What Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits Are Available To You?
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation offers a variety of benefits for workers who are injured on the job or suffer from occupational diseases. Unfortunately, the workers’ compensation system is complex, and it’s not always easy to obtain all of the benefits you deserve.
As attorneys who are dedicated to helping injured workers, we offer a free consultation to discuss your case and answer your questions. We can also help you if your claim is denied or you have a dispute concerning your benefits. With offices in Harrisburg and Enola, we represent injured workers throughout central Pennsylvania.
In Pennsylvania, workers’ compensation benefits include:
- Lost wages (or indemnity) benefits: As long as you are unable to work or can only work part time, you are entitled to a weekly check from workers’ compensation. This benefit is generally equal to two-thirds of your average weekly wage, with a maximum and minimum benefit. Your lost wages benefit is tax free. However, it will never increase over time, even if you receive a pay increase at work.
- Medical benefits: You will receive medical benefits for the treatment of your work injury or disease. However, there are certain restrictions. For example, you are required to seek treatment from a doctor on your employer’s workers’ compensation panel for the first 90 days following your injury. After 90 days you can choose your own doctor. Your employer can challenge payment of your medical benefits by requesting what is known as a utilization review.
- Specific loss benefits: If you suffer loss of a body part or loss of use of a body part, you are entitled for a cash award for the specific loss. Specific loss benefits are also available for blindness or loss of hearing, whether total or partial.
- Death benefits: If the worker dies within 300 weeks of a work injury, family members may be entitled to receive the former workers’ lost wage benefits and burial expenses.
Either you or your employer/workers’ compensation carrier may chose to settle your case for a lump sum payment at some point in the process. However, neither side can force the other to settle the case. You can settle your lost wages benefit, your medical benefits or both. You should seek legal advice before you choose to settle your case.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
For dependable advice about your legal options after a workplace injury, call our firm at 717-229-6580 for a free consultation.