If you have been injured in the course of your employment, you may be eligible to receive a portion of lost wages, reimbursement for medical expenses, and permanent disability benefits. This can be of substantial help, especially when you are seeking medical treatment and are making little to no money due to your injury.
Workers’ compensation is not limited to employee benefits; dependents are eligible to receive death benefits. Death benefits in a Pennsylvania workers’ comp claim will cover funeral and burial costs, as well as provide wage replacement based on an employee’s salary.
Given the challenges of the state’s workers’ compensation laws, you must speak with someone who can explain the ins and outs of the process. Whether you have recently filed a claim or have experienced a claim denial, the injury attorneys at Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe are here to assist you.
An Overview of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers’ compensation provides workers who are injured or have fallen ill in the scope of their employment with lost wage benefits, medical expense reimbursement, and permanent disability benefits.
Lost Wage Benefits
Generally, employees on temporary total disability (TTD) will receive 66 2/3% of their average weekly wage (AWW), subject to state minimum and maximum limits based on their income. TTD is one of the most common types of benefits for injured or ill workers, providing the financial resources they need during rehab.
On the other hand, workers who experience a partial disability may be able to continue working at the sacrifice of earning less. Permanent partial disability (PPD) benefits are calculated as 66 2/3% of the difference between a worker’s pre-accident and post-accident wages. Individuals receiving PPD benefits are also eligible to receive specific loss benefits and disfigurement benefits (about the head, neck, or face). Finally, permanent total disability (PTD) benefits apply if your condition prevents you from returning to work, with most individuals receiving 66 2/3% of AWW.
Medical Expense Reimbursement
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation insurance covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to an occupational illness or workplace injury. Medical costs that will be covered include ambulatory services, emergency room visits, surgeries and procedures, prescriptions, rehabilitative therapies, orthopedic appliances, and home modifications.
Employees should ensure that a provider is on the list of approved providers for their employer’s insurance. However, seeing a designated provider is not necessary when seeking emergency treatment.
Death Benefits
Death benefit eligibility will be based on the dependent’s relation to the deceased. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouses
- Children under the age of 18
- Full-time students under the age of 23
- Disabled children
- Parents financially dependent on the deceased worker’s income
- Siblings under the age of 18
- Full-time students under the age of 23 who financially depended on the deceased’s income
In addition to wage replacement, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation offers $7,000 in funeral expenses.
How Long Do Workers’ Compensation Benefits Last?
The severity of your injury and the type of disability benefits you are receiving will determine how long your benefits will last. For example, TTD benefits can be for up to 104 weeks. Once an employee reaches maximum medical improvement or returns to their regular work duties, benefits will end.
A worker who is unable to return to work due to their injury or occupational illness will be paid total disability benefits. However, you will stop receiving benefits once you can return to your job or have fully recovered from your injuries. Alternatively, if you decide to receive a lump sum settlement, your benefits will cease.
Speak with Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Today
Given the intricacies of applying for workers’ compensation in Lancaster, PA, you must seek legal guidance. If your claim has recently been denied or you are being asked to supply more information, our firm can assist you. With decades of combined experience, our legal team has helped clients recoup six-figure settlements. Our meticulous approach, combined with our personal interest in each case’s outcome, allows us to provide our clients with trusted service.
To schedule your free initial consultation, contact Shollenberger Januzzi & Wolfe online or call (717) 229-6580 today.