injury, the higher the potential compensation.
2. Age of the Victim: Younger individuals may receive higher compensation due to longer anticipated lifetime expenses.
3. Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment and ongoing care will significantly influence the claim amount.
4. Impact on Employment: Loss of ability to work or reduced earning capacity will affect compensation.
5. Pre-existing Conditions: Any pre-existing conditions may complicate the claim process and impact the amount awarded.
6. Legal Representation: Having an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can greatly improve the chances of a successful and fair spinal cord injury compensation claim.

Know more about the workers’ compensation claim checklist here 

Spinal Cord Injury Statistics in Atlanta, Georgia

• The incidence of spinal cord injuries in Georgia is approximately 40 cases per million population annually.
• Atlanta has a higher-than-average rate of workplace-related spinal cord injuries due to its dense industrial and construction sectors.
• The leading causes of spinal cord injuries in the workplace include falls, heavy machinery accidents, and motor vehicle incidents.

Frequently Asked Questions