Workers Impacted by Scarring and Disfigurement

Workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania includes benefits for scarring and disfigurement. If you were scarred or disfigured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to medical, lost wages and specific loss benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (the Act).

The compassionate work injury lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. understand how difficult it is for employees who sustain these types of catastrophic work injuries. We will explain all your legal options and fight to obtain the full amount of benefits to which you are entitled.

Workers’ Compensation Scarring and Disfigurement Benefits

To be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, the scarring or disfigurement must have been to the neck or head; scarring and disfigurement of other parts of the body is not compensable under the Act. You may receive compensation for both the scars directly caused by the accident and the scars left by any reparative surgeries.

According to the Act, the scarring or disfigurement must also be permanent and unsightly. Permanent scars are those that do not fade after at least six months. When determining whether a scar or disfigurement is unsightly, judges will take into consideration the size, shape, and location of the scar, as well as the age of the worker who suffered the injury.

You may also be able to recover for psychological and emotional injuries you developed due to your scarring or disfigurement. This type of claim is called a physical-mental disability claim. Workers who suffer severe injuries such as scarring or disfigurement may also qualify for a lump sum payment specific loss benefits.

Causes of Workplace Scarring and Disfigurement

Depending on the workers’ environment and job duties, there are many ways in which they can suffer a disfiguring injury at work. Some common causes of these types of accidents are:

• Car accidents
• Chemical burns
• Electrical burns
• Explosions
• Factory accidents
• Falling objects
• Falls from heights
• Power tools

Requirements to Obtain Benefits for Scarring and Disfigurement

As with any workplace injury, you are required to report your injury to your employer within 120 days. You must be able to show that the injury occurred as a result of the accident and that it is permanent. The statute of limitations is generally three years from the date of the injury.

If the injury leaves you permanently disabled, you may be eligible for permanent total disability benefits. The amount of this type of benefit is typically two-thirds of your pre-injury average weekly wage and you may receive wage loss and medical expenses related to your injury for life.

However, if you are simultaneously receiving Social Security disability benefits, your permanent total disability benefits may be decreased, as you may not receive more than 80 percent of your average pre-injury earnings in state and federal benefits.

Compensation Limits

Workers may receive up to 275 weeks of compensation, depending on the severity of the scarring or disfigurement. The more unsightly the scarring or disfigurement, the higher the amount will generally be. The amount you will receive is based on your pre-injury average weekly wage up to a pre-determined cap.

Philadelphia Workers’ Compensation Lawyers at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. Advocate for Workers Who Suffered Scarring and Disfigurement Injuries

If you suffered a work-related scarring or disfigurement injury, contact a knowledgeable Philadelphia workers’ compensation lawyer at Larry Pitt & Associates, P.C. for a free consultation. We represent clients in Berks County, Bucks County, Chester County, Delaware County, Montgomery County, Philadelphia County and throughout Pennsylvania. For a free consultation, call us at 888-PITT-LAW or complete our online contact form.

Our legal team provides skilled representation to those residing in and around Abington, Ambler, Ardmore, Bala Cynwyd, Bensalem, Clifton Heights, Crum Lynne, Darby, Downingtown, Doylestown, Drexel Hill, Essington, Folcroft, Glenolden, Haverford, Havertown, Holmes, Kutztown, Lansdowne, Media, Merion Station, Morton, Narberth, Norristown, Norwood, Philadelphia, Prospect Park, Quakertown, Reading, Roxborough, Sharon Hill, Upper Darby, West Chester and Wynnewood.