What Does Workers’ Compensation Include?
In Pennsylvania, virtually all employers are required to provide no-fault workers’ comp coverage to virtually all of their employees. This raises an important question: What does workers’ compensation include? The short answer is that you may be eligible for medical coverage, wage replacement, and other benefits. Here, our Chambersburg workers’ comp lawyer provides a guide to the benefits that workers’ comp includes in Pennsylvania.
Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are the foundation of any workers’ compensation claim in Pennsylvania. Under Commonwealth law, all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to a workplace injury or occupational illness are covered in full. Your emergency treatment is included, your doctor visits are included, your hospital care is included, and so are prescription medications, physical therapy, and any other medically necessary care. There are no deductibles or copays for covered treatment.
Know the Timeline: Under 77 P.S. § 531, the employer (or its insurer) must pay for medical treatment for as long as it is required to address the injury. Workers must initially be treated by a provider from the employer’s designated list for the first 90 days. After that time, they can select their own physician.
Wage-Loss (Disability) Benefits
If your injury prevents you from working or reduces your earning ability, you are entitled to wage-loss benefits. These payments are generally two-thirds of your average weekly wage (AWW), subject to minimum and maximum limits set annually by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry. There are two primary forms of wage loss compensation for workers’ comp in Pennsylvania:
- Temporary Total Disability (TTD): TTD benefits are for workers who are completely unable to return to work.
- Partial Disability (PD): PD benefits are for workers who are able to return in a limited capacity, which leads to overall reduced pay.
Specific Loss Benefits
Pennsylvania law also recognizes Specific Loss Benefits for the permanent loss (or loss of use) of a body part or sense, such as a hand, foot, eye, hearing, or fingers. Under 77 P.S. § 513, compensation is based on a schedule assigning a set number of weeks for each type of loss. For example, the loss of a hand equals 335 weeks of benefits. The loss of an eye equals 275 weeks. If you suffered a serious injury on the job, you can and should seek specific loss benefits. Our Chambersburg, PA workers’ comp lawyer can help.
Death and Survivor Benefits
If a worker dies due to a job-related injury or illness, their surviving dependents may claim death benefits under 77 P.S. § 561. Eligible dependents include a surviving spouse, children, and, in limited cases, dependent parents or siblings.
Schedule a Free Case Review With Our Top Chambersburg, PA, Workers’ Comp Lawyer Today
At DiLoreto, Cosentino & Bolinger P.C., our Chambersburg workers’ comp attorney is standing by, ready to protect your rights and your interests. If you have any questions about the benefits that may be available, please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free consultation. With an office in Chambersburg, we represent injured workers throughout Pennsylvania.