Legislative Update, July 2000
by William N. AndersonHamilton, Westby, Antonowich & Anderson, L.L.C.
This paper highlights substantive legislative changes made to Title 34 of the O.C.G.A. Please note that this is a very brief summary of the changes. Also, several other changes occurred which corrected some typographical errors in the Act.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-13(b)(1) will be amended by deleting the 90 day time frame for determination as to whether a spouse was wholly dependent upon the deceased worker.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-15 will be amended to officially provide the State Board of Workers’ Compensation with authority to approve no liability stipulations and settlement agreements. The amendment is also expected to provide for the social security offset language in workers’ compensation settlements.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-203(c) will be amended to change the time frame within which an Employer/Insurer has to pay medical charges. Specifically, the time frame is being reduced from 60 days to 30 days.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-261 will be amended increasing the maximum temporary total disability income benefit from $350.00 to $375.00 per week and it also increases the minimum TTD rate from $35.00 to $37.50 per week. Please note this only affects claims where the injury occurs on or after July 1, 2000.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-262 will be amended increasing the maximum temporary partial disability income benefit from $233.33 to $250.00 per week. Again, this only affects claims where the injury occurs on or after July 1, 2000.
O.C.G.A. § 34-9-265(d) will be amended to increase the maximum death benefit to surviving spouse who is the sole dependent from $100,000.00 to $125,000.00.
William N. Anderson received his BA in 1990 from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He received his Juris Doctor from Mercer University in 1993. While in law school, he was a member of the law review (1991-1993), received the Dean’s Public Service Award, and was the Co-Chair of the 1993 National Conference of Law Reviews.
He is a partner with the law firm of Hamilton, Westby, Antonowich & Anderson, where his primary area of practice is workers’ compensation defense. Mr. Anderson often speaks to employers, insurers, and self-insurers regarding workers’ compensation issues. He is the co-founder of GA WorkersComp, and may be reached at bill@gaworkerscomp.com or (404)-872-3500.