Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Bethlehem, PA

Workers’ compensation provides coverage for various financial losses arising from a work-related injury or illness. These benefits aim to compensate injured workers for the economic impact they experience due to their inability to work or the additional expenses incurred.

Here are some of the financial losses covered by Pennsylvania’s workers’ compensation law:

Medical Benefits & Expenses:

All reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to the work injury or illness, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and rehabilitation services.

Medical costs of diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, MRIs, and laboratory tests.

Medical supplies and equipment required for treatment or recovery.

Lost Wages Benefits:

If your injury or illness causes you to miss work, you may be eligible for lost wages benefits. The amount of wage loss benefits depends on the severity of your disability and your average weekly wage. There are four types of wage loss benefits:

a. Temporary Total Disability (TTD): If your injury prevents you from working in any capacity, you may receive a portion of your pre-injury wages as TTD benefits until you can return to work.

b. Temporary Partial Disability (TPD): If your injury allows you to work in a reduced capacity or with work restrictions, but your earnings are lower than before, you may receive TPD benefits, which provide a percentage of the wage difference.

c. Permanent Partial Disability (PPD): If your injury results in permanent impairments, but you can still work in some capacity, you may be entitled to PPD benefits, which provide compensation based on the degree of impairment.

d. Specific Loss Benefits: If you suffer the loss or loss of use of a specific body part, such as a limb or an eye, you may be eligible for specific loss benefits, which compensate for the permanent loss.

Permanent Disability Benefits:

Partial Disability Benefits: If your work-related injury or illness results in a permanent partial loss or impairment of a body part or function, you may be entitled to receive benefits based on the specific impairment rating determined by medical evaluation.

Total Disability Benefits: If your work-related injury or illness results in a total and permanent disability that prevents you from engaging in any gainful employment, you may be eligible for lifetime total disability benefits.

Vocational Rehabilitation:

Vocational rehabilitation services, including career counseling, job placement assistance, and retraining programs, may be provided to workers who cannot return to their previous jobs due to on-the-job injuries or illnesses. These services aim to help workers gain new skills and find suitable employment.

Death Benefits:

In the unfortunate event of a work-related fatality, workers’ compensation may provide death benefits to dependents of the deceased worker, including a surviving spouse, children, or other eligible dependents. These benefits typically cover funeral expenses and a portion of the worker’s average weekly wage.

It’s important to note that the specific benefits and coverage may vary based on the nature and severity of the injury or illness. Consulting with a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation lawyer is crucial to ensure you understand your rights, accurately assess your financial losses, and navigate the claims process effectively to maximize the benefits you are entitled to under Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act.