What Benefits Are Available Through Workers’ Compensation?
Dec. 15, 2023
Suffering an injury on the job can create uncertainty in a variety of ways. Not only are you dealing with the physical pain and the challenges that come along with it, but you are also finding yourself in a stressful position regarding your medical costs, paying your living expenses, and making sure your family is still taken care of.
In the case of many workplace injuries, workers’ compensation can be a valid option, but seeking and obtaining benefits can be a complicated and confusing process. To best understand what types of benefits are available through workers’ compensation, who is eligible, and how to apply, working with experienced workers’ compensation attorneys is essential.
At H. Rosen Law, P.C., we are proud to provide guidance and representation to individuals and families seeking benefits in the aftermath of workplace injuries. If you are in Southeastern Pennsylvania, including Harrisburg, Scranton, or the greater Philadephia area, contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss your situation.
Workers’ Compensation Benefits in Pennsylvania
With specific types of workers’ compensation benefits varying in different states, it is vital to understand what benefits are available in Pennsylvania. As attorneys with a long track record of guiding clients through workers’ compensation claims, we are here to provide you with a breakdown of what you can expect.
What Is Covered?
Under Pennsylvania law, workers’ compensation benefits are available to cover the following costs:
Medical Treatment: Reasonable surgical costs and related treatment, as well as ongoing medications and/or therapies related to workplace injury.
Lost Wages: Your injury has resulted in you being unable to work, either temporarily or permanently, preventing you from earning your usual income.
Specific Loss: Compensation related to the loss of sight or hearing, disfigurement of the face, or partial or total loss of the use of a body part or extremity.
Death Benefits: If the workplace injury resulted in the death of the victim, the surviving dependents may be eligible for compensation.
The types of benefits you are entitled to receive will vary depending upon the specifics of your injury and the types of medical treatment that are required.
Are You Eligible?
Employers in Pennsylvania have a requirement by law to provide workers’ compensation coverage to all of their employees, with very few exceptions. Even employers with a single employee are required to provide such coverage.
In specific cases, individuals working as independent contractors, volunteer workers, and workers who are employed in certain types of fields that are covered by other compensation laws (longshoremen, railroad employees, etc.) will need to seek workers’ compensation through other, specific means.
Applying for Benefits
Specifics can differ from one case to another, but the general steps in the application process are as follows:
Report the Injury/Illness: Reporting your injury as quickly as possible is crucial. Informing your employer immediately is the best course of action, but by law, you are allowed to report the injury or illness up to 120 days after the incident.
Seek Medical Attention: Get the necessary treatment for your injury. In Pennsylvania, employers are allowed to select the healthcare provider. If your employer does not provide you with a list of preferred healthcare professionals for your treatment, you will choose your own.
File Necessary Paperwork: You must complete and submit your Claim Petition with the Pennsylvania Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.
Notify Your Employer of Your Claim: A copy of your claim must be sent to your employer and their workers’ compensation insurance provider.
Investigation: Your employer’s insurance provider will investigate your claim and your injury to determine if your claim will be accepted or denied.
Hearings: If your claim is disputed or denied by your employer, you will need to present your case before a workers’ compensation judge to receive a decision on benefits.
If your claim is approved, you will be eligible to begin receiving your benefits. As you can see, the process can be complex. Having knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys on your side can be a valuable asset as you navigate the claims process.
Determining Factors in Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits
The following factors will determine whether or not you can receive benefits:
Employment Status: You must be an employee of a company that is covered by the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act. Your classification as full-time, part-time, seasonal, or temporary can affect the calculation of benefits.
Work-Related Cause: Your injury or illness must have occurred during the course of your normal work duties and must be determined to have been caused by your performing of these duties.
Reporting Requirements: As stated above, you must report the injury or illness within 120 days of the incident that caused it.
Medical Evidence: You must be able to provide documentation from a healthcare provider proving your claim of injury or illness.
If you have any other questions regarding these factors and your eligibility for benefits, speaking with workers’ compensation attorneys can help.
When to Get Help From an Attorney
Anytime you are involved in a legal matter, seeking help from attorneys is a wise choice. Your employer and their insurance provider have legal representation on their side of the situation, meaning you will be at a disadvantage if you attempt to find your way through the process on your own.
As soon as you are injured at work, you need to contact an attorney to start putting together a strategy to put you in a position to seek the workers’ compensation benefits you need.
Turn to H. Rosen Law, P.C. for Trusted Legal Counsel
If you have been injured or fallen ill due to your responsibilities at work, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation to help cover your costs and lost wages. If you are in the greater Philadelphia, Pennsylvania area, including the areas of Harrisburg or Scranton, reach out to us at H. Rosen Law, P.C. today to discuss your case and learn more about your available options.