If you were injured at work in Georgia, the workers’ comp settlement chart helps set expectations for what a claim may be worth. The chart outlines how many weeks of benefits may apply to different injured body parts under state law. While weekly benefit amounts are capped, the total value of a settlement is shaped by the number of weeks assigned and the medical impairment rating. Depending on the injury and its long-term impact, settlements can range from a few thousand dollars to well over $100,000.
Understanding how the chart works can help you approach settlement discussions with clearer expectations, whether your workers’ comp claim is in Atlanta or Phoenix.
What Is a Workers’ Comp Settlement Chart in Georgia?
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. §34‑9‑263) sets a chart assigning a fixed number of weeks for Permanent Partial Disability for each body part. For example, an arm and a leg each carry 225 weeks, while a thumb is 60 weeks. The schedule also includes a whole‑body impairment value of up to 300 weeks for non‑scheduled injuries. That chart forms the backbone of settlement calculations, helping determine what compensation you’re entitled to based on a medical impairment rating.
Read: Why Does Workers’ Comp Want To Settle Your Case?
Weekly Benefit Rates for TTD, TPD, and PPD in 2026
In Georgia, weekly workers’ compensation benefits are calculated using two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state-set maximums. These limits apply based on the date of injury and are periodically reviewed, often mid-year. For claims arising in 2026, the applicable cap is determined by when the injury occurred, not when the settlement is reached.
Temporary Total Disability (TTD)
Provides two-thirds of your average weekly wage from the 13 weeks before your injury, with a minimum of $50 and a maximum of $800 per week. Benefits start after a seven-day waiting period, which is paid if you are out at least 21 consecutive days. Payments can continue for up to 400 weeks, or indefinitely for catastrophic injuries.
Temporary Partial Disability (TPD)
Provides two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages, up to $533 per week, for a maximum of 350 weeks from the date of injury.
Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)
Begins after temporary benefits end and a permanent impairment rating is assigned. Pays two-thirds of your average weekly wage, up to $800 per week, for the number of weeks set by the schedule for the body part injured.
Chart for Maximum Weeks by Body Part in Georgia for 2026
Below is a typical schedule based on Georgia law listing maximum benefit weeks for specific body parts in Permanent Partial Disability claims:
| Body Part | Max Weeks | Example Impairment Rating (%) | Estimated Value $800/week |
| Arm | 225 | 15 % → 33.75 weeks | $27,000 |
| Leg | 225 | 20 % → 45 weeks | $36,000 |
| Hand | 160 | 15 % → 24 weeks | $19,200 |
| Foot | 135 | 10 % → 13.5 weeks | $10,800 |
| Thumb | 60 | 10 % → 6 weeks | $4,800 |
| Index Finger | 40 | 10 % → 4 weeks | $3,200 |
| Middle Finger | 35 | 10 % → 3.5 weeks | $2,800 |
| Ring Finger | 30 | 10 % → 3 weeks | $2,400 |
| Little Finger | 25 | 10 % → 2.5 weeks | $2,000 |
| Big Toe | 30 | 10 % → 3 weeks | $2,400 |
| Other Toes | 20 | 10 % → 2 weeks | $1,600 |
| Loss of Hearing (one ear) | 75 | 10 % → 7.5 weeks | $6,000 |
| Loss of Hearing (both ears) | 150 | 10 % → 15 weeks | $12,000 |
| Vision Loss (one eye) | 150 | 10 % → 15 weeks | $12,000 |
| Body as a Whole (Whole Body) | 300 | 10 % → 30 weeks | $24,000 |
Settlement amounts can also be influenced by broader economic factors, including wage growth and rising medical costs. For many workers injured in 2026, higher earnings before an injury or increased long-term treatment needs may affect how insurers evaluate the overall value of a claim, even when the legal structure remains the same.
Evaluating your claim with a qualified workers’ comp attorney, like those at Cruz & Associates, provides a clearer and more precise estimate.
Typical Georgia Settlement Amounts in 2026
Here’s a look at average payout ranges tied to injury severity, illustrating the potential value of a claim:
| Severity Level | Estimated Settlement |
| Minor Injury | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Moderate Impairment | $20,000 – $40,000 |
| Severe or Catastrophic | Up to $200,000 or more |
While most settlements in Georgia average between $20,000 and $40,000, some complex or catastrophic cases involving lasting impairments can push totals well beyond six figures. These figures serve as general benchmarks, but each case may differ depending on medical needs, wage loss, future care, or disability levels.
Factors Influencing Your Personal Workers’ Comp Settlement Value in Georgia
A variety of elements shape the final value of a workers’ compensation settlement beyond just the impairment percentage. These factors influence how insurers and attorneys evaluate your case during negotiation:
Impairment Rating
The percentage assigned during a medical evaluation determines the number of weeks of benefits to which you are entitled. A 20% rating on a scheduled body part yields twice the weeks (and payout) compared to a 10% rating.
Average Weekly Wage
Benefit calculations use two‑thirds of the pre‑injury average weekly wage, up to Georgia’s cap. Higher wages under that maximum result in higher weekly benefit values.
Medical Expenses and Future Care
Ongoing or anticipated treatment, such as surgeries or rehabilitation, adds weight during settlement talks. Those costs can increase the total payout.
Age, Skills, Job Options
Younger workers or those unable to return to their skilled jobs may receive higher settlements due to the expected need for retraining or job transition support.
Timing Relative to MMI
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement before settlement may result in a lower impairment rating, which can reduce overall compensation. Waiting can result in a more accurate rating.
Catastrophic Designation
Workers whose injuries are legally classified as catastrophic may qualify for lifetime benefits rather than being limited to the 400‑week cap.
Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
If your injury prevents future work or limits earning ability, the settlement often reflects that loss. Long‑term job impact can boost your payout.
Vocational Limitations and Retraining Needs
Unable to return to your former job? Compensation may include retraining support and wage capacity transition. This widens potential settlement value.
Pre‑Existing Conditions or Aggravated Injuries
If your workplace injury worsened a prior condition, insurers may minimize liability. Proper documentation helps ensure full valuation.
Settlement Procedure Requirements
Georgia workers’ compensation settlements must follow specific documentation and filing rules. Clear medical records, properly completed compensation memoranda, and compliance with State Board procedures all affect how smoothly a settlement moves forward and whether delays occur during approval.
Example Calculation to Illustrate How Workers’ Comp Settlement Works
Imagine Maria hurt her left hand at work and later received a 15% impairment rating for that hand, once Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) was reached. She earns an average weekly wage of $800, so her compensation rate is two‑thirds of that, or $533 per week.
Here’s how the calculation looks:
- Injury: Hand (scheduled injury) → 160 maximum weeks under the Georgia chart
- Impairment Rating: 15% → 0.15 × 160 = 24 weeks of benefits
- Weekly Benefit Rate: two‑thirds of $800 = $533
- Total Estimated PPD Settlement: 24 weeks × $533 = $12,792
Beyond that base figure, additional factors would adjust the settlement estimate:
- If Maria requires ongoing therapy or future surgery, the insurer may include additional coverage to help offset medical expenses.
- If she cannot return to her former skilled job, vocational loss could raise the total.
- If workers’ compensation attorneys negotiate aggressively, leverage from her case specifics may increase the offer.
This example illustrates how the impairment rating, body part weeks, and wage rate, as listed in the workers’ compensation settlement chart in Georgia, combine to provide a clear estimate. Real‑world settlement value often reflects not only that formula but also medical needs, work limitations, and legal support throughout the claim.
Georgia Board Approval Process (SBWC) for Settlement Agreements
Before your lump‑sum agreement becomes final, it must be approved by the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation (SBWC). This process ensures fairness and compliance under Board Rule 15.
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Filing the Stipulation and Compensation Memorandum
You submit the signed settlement agreement (stipulation) along with a Compensation Memorandum or WC‑25 form. The document must include names, accident dates, and fee contracts.
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Including Supporting Medical Records and Fee Contracts
Attach copies of your medical records, any unpaid child support info, and your attorney’s fee agreement. These help the Board assess fairness.
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Submission via ICMS or Mail with Proper Formatting
File the stipulation separately from supporting documents, leave the top five inches blank for the Board’s stamp, and follow ICMS guidelines.
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Board Review Timeline and Final Approval
The SBWC usually reviews your case within about 30 to 45 days. Once approved, the agreement becomes legally binding and protects you.
Win Settlements with the Help of Cruz & Associates
If your injury involves permanent impairment or disability, using the chart can provide clarity on your potential settlement value, allowing you to enter talks with confidence, knowing how the location and rating of your injury shape the results.
At Cruz & Associates, our team brings over 35 years of experience helping workers in Atlanta and Phoenix, including Spanish‑speaking clients. We focus on securing fair settlements and making sure you understand each step. We work hard to secure the settlement amount you deserve under No Win No Fee terms, while maintaining transparent and compassionate communication.
Contact us to schedule a free consultation and review of your claim. You can call, text, or chat with us via WhatsApp. Hablamos Español.
