There Are Different Types Of Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Pennsylvania
If you have been injured in a work-related accident, workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover your medical care and lost wages if you cannot return to work while you recover from your injury. These benefits start immediately and vary from state to state. In Pennsylvania, the law entitles you to the following types of benefits:
Medical benefits: All necessary and related medical treatment, such as surgery, medications, and doctor visits are covered, as well as special equipment like wheelchairs. If you need any prosthetic appliances, they are also covered.
Wage loss benefits: If you are temporarily unable to work or earning at reduced capacity because of a work-related injury or illness, then you may receive payments for lost wages. There are different types of wage loss benefits based on how much your injury affects you and how long your ability to work is impaired.
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD) means that you are unable to return to work because of your injury but could return at some point in the future. There are limits to how long these benefits run.
- Temporary Partial Disability (TPD) benefits will help you bridge the gap if your injury results in fewer hours of work than you had before your injury or if your post-injury earnings are lower.
- Permanent Total or Partial Disability (PTD and PPD) benefits are available if your injury leaves you permanently disabled and whether you are totally or partially unable to work.
Specific loss benefits: If your work injury involves permanent loss of all or part of your sight, hearing, thumb, finger, hand, arm, leg, foot, or toe, you may be eligible for a specific loss award. Specific loss benefits also cover serious and permanent disfigurement to the face, head, or neck.
Death benefits: When a worker suffers a fatality in a work accident or dies from injuries or an illness sustained on the job, benefits may be awarded to the surviving dependents. This includes a dependent spouse and children. The amount of benefits paid out depends on the wages of the deceased worker. Children are entitled to benefits until they turn 18 unless they are disabled or in school full-time. A spouse can receive benefit payments for the entire period of widowhood.
Lump-sum settlements: In some cases, an insurer will offer a one-time lump-sum settlement that covers both wage losses and medical benefits, or for past, present, and future wage losses. You should never sign a lump-sum settlement agreement without first consulting with an experienced work injury lawyer.
Every workers’ compensation case is unique, and your work injury may qualify you for different types of benefits. Your injury claim may benefit greatly from the experience of a skilled work injury lawyer who will know the maximum allowable compensation available for your case. If your employer’s insurer denies your claim or tries to send you back to work before your injury is fully healed, having a dedicated attorney advocate for you can make the difference between obtaining the benefits you deserve, and not having enough income during your recovery.
In Pennsylvania, certain types of workers, such as firefighters and police officers, may have additional benefits available to them. For a more detailed explanation of the workers’ compensation benefits you qualify for, consult with an experienced Pittsburgh work injury lawyer at AlpernSchubert, P.C.
We Fight For Injured Workers
A serious work injury can leave you wondering how you will make ends meet. To ensure you will receive the compensation you need to make a full recovery, contact the Pittsburgh work injury lawyers at AlpernSchubert, P.C. Our knowledge and experience can make the difference in your workers’ compensation claim.
Call us today at 412-506-9561 or contact us online. From our office in Pittsburgh, we represent injured workers throughout western Pennsylvania.