Harrisburg Workers Comp Benefits Lawyer
The law in Pennsylvania requires every employer to provide workers’ compensation coverage to their employees. Most employers purchase this coverage from an insurance company, although some choose to self-insure their workers against injury. The workers’ compensation system in the state is intended to provide employees with a source of income if they cannot work due to a workplace injury, and to pay medical bills associated with the injury. Still, many people do not realize that there are multiple types of benefits available. Below, our Harrisburg workers comp benefits lawyer explains what these are.
Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD)
If you are unable to return to work after an injury, you may be able to receive temporary total disability benefits (TTD). The insurance company representing your employer may require you to submit to an Impairment Rating Evaluation (IRE) if your injury prevents you from working for 104 weeks. Once the examination is complete, the insurer will classify you as partially disabled if your total body impairment is less than 50 percent.
Partial Disability Benefits
If you have been classified as partially disabled after an IRE, or the doctor for the insurance company determines that you can perform light duty work, you can receive partial disability benefits. Partial disability refers to the fact that while you have not made a full recovery, you can perform some type of work. If your new position does not pay as much as your position before the workplace accident, you have a right to receive two-thirds of the difference.
Specific Loss Benefits
If your workplace accident resulted in the loss of hearing or vision, loss of a body part, or you sustained a serious or permanent disfigurement to your face, head, or neck, you have the right to specific loss benefits. These benefits are equivalent to your TTD benefit for a certain amount of time.
Medical Expenses
Workers’ compensation coverage will cover all of your medical expenses, as well as any necessary modifications to your home or vehicle. There are no time restrictions on medical benefits.
Travel Expenses
If your medical treatment takes you out of Harrisburg or your location of residence, you have the right to have your travel expenses reimbursed. If you are unable to travel to a location on your own, you also have the right to be provided with transportation to and from the Independent Medical Examination.
Death Benefits
If you do not survive the workplace accident, your surviving loved ones are eligible for death benefits. Death benefits must be paid within 300 weeks of the injury and they include $3,000 in funeral cost reimbursement.
Our Workers Comp Benefits Lawyer in Harrisburg Can Help with Your Case
While you have a right to full and fair benefits after a workplace injury, they are not always easy to obtain. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., our Harrisburg workers comp benefits lawyer can help you navigate the process so you obtain the full and fair benefits that are rightfully yours. Call us now at 717-238-1657 or contact us online for a free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options.
