Under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law, you will be paid 66 2/3% of your average weekly wage during for the time your doctor has put you on “no work” status. This is called your temporary total disability (TTD) benefit. Currently the maximum TTD benefit payable is $725 per week (although this figure is sometimes changed by the Georgia legislature).
Your average weekly wage is calculated by looking at the 13 weeks prior to the date of injury. If you have not been at your job for 13 weeks, your TTD rate will be based on the compensation rate of a similar employee with a similar job.
There are a number of other rules that apply in unusual situations – such as when the 13 week lookback includes periods of short term disability payment.
When I am representing an injured worker, I always look at the average weekly wage calculation and confirm that it is accurate.
Remember that you will only get paid TTD benefits if you are on “no work” status by the authorized treating physician and when your employer and their insurance company pick up your claim.