What Benefits Can I Receive Through Workers' Compensation for a Healthcare-Related Injury?
Unfortunately, healthcare workers are injured or made ill on the job at a rate that is higher than the average for all professions (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Through a workers’ comp claim in Pennsylvania, an injured worker can seek a wide range of benefits. Here, our Chambersburg workers’ compensation attorney discusses the benefits that you can receive for a healthcare-related injury.
An Overview of Workers’ Comp Benefits for Healthcare Workers in Pennsylvania
Medical Coverage for All Reasonable and Necessary Treatment
If you are injured while working in healthcare in Pennsylvania, whether in a hospital, inside of a nursing home, in private practice or in any other specific setting, you are entitled to full coverage of your medical expenses through workers’ compensation. The law is clear: All reasonable and necessary treatment is covered by workers’ comp. Examples include:
- Emergency care;
- Follow-up visits;
- Surgery;
- Prescription medication; and
- Physical therapy costs.
Note: You do not have to pay deductibles or co-pays when the care is approved under workers’ comp.
Wage Loss Benefits (If You Are Unable to Work)
An accident or other incident in the workplace could keep you off of the job—potentially for a significant period of time. Indeed, injured healthcare workers may also be eligible for wage replacement benefits. If your injury prevents you from working, either temporarily or permanently, you can receive a portion of your average weekly wage. Typically, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation pays about two-thirds of your pre-injury weekly wage, subject to a state-mandated maximum benefit.
Specific Loss Benefits (Permanent Impairment)
Pennsylvania workers’ compensation also provides specific loss benefits in cases where a worker suffers a permanent injury such as the loss of a limb, the use of a body part, or significant disfigurement—especially to the head, face, or neck. These benefits are paid out in addition to medical and wage loss compensation. For healthcare workers who experience a traumatic injury, specific loss compensation can be an important benefit.
Death Benefits for Surviving Family Members
If a healthcare worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents may be entitled to death benefits under Pennsylvania workers’ comp. These benefits typically cover a portion of the deceased worker’s wages and include funeral expenses up to a certain limit. Surviving spouses, minor children, and other dependents may also receive ongoing financial support.
Key Point: Healthcare workers in Pennsylvania are generally covered by workers’ compensation insurance. The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act mandates that most employers, including those in the healthcare sector, provide this coverage to their employees. You have the right to seek all workers’ comp benefits that are due to you under the law.
Contact Our Pennsylvania Workers’ Comp Lawyer for Health Workers Today
At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Pennsylvania workers’ comp lawyer for health workers is a skilled, experienced advocate for justice. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights or your options, please do not hesitate to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. With offices in Chambersburg and Gettysburg, we serve communities throughout the region.