In the event that an individual suffers a work-related illness or injury on the job, the Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act (Act) ensures that they are compensated for medical expenses and wage-loss compensation benefits until the individual is able to return to work. Additionally, dependent survivors receive death benefits in the event of a work-related death.

Benefits are disbursed by various entities, including self-insured employers, the State Workers' Insurance Fund (a state-operated workers' compensation insurance provider), or private insurance companies (including third-party administrators). Many workers are not sure what benefits are available, if they can see their own doctor in PA after a work related accident, or what to do if their workers' comp claim is denied.

An experienced PA workers' comp attorney at Brandon J. Broderick can assist you with your claim and answer any questions that you might have following a workplace accident in Pennsylvania.

How Does PA Workers’ Compensation Work? Am I covered?

The Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Act protects almost all employees in Pennsylvania. It is a legal requirement for employers to provide workers' compensation coverage to their employees, including part-time and seasonal workers. Nonprofit corporations, unincorporated businesses, and employers with only one employee must comply with the Act's requirements.

Different compensation laws apply to certain employees, including federal civilian employees, railroad workers, longshoremen, shipyard workers, and harbor workers. Volunteer workers, agricultural laborers, casual employees, domestic workers, and employees who have been granted a personal religious exemption from the Act are among those who may not be covered. Specific types of corporate executives may elect an exemption from the Act. It is very important to consult with an experienced PA workers’ comp attorney if you have been injured and are unsure if you are covered.

What are the Available Workers’ Comp Benefits in Pennsylvania?

When a permanent disability has been determined, workers who are hurt in Pennsylvania may be eligible for benefits covering reasonable and necessary medical expenses, lost wages during rehabilitation, and disability benefits. Death benefits may also be available to surviving family members in the event of a workplace accident that claims the life of a family member.

Possible benefits for injured workers include:

• Payments for Lost Wages: If it is determined that you are completely disabled and unable to work, or partially disabled and earning compensation below your pre-injury earnings, wage-loss benefits may be available to you.
  
  A typical weekly wage replacement amount is two-thirds of your average weekly wage, in the event that an injury impairs your ability to work. However, there is a limit on this amount.
  
  
• Death Benefits: Benefits may be available to surviving dependents in the event of death due to the injury. Weekly death benefits may be awarded to eligible survivors based on a percentage of the deceased employee's salary. The weekly maximum limit on death benefits in Pennsylvania is determined by the state’s average salary. Additionally, workers' compensation may pay for the funeral expenses of a deceased family member.
  
  
• Specific Loss Benefits: You may be eligible for a specific loss award if you have suffered a permanent impairment of vision, hearing, or the ability to use all or a portion of your thumb, finger, hand, arm, limb, foot, toe, or face, or if you have a serious and permanent disfigurement of your neck, head, or face.
  
  
• Medical Care Expenses: If you are covered under the Act, you are entitled to compensation for reasonable surgical and medical services performed by a physician or other health care provider in the event of a work-related illness or injury. This includes orthopedic appliances and supplies, services rendered by physicians and other health care providers (including chiropractors), surgical and medical services, hospital treatment services and supplies, and prescription medications and supplies.
  
  

If you have questions about benefits or would like to speak with a skilled PA workers’ compensation attorney today, feel free to contact us at any time. We would love to help you move forward.

Should I Accept an Offer for a Lump Sum Settlement?

Lump sum settlements are more beneficial to insurance companies than they are to individuals. Despite the temptation to receive a large amount of money, it is important to assess your prognosis and expenses before making a final choice. It is not possible to reopen a settled claim even if circumstances change.

A person's medical prognosis may not be known for some time if they have had a serious accident or have a chronic illness. You might not have a clear picture of your total medical costs if this happens to you. If you accept the settlement offer, you will be unable to request compensation or reimbursement for unexpected expenses, even if your diagnosis changes.

A workers' compensation settlement could affect your eligibility for government benefits like Medicare and Social Security Disability. You should consult a Pennsylvania workers' compensation lawyer before signing any settlement paperwork. They can also help you determine how much your claim is worth and what the average worker's compensation settlement is.

Brandon J. Broderick is Ready and Available to Assist You With Your PA Workers' Comp Claim.

Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, places a primary emphasis on the restoration of your health and well-being prior to commencing the legal process for recovering your financial losses.

Please do not hesitate to contact us in the event that you have sustained an injury while doing your job-related duties. Our law firm is dedicated to providing support to individuals in Pennsylvania who are seeking assistance with their workers' compensation and personal injury claims. Our attorneys possess a wealth of knowledge spanning several decades as well as a wide array of resources, which are essential in ensuring a favorable resolution for your claim.

The attorneys at Brandon J. Broderick place a great deal of importance on providing quality service to clients and ensuring that their needs are met. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us promptly to schedule a complimentary consultation.