THE ORIGIN AND PURPOSE OF GEORGIA’S WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SYSTEM
From ‘The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Survival Guide’
“If you don’t know the past, you are doomed to repeat it.” With that in mind, let’s review Georgia’s development of workers’ compensation and where it exists today so we can understand the past and carry these important legal protections into the future.
self-insured employers and insurance company assessments. Any Georgia worker who is injured at work and who is covered under the law may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and physical therapy services, among other benefits.
HOW GEORGIA’S WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAWS AFFECT TODAY’S WORKFORCE
In this excerpt from our book, you’ll learn how the laws have evolved over the years to provide protection to injured workers.
WHAT INJURY ON THE JOB MEANT IN THE PAST
Georgia’s current workers’ compensation law applies to all employers with three or more full-time or part-time employees, including public corporations and nonprofits. The law allows employees with job-related injuries to receive specific benefits without regard for negligence or fault. It also provides employers with limited liability. Per state regulations, Georgia employers receive coverage for workers’ compensation either through private insurance companies or self-insurance programs. A worker’s rights under the workers’ compensation law disqualify him or her from taking other legal action against the employer in the event of a work-related injury. To learn more about workers comp in Georgia, including where exceptions apply, download your free copy of “The Georgia Workers’ Compensation Survival Guide” by visiting smithwallisandscott.com/ebooks. Your guide to answering challenging questions, and to some peace of mind, is only a click away.
Employees around the turn of the 20th century technically could file lawsuits, but these legal actions were generally unsuccessful and brutal for everyone involved. The trials were long and expensive, and businesses suffered serious brand damage. Injured workers, meanwhile, often came away from the experience with no way of paying for medical bills and other costs. Both sides of the labor equation realized something big needed to change, and they eventually struck a grand bargain: Workers would relinquish their right to sue for injuries at work (with some exceptions) in exchange for guarantees for compensation. In 1920, the Georgia State Legislature instituted the State Board of Workers’ compensation to oversee this process. Today, the board serves over 250,000 Georgia employers and over 3.8 million employees. It receives funding from
BACON-WRAPPED TATER TOT BOMBS
Sure, your showoff pal can wrap a tater tot with a piece of bacon and call it “The Daniel,” but you can take it a step further. Prepare a couple batches of these savory snacks for your Super Bowl party or the next family get-together. Snag a few for yourself before they disappear!
INGREDIENTS
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2 cups frozen tater tots, defrosted
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4 slices bacon, quartered
Winners will be announced Wednesday, February 14th HAVE A LAUGH
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1 ounce sharp cheddar, cut into 1/4-inch squares
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1/4 cup brown sugar
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1 tablespoon chopped parsley
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. 2. Press a cheese square into each tot,
3. Place tots seam side down on baking sheet. Bake for 20–25 minutes, using metal tongs to turn halfway through. 4. Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
then wrap with a piece of bacon. Dredge each tot in brown sugar.
Recipe inspired by TheWoksOfLife.com
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