If you were hurt on the job, you probably have a lot of questions. You may be wondering how you will cover your bills if you are suddenly unable to work. Below are a few facts about Workers’ Compensation Laws in Pennsylvania.
Can I Collect?
Workers’ Compensation Insurance is a requirement for most employers and you can collect if you are an employee who is suffering from a work-related injury or illness. An employee is someone who performs work or services for a person or company in exchange for monetary compensation or anything else of value.
If you broke the law when your injury was sustained or you inflicted the damage on yourself, you are not eligible to collect.
Various Disability Classifications
- Temporary Total Disability: this assumes your disability is temporary and you will be able to resume your original job
- Permanent Partial Disability: this assumes you are 49% or less disabled and cannot recover from your injury within 90 days and cannot resume the duties of your original job.
- Permanent Total Disability- this assumes you are 50% or more disabled and cannot return to work in any capacity.
- Disfigurement- this applies to anyone who sustained a work-related injury so severe that they sustained a permanent injury such as an amputation.
An attorney can advise you about the various benefits available for each classification.
Protecting Your Claim
If the insurer discontinues your benefits before you have fully recovered or before the allowed time is up, you have the legal right to appeal. A claim can be denied for errors or misinformation on your forms, an injury that occurred outside the workplace, or if you were engaged in illegal activity at the time of the accident. If you believe your claim was improperly denied, an attorney may be able to help get your claim approved.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in the workplace and are seeking benefits, or if your claim has been denied, contact us for a consultation. Our dedicated team is here to guide you through the process and get you the compensation to which you are entitled.
