About 2.9 million workers nationwide suffered nonfatal injuries and illnesses at work in 2015, per statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor. If you have been hurt at work, you are likely aware of wage loss benefits that help you continue to pay your bills while you cannot work. You might also know about death benefits available after a fatal workplace accident. But did you know there are other types of work injury benefits available to Pennsylvania workers?
Consider these three types of coverage:
1) Medical Devices and Supplies Coverage
In addition to receiving medical treatment benefits, you will also receive medical devices and supplies benefits to pay for the tools you need to continue your ongoing treatment and return to your previous activities. This includes medicines, medical supplies, necessary orthopedic devices, and even prostheses.
Many people do not know just how expensive it is to pay for a disability. Consider someone who lost a leg in a workplace accident. S/he might need a wheelchair, prosthesis, cane, physical therapy, etc. to be able to walk again. Some of these devices are prohibitively expensive. This coverage ensures you get the devices and supplies you need.
Perhaps most important in this coverage is that — as long as you receive treatment in Pennsylvania — the hospital cannot bill you for the price difference in the actual cost of the devices and supplies provided and in what your employer’s insurance carrier is willing to pay.
2) Scheduled Loss Coverage
Scheduled loss coverage, sometimes known as a specific loss award, offers compensation to those who suffer permanent damage that limits the full function of an extremity. This type of award applies when the limb itself is lost, as well as when you lose only the function of the limb.
In addition to injuries to your hands, feet, arms, and legs, you may also qualify for a specific loss award if you suffer injuries that leave you blind or deaf. Some disfiguring injuries to the head, neck, or face are also included.
3) Vocational Rehabilitation
While not strictly a part of workers’ compensation benefits, employees who suffer injuries in the workplace often qualify for vocational rehabilitation services from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). These services aid in training for, obtaining, and maintaining a new job.
OVR bases all services on the individual’s needs, following an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE). These services may include:
- Counseling
- Therapy and training
- Abilities assessments
- Job placement
- Interpreters and other personal services
Many of OVR’s services are available free of charge to qualifying Pennsylvania residents. Other services require a financial needs test to determine the amount the individual needs to contribute toward his/her rehabilitation.
Call Cordisco & Saile LLC After a Workplace Accident
Serious workplace accidents or illnesses can cost thousands of dollars to treat and leave you out of work for weeks if not months. Some people are never able to return to work after a work injury. If you need help getting compensation for your medical treatment, lost wages, and other losses after a Pennsylvania workplace accident, Cordisco & Saile LLC can help.
Call our Bucks County office today at 215-642-2335 to learn more about our services or to schedule your free initial consultation.
